RAE’S READS

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This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”

POETRY MONTH IMPORTANT DATES

On this first day of April, National Poetry Month, I have some personal goals and plans to celebrate poetry. I began with a trip to a primary school located across from my subdivision where I volunteer in the library and have been helping students write in Mrs. Villarreal’s bilingual first-grade class. We finished our spotlight on writing by writing poetry (for the fun of it, and it was just that!). Today, I had the pleasure of bringing the students copies of Jack Prelutsky’s poetry collection, Tyrannosaurus Was a Beast. Our school Book Fair started today, and I spent a couple of hours helping out. My goal for this evening is to begin reading blogging friend, Jennifer A. Payne’s lovely poems and photo essay, The Evidence of Flossing.

I decided to plan only a day of celebrating at a time, preserving the fun and spontaneity in my month-long efforts. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

On Book Buzz, I found a Literary Calendar which lists these important dates in April 2019, worth celebrating:

April 2 is International Children’s Book Day and is also Hans Christian Anderson’s birthday.

April 4 is School Librarians Day.

April 7-13 is Library Week.

April 11 is National Library Workers Day

April 12 is Beverly Cleary’s birthday.

April 13 is Scrabble Day

April 16 is National Librarians Day. It is also National Bookmobile Day.

April 18 is Celebrate Teen Literature Day.

April 18 is Newspaper Columnists Day.

April 23 is Shakespeare’s birthday.

April 23 is World Book Day.

April 27 is Tell a Story Day.

April 28 is Great Poetry Day.

April 29-May 5 is Children’s Book Week.

April 30 is Children’s Book Day.

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THERE ARE PLANS TO CELEBRATE “POEM IN MY POCKET DAY” THIS YEAR? My classes and I had such fun with that day last year.

My first goal is to read one whole book of poetry.  Last year I read Colin Chappell’s Just Thinking. This year I have chosen another blogging friend, Jen Payne and plan to read her Evidence of Flossing.

I hope to teach at least one session of poetry writing, workshop-style at our local public library.

I would like to sponsor at least one read-aloud/critique session for budding poets at the same venue.

Poetry and Poets are worth celebrating in your classroom, your neighborhood, on a personal level. Give it a thought and share in the reply/comments box your own goals and plans.

 

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2 responses to “POETRY MONTH IMPORTANT DATES”

  1. carhicks Avatar
    carhicks

    Lots happening in April. Very ambitious plans Rae, I wish you luck in these wonderful writing and book related endeavours.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Thanks! At the end of the month I hope to have a summary of the major activities. IF I CAN MAKE TIME!

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