Riverdale 2nd graders debut their work at poetry slam

The Beatnik Bistro poetry slam was really groovy, man! Snaps to the 2nd grade poets for completing their study of acrostic poems, using the devices of rhyme, repetition, alliteration, and onomatopoeia.

As part of Adams 12's Benchmark Writing Unit 10, second graders learned with teachers Debbie Gorin and Ronnie Tong that the structure of acrostic poems uses a word as a topic, in this case their own names, written vertically on the page. They then used each letter of the word as the beginning of a line to tell something about the topic. 

With the second graders donning black berets and candles flickering on the tables in the library, the event's poetic vibe was set. Retiring teacher Mrs. Gorin welcomed families to the May 29 event with a brief overview of the scholars' efforts and a reading from Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices with one of her scholars. From there, the students took turns reading aloud with their table groups, families, and staff and giving snaps and constructive feedback to each other.

Finally, to celebrate their risk-taking, Mr.Tong served up cookies, biscuits and juice to the young poets. 

Learn more about how to write acrostic poems at poetry4kids.com.