APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!

by Catherine Boyce, author, Tea With the Queen

What is National Poetry Month?

Since the first celebration held in April 1996, the Academy of American Poets established National Poetry Month to:

© Highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievements of American poets

© Introduce more Americans to the pleasure of reading poetry

© Bring poets and poetry to the public in immediate and innovative ways

© Make poetry a more important part of the school curriculum

© Encourage increased publication, distribution, and sales of poetry books.

 How can we celebrate this April?

© Invite poets to your tearoom for readings, workshops, or discussions.

© Organize a poetry contest among the students and adults in your community. One prize could be “Tea Time with a Poet” held during the above mentioned Poetry Enrichment Visit.

© Submit your winning poems, an article about National Poetry Month, and your tearoom’s celebration to your local newspapers.

© Publish the original contest poetry on your website.

© Photocopy a different poem for each day in April and hand out as bag stuffers.

© During a children’s tea party, create and send poetry greeting cards to celebrate National Poetry Month.

© Have your customers read a favorite poem during a poetry tea.

© Create a poetry book display in your main lobby.