Noticing My Love for Writing Poetry by Dr. Jennifer Floyd

I cannot imagine not being a writer.

Although writing is important to me, I noticed that I rarely stepped outside of my comfort zone.  Specifically, I focused on professional writing that addressed topics related to literacy instruction and  rarely explored other types of writing.

However, that has all changed in the past few months.  Instead of limiting myself to one particular kind of writing, I’m taking more chances as a writer by exploring different types of writing.

For example, I’m spending more time writing poetry.  Six months ago, I would occasionally write a poem (typically a haiku) for my slice of life posts on Tuesdays, but other than that, poetry was rarely on my radar.  I understood the format of haiku poems, so they weren’t scary to write, but overall, poetry intimidated me.

I think that my discomfort resulted from a lack of understanding about poetry.  I was uncomfortable interpreting, much less writing poetry.  Despite my initial impressions about poetry, it is now a regular part of my writing life.  I enjoy spending time exploring poetry in my writing notebook and I’ve tried many different formats, expanding my repertoire from just haiku.  I’ve tried equation poems, skinny poems, and tanku, just to name a few.

So, what prompted this change? What enabled me to evolve into a writer who embraced poetry?

I read and loved Amy Ludwig VanDerwater’s Poems Are Teachers and that book helped me realize that poetry did not have to be intimidating or inaccessible.

But the game changer for me was connecting with Christie Wyman.  Christie inspired me through her own journey as a teacher-poet and provided the guidance that I needed.

Christie not only shared her poetry and described her process, but she also shared resources, including Padlet pages, that helped me find my way and develop the confidence that I needed to try something new.  Then, as I incorporated poetry into my writing routine, I discovered that it provided unexpected yet delightful opportunities to express myself in ways that I’d never dreamed.

I’m filling pages with poems and I love it!



Jennifer Floyd is a K-5 reading specialist in Rockbridge County, Virginia and an adjunct instructor at the University of Virginia.  She is the President-Elect of the Virginia State Reading Association  She blogs at wahooliteracyteacher.wordpress.com and classroomnextdoor.com and can be found on Twitter @jen4literacy and on Instagram @vsrajennifer.