Take Your Poet to School Week is celebrated on the Monday of the first full week of April. Created by Tweetspeak Poetry, it coincides with National Poetry Month — the perfect way to kick things off. During the week-long holiday, you can take a cut out of your favorite poet to school. Take a printout of your favorite poet, stick it onto a popsicle stick, and voila — your pocket poet is ready to join you at school.
History of Take Your Poet to School Week
Take Your Poet to School Week was created by Tweetspeak Poetry. The project was initially started for grown-ups and took place in July. Tweetspeak Poetry would provide cut and color poets that adults would color in, cut out, stick onto a popsicle stick, and bring to work with them. Over time, the organization received feedback from librarians and school teachers that schools should adopt the idea and that children should bring their favorite poet to school. So, Take Your Poet to School Week was founded in April by Tweetspeak Poetry. It happens to fall during National Poetry Month.
The Academy of Poets launched National Poetry Month in 1996. It drew its inspiration from the success of Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Like Take Your Poet to School Day, National Poetry Month’s goals are to remind us about the integral role poets play in our culture. It is also a reminder that poetry matters. During the month, publishers release poetry titles, poetry books become the focus of librarians and teachers, and bookstores hold poetry readings. National Poetry Month also encourages people to write a poem a day.
As the years have passed, National Poetry Month has grown into the largest literary celebration in the world. Every year, millions of readers, teachers, students, librarians, book shop owners, publishers, and families celebrate poetry’s role in their lives.
Take Your Poet to School Week timeline
Marie Bullock founds the Academy of American Poets in New York City.
The Academy of American Poets turns into a nonprofit organization.
The Academy of American Poets launches National Poetry Month in April.
The first Take Your Poet to School Week takes place in April.
Take Your Poet to School Week FAQs
What are some examples of poetry?
Haikus, free verses, sonnets, and acrostic poems are some popular examples of poetry.
How do you explain poetry to a child?
Tell children that poetry tries to stir a reader’s imagination or emotions by using a specific type of language and writing style.
What are the three types of poetry?
Poetry can be divided into three types: lyric, narrative, and dramatic.
Take Your Poet to School Week Activities
Take your poet to school
Take your favorite poet to school or work. Print a picture of your favorite poet, color it in, stick it to a popsicle stick, and take it to school.
Download the printable coloring book
Download the printable coloring book featuring the classic cut ‘n color collection. You could choose from dozens of poets!
Write a poem
Write a poem and share it on social media using the hashtag #poettoschool. Even bad poetry works today.
5 Surprising Facts About Poetry
Poetry is the oldest form of communication
Poetry is one of the oldest forms of communication and dates back to prehistoric times.
It was an oral tradition
Poetry predates written communication; poems were sung or recited to help people remember their history during ancient times.
The Mahabharata is the longest poem
Mahabharata, an Indian epic poem, has about 1.8 million words.
Poetry means making
The word ‘poetry’ is from the Greek term ‘poiesis,’ which means ‘making.’
The haiku’s a popular form of poetry
The haiku is one of the most popular forms of writing short poems.
Why We Love Take Your Poet to School Week
It inspires creativity
From coloring cut-outs of poets to writing our own poetry, Take Your Poet to School Week inspires us to be creative. Better yet, any creativity is accepted — from stare-worthy to shocking.
It motivates us to research and learn about different poets
Take Your Poet to School Week motivates us to research and learn about different poets and poems. Who even knew Enheduanna was the first poet in the world?
It culminates in Poet in a Cupcake Day
The week-long holiday leads to Poet in a Cupcake Day, where people can make their favorite cupcake flavors in line with their favorite poets. Love Lord Byron? Bake a red cupcake to show your appreciation for him.
Take Your Poet to School Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 4 | Monday |
| 2023 | April 3 | Monday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 7 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 6 | Monday |
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