NAMED A 2018 FAVORITE BOOK, First Things Magazine What do teachers feel when facing William Shakespeare, tales of family feud, breathless kissing scenes—all in front of a class of teens who are keeping their heads down (and threatening to fall asleep or plot their next prank in the process)? We may never know what our […]
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A Ritual to Read to Each Other: Reading to Aragog
Join author Megan Willome in the new column, A Ritual to Read to Each Other, and consider what you might read to a giant dangerous and dying spider?
How to Write a College Application Essay: Expert Advice to Help You Get Into the College of Your Dreams
For over 14 years, Tania Runyan has guided thousands of students in understanding, exploring, and crafting the college application essay—with winning results. This guide explains what the college application essay is all about: why a student has to write it, the nature of this special writing project, when and how a student should start, and […]
Top 10 Holiday Books for Children and Children at Heart
Author Megan Willome shares her Top 10 list of holiday books for children. Adults with childlike hearts will love them too.
Friendship Project: Somebody I Used To Know
When writer’s block threatens to derail, one writer finds a way forward in music, baking, friendship and the practice of “living it a while.”
Poets and Poems: Juliette van der Molen and “Anatomy of a Dress”
“Anatomy of a Dress” by poet Juliette Van Dermolen is a short collection of poems that are strong enough not to need the author’s explanation.
Children’s Book Club: “Dream Snow”
Since you can’t be the Santa, be a Santa. Join Megan Willome as she reads Eric Carle’s ‘Dream Snow’ for December’s Children’s Book Club.
Writing Prompt: December
December can be a dark, lonely month. Join author Callie Feyen as she finds beauty in the last month of the year and prompts us to write along.
“Chaucer: A European Life” by Marion Turner
“Chaucer: A European Life” by Marion Turner is a significant work of scholarship on the context of the life of Geoffrey Chaucer.
By Heart: “Come, Night” + New Thomas Hardy Challenge
Join author Megan Willome as she learns William Shakespeare’s ‘Come, Night’ from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ By Heart while savoring this season of extra night.
What You Made Possible in 2021!
What you do for poetry and literacy—and what poetry and literacy do for you. It’s a partnership at Tweetspeak. And it means more kindness, generosity, and beautiful living.
Poetry Prompt: Thanksgiving Poems
Join author Callie Feyen as she recalls Thanksgiving beauty that spilled over into her wedding. And write your own Thanksgiving poem.
Adjustments Book Club: We Note Our Place With Book Markers
How does friendship play a role in identifying, and going on to meet, our needs? Explore the relationship between new friends Will and Joe in Rick Maxson’s first Adjustments Book Club installment.
Friendship Project: The Best of Friends
Our truest friends bring something out of us that we might not have the strength or courage to see if it weren’t for them. Callie Feyen reflects on true and best friends.
Children’s Book Club: “Dotty”
How many imaginary friends can you count in the classroom? Find out in author Megan Willome’s new book club selection, ‘Dotty’ by Erica S. Perl.
Ask Pearl: Up on the Rooftop, a Problem with Groceries, Shameless Flattery
In this week’s Ask Pearl column, Pearl wrangles questions … about on sitting on the roof to see the stars, hanging out with other people’s boyfriends, and the best way to grocery shop.
Reader Come Home: “Adjustments”
Come learn the secrets of being a deep reader as we read ‘Adjustments,’ a very funny book about a man not unlike Keats. And share your October pages in our Reader, Come Home roundup.
Poetry Prompt: Mysterious Observation turned into Poetry
What mysteries do you notice throughout your day? Join author Callie Feyen as she attempts to help a young writer turn those mysteries into a prompt for poetry.
By Heart: “South of the Cap Rock” + New Shakespeare Challenge
Join author Megan Willome as she learns Carlos Ashley’s’ “South of the Cap Rock” By Heart. And Mrs. George Reece speaks from the grave in praise of poetry memorization, for truth and beauty’s sake.
Watch Out: Poetry Can Hijack the Heart
Poetry, poetry. Oh, great poetry. This is the mantra of many who love the form, but it’s sometimes good to remind ourselves that, in and of itself, there is no purity to poetry. The bad actor can use it, as well as the good.