Awakening the Heart is a stirring personal reminder that encouraging children to discover the words and images
of their own lives, as we discover our own, is a crucial devotion. We all need such books as lanterns and guides.
--Naomi Shihab Nye
Heinemann, Inc. Website
February, 2000
Summary
Fans of the best-selling For the Good of the Earth and Sun will applaud this sequel by beloved author Georgia
Heard�an inspiring and practical handbook that celebrates the natural power of poetry to teach the essential tools
of all writing.
Awakening the Heart explores how to cultivate the poet in every elementary and middle school student�through well-drawn
examples, detailed exercises, creative projects, and down-to-earth classroom teachings. Along the way, we learn
how to: create environments that encourage children to express their innate sense of wonder; introduce poetry that
will engage them; and help children make the transition from reading and talking to writing.
Best of all, Awakening the Heart is filled with luminous poems�by children, famous poets, and Heard herself.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Poetry, Like Bread, Is for Everyone
1. Making a Poetry Environment: A Place Where Your Life Really Matters
2. Reading Poetry: Poems Keep Singing to You All Your Life
3. Writing Poetry: Where Does Poetry Hide?
4. Crafting Poetry: Toolboxes
5. Sharpening Our Outer and Inner Visions: Poetry Projects
