Teaching about poetry promotes and encourages student creativity, inspiring kids to create their own masterpieces. Learning about major poets and reading their works also helps young people understand the human condition, appreciate the perspectives of others and explore various historical contexts.
To help teach students about major poets throughout history and give them a taste of some well-known works, EducationWorld has curated the following collection of videos introducing four very diverse poets. In addition to a description of each video, we include a suggested grade level and note the video's capacity for student engagement ("cool factor").
Maya Angelou, 1928-2014: African-American author, poet, dancer, actor and singer
Best known for: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (book) and "On the Pulse of Morning" (poem)
1993 Bill Clinton Inauguration
Source: TeacherTube (unknown user)
Grade Level: 6-12
Run Time: 6:21
Description: Maya Angelou reads her poem, "On the Pulse of Morning," at the first inauguration of President Bill Clinton on January 20, 1993.
Cool Factor: Students will find this video interesting, not only because Angelou's 2014 passing sparked renewed interest in her work, but also because she is reading her poem at a memorable historic event.
Edgar Allan Poe, 1809-1949: American author, poet, editor and literary critic
Best known for: The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher
The Raven -- Read by James Earl Jones
Source: YouTube (Beyond the Darkness Publications)
Grade Level: 6-12
Run Time: 8:18
Description: Famous actor James Earl Jones reads Poe's "The Raven," with creepy background sound and artwork.
Cool Factor: Poe's eerie words and style will send chills up students' spines.
Shel Silverstein, 1930-1999: American poet, singer-songwriter, cartoonist, screenwriter and artist
Best known for: The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Falling Up
"Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too" From Where the Sidewalk Ends
Source: YouTube: ShelSilverstein Books
Grade Level: K-3
Run Time: 2:14
Description: Shel Silverstein reads and plays accompaniment to his own poem, "Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too."
Cool Factor: For children K-3, this is an entertaining video with a fun sing-along.
William Shakespeare, 1564-1616: English poet, playwright and actor
Best known for: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth
William Shakespeare Mini Biography
Source: YouTube - BIO
Grade Level: 6-12
Run Time: 4:43
Description: This is a short biography of William Shakespeare, with information of his early life, marriage, children, and works.
Cool Factor: This one's not especially entertaining, but does offer incredibly valuable information on this famous, talented poet and playwright.
Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor
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