Whirligig Cardinal & Writing Friends

Whirligig Near the East Aurora Library

Photo by Amy LV

Click the arrow to hear me read this poem to you.

Students - Yesterday I was pulling into the library to return a few books, and I saw this little cardinal whirligig spinning its wings around so fantastically that I had to stop the car, get out, get close, and really look.  He is in someone's yard, right so close to the fence, and it was a treat to take a moment out of my day to just enjoy watching him spin.  We've been having some very windy days 'round these parts, and I would not be surprised if he just took off one day!

I loved playing with the words in this poem.  To tell you the truth, I don't know if I wrote about a whirligig because I love the whirligig itself or because I love the word.  (I think both!)

Our family actually has two whirligigs in our yard - one cardinal and one yellow flower.  I will take a picture of them to share with you.  I am sure that they were spinning like mad today too.

I first heard the word 'whirligig' in Cynthia Rylant's MISSING MAY.  Where did you first hear it?  Have you ever fallen in looooove with a word?  Whirligig!

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If you would like to learn all about whirligigs, here's a video from The Block O'Wood.

For today's Poetry Friday celebration, I am very happy to welcome back Stacey Buck, a speech-language pathologist (and my friend) from Chicago, this time with her poet-student Curly Sue. Thank you, Stacey and Curly Sue!  I was so happy to share this poetic and fun back and forth with you.

Stacey:
To make writing more fun, we decided to create a writing club.  Even though it was only the two of us, snacks, some music, or a mini-field trip outside made it more enjoyable.  Once we picked a topic (in this case, poetry about nature), I wrote as well in order to model some writing strategies.  I like story poems in particular because they allow for work on story grammar and sequencing in addition to poetic devices. Poetry is also a great way to work on writing since The Poem Farm is so accessible for teachers and students alike. Thank you, Amy.

I received this note from Curly Sue, via Stacey:

I read the story poem that was written by you about a snowman.  Then I thought of my own story poem about a flower.  Next we read the caveboy poem so I would have an idea of how to lay out my poem.  I did 3 drafts and 1 real version, which I am sending to you. I made a picture to go with the poem so you would get an idea of what the flower looks like. If you write back, I would appreciate it.

Draft 1

by Curly Sue

Draft 2

by Curly Sue

Draft 3

by Curly Sue

Real Version - Final Poem

by Curly Sue

Poem Artwork 

by Curly Sue

My Note to Curly Sue

Curly Sue's Process Note to Me

It is a joy to read about a writer's process, regardless of age or topic.  I find myself inspired by Curly Sue's dedication and her willingness to share it too.  Thank you to these Chicago friends for joining us today.

Jama is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup over at Jama's Alphabet Soup.  You will not want to miss her (and her teddy bear's) recommendation of a very soulful and wonderful book.

Watch the one second video that I took of today's cardinal whirligig below.

Whirligig!

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