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 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!
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.
Watch the one second video that I took of today's cardinal whirligig below.
Whirligig!
Like The Poem Farm on Facebook for more poems, articles, and poemquotes.
Visit Sharing Our Notebooks to peek in all kinds of notebooks.
