This book offers teachers everything needed to inspire students to write and experience poetry. It is a truly comprehensive guide combining the rich history of poetry with sample poems and simple, ready to use activities. Based on the experiences of two master teachers with a love of poetry, teachers will find everything they need to make poetry a major part of language learning. From reading aloud to increasing word power to assessment techniques, this book answers all questions around poetry in the classroom. A bibliography of the very best children's poetry anthologies and books rounds out this incomparable resource. This remarkable book is jam-packed with original ideas that will inspire children of all ages to learn and grow with all forms of poetry.