A Surge of Language: Teaching Poetry Day by Day (Paperback)

~ David Cappella (Author), (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Does anybody think harder about teaching poetry than these guys? . . . In my considered opinion, no one does it better, thinks harder about it, or writes as refreshingly on the topic as Wormser and Cappella. The book you hold in your hands is a marvel and an elixir. All language arts teachers at any level should memorize it.”–Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Boise State University

Product Description

Poetry is part of the 7-12 English curriculum, but many students, and teachers too, are afraid of it. They think of poetry as esoteric, insular, even elitist. Baron Wormser and David Cappella prove otherwise.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann (February 10, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0325006067
• ISBN-13: 978-0325006062
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #436,363 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-Reading for All English Teachers, March 26, 2004

By A Customer

In this highly readable text, Wormser and Cappella pose as "Mr. P.," a veteran English teacher who puts poetry at the center of his teaching. The text itself poses as Mr. P.'s journal and is reminiscent of Thoreau's Walden Pond. Taking us through a single school year, Mr. P. records in an engaging, unprofessorial manner both a philosophy of teaching and a rationale for making poetry an integral and daily part of the English curriculum. In separate entries, he describes his interactions with poems and with students. Woven throughout these entries are poems, teaching strategies, poetry prompts, and tips on guiding students through analysis of poems--their own and others'. Teachers who are already committed to poetry will find much here to re-energize their teaching; teachers who are not fully comfortable with poetry will gain confidence and may well find their teaching of poetry revolutionized.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book for Poets and Nonpoets Both, December 31, 2007

By	J. Grieco (Maine) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a fiction writer, poetry has always seemed somehow mystical to me. This wonderful book makes it as accessible and understandable as my own stories. Bless the authors for so wonderful a resource!