GLXi-Trained Teachers Impress with Poetry

Poetry has the power to inspire and encourage.

For some, it can act as a first step for the writing process: a more friendly and flexible entry point, where thoughts and ideas are expressed freely and creatively.

Global Learning Exchange Initiative (GLXiⓇ) encourages use poetry in the classroom, as a way for students to practice their reading and writing.

We also use poems as examples for our teachers during the process of writing their own children's book during their teacher training.

In honor of World Poetry Day, which was celebrated on March 21, we wanted to share a few poems created by our participating teachers.

Please enjoy these reflections on the power of books and imagination.

"The Book Without Letters" By Marlon Nuñez

My grandfather closes the book and smiles at me.

“This one,” he tells me, “is the best poem of all.”

He opens it again and there are only blank pages,

I remain surprised by his fascinated gaze;

but he turns them very slowly placing his finger on the page

and begins to tell me what he sees.

“On this page there is an ancient forest, very ancient,

the trees and bushes speak to you if you come close.

There is a river that gives time back with its sound.

Here, a kid who was me, some years ago.

And on this last one, a dream I have not yet dreamed.”

My grandfather reads the book of nothing

and finds in it infinite and surprising stories.

I look at the blank pages with my beautiful child eyes

and see nothing but snow.

But he hands me the magic book,

he places the open book between my hands

and whispers softly: “Now you, imagine.”

And then the magic happens, on the white paper,

I begin to see how the birds rise in a flock,

a candy house with pleasant sounds,

a very kind little grandmother with moon glasses.

And at last I understand that my grandfather does not read books:

he reads the world with the eyes of the soul,

and he is teaching me in silence.

“The World of Learning” By Edgar Solis

In my classroom each day

a new adventure begins,

among pencils and notebooks

the magic of reading is born.

Letters form pathways,

numbers want to dance,

and together step by step

we learn to dream.

A drawing, a word,

a story to tell,

each child in the classroom

has a special talent.

Learning is like a journey

full of light and color,

where ideas grow

and love as well.

Poem by Rodia Sisimit

I protest to be your friend

Even though you see me as different

Alone I am mischievous

Because I represent extraordinary sounds

Like the whisper of the wind

Or like the sound of an engine

Can you see my heart?

When I am with others

I awaken your imagination

Just look at my heart

I can tell you about the sky

Perhaps you will want to know about the sea

or places to dream

I want to accompany you in the homework

for words color my heart

Come embrace me with your ideas

It is about giving and receiving

like the water to the flower

You see that my heart beats

You see that my heart beats

with the pause of the signs

Look at my heart with bright eyes

letter, word and sentence!

Once we connect

to the rhythm of time and understanding

You will see my heart!