Teach This Poem, Volume I: The Natural World

Instill a love of poetry in your classroom with the illuminating and inviting lessons from Teach This Poem classroom activities. Co-published with the Academy of American Poets, the leading champion of poets and poetry in the US, this book is an accessible entry-point to teaching poetry and fostering a poetic sensibility in the classroom.

Each lesson follows a consistent format, with a warm-up activity to introduce the chosen poem, pair-shares, whole class synthesis, related resources, oral readings, and extension activities. Curated by the AAP, the poems are chosen with an eye toward fostering compassion and representing diverse experiences. Understanding that poetry is a powerful way of seeing the world, the volumes are organized thematically: Volume I is centered on the natural world and Volume II on equality and justice.

Aligned with current standards and pedagogy, the lessons in this poem will inspire English teachers and their students alike.