How to Make Poetry Booklets

Poetry covers a wide range of topics.

Poetry has been used for centuries to express thoughts, feelings and perceptions. The U.S. Library of Congress recognizes the importance of poetry and appoints a Poet Laureate annually to help raise poetry's profile in the American public. Poetry booklets are comprised of poems that resonate with the author or reader, enabling cultural and personal enrichment in those that read the booklets. Schoolchildren and adults can all benefit from having favorite meaningful poems readily available, and the personalization of a handmade booklet can add a meaningful touch.

Things You'll Need

• Computer and printer or pen
• Printer paper
• Card stock or construction paper
• Hole punch
• Yarn, ribbon or string

Instructions

1. Select a theme for your poetry booklet. Write at least four poems related to the theme, or use another author's poems with permission from the poet.

2. Select a size for your book such as 8 ½ x 11 inches or 5 x 7 inches. Print or write each poem onto paper of that size. Add 1 inch to the left margin to accommodate binding for the poetry booklet. Include the title of each poem at the top of the page.

3. Create a cover for your poetry booklet out of construction paper or card stock. Print or write the title of the booklet and the author's name on the cover.

4. Assemble the pages of poetry in the order you prefer. If the poems are chronological, order them appropriately. Place the cover on top of the pages. Use a hole punch to create two or three holes into the left margin of the pages.

5. Bind the booklet with yarn, ribbon or string. Use material appropriate to the content of the poetry book. Choose green binding material for poems about environmentalism issues, for example.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to add a visual element, draw or print a piece of art at the bottom of each poem. Use original art or another artist's work with permission.

• Construction paper covers can be more easily bent and damaged than card stock covers. The firmer the material you use, the longer the cover of the poetry booklet is likely to last.

References

• Read Write Think: Poetry Book Checklist
• Women's Health Weekly: Teenager's Poetry Book Helps Children Cope With Mother's Breast Cancer
• Read Write Think: Poetry Book Rubric
• Library of Congress: About the Position of Poet Laureate

Resources

• PBS Teachers: Teaching Poetry Grades 8-12