Older students may balk when they see poetry collections that look like picture books. (I taught 7th and 8th grade for many years and this always came up as an issue). I explained that I collected picture books, had since I was their age mainly for the high quality of the art. Still, it is an issue worth addressing. Most students would  never admit it, but they enjoyed the art as well!

Banquet:

Borrow poetry books from the public library to supplement the school selection. If you call your local librarian they'll often pack a whole box up for you and have it waiting!  Love that Librarian (bring your children's librarian cookies for this task and you'll likely enjoy her help for years :0)  Or, you can just print out the list here from my printer-friendly version and go on an expedition.

Fill your room to the brim with poetry choices! Browse through the library after you pick up your box and add more. Most libraries allow teachers to take out more than their limit if it is for classroom use. Borrow from friends (I always put a special colored construction paper jacket around books from other teachers or friends, use one color for each friend).

Give each student a small stack of post-it notes and an index card. On the index card they should write down titles they want to explore more later. Post-its can mark exceptional poems they unearth.

Put a book on every student's desk.

Set an egg timer for three to five minutes and tell the kids to explore the book on their desk. NO trading! Have them put a post-it on a poem they like and sign their name. When the bell goes off, kids pass their book to the right. Do this for at least six turns (the kids probably won't want to stop there!)

Discussion Questions:

Let the students share their responses to the book. Which book did they want to explore more? Were their any titles that surprised you? How? Which book had the best art? Why? What was the best line you read so far? Did all the poems rhyme?