Celebrate National Poetry Month

April marks the 20^th anniversary of National Poetry Month. Started in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, the month-long literary celebration honors poetry’s significance in our culture.

This month is a great opportunity for educators to focus on poetry in classroom celebrations and activities. Plenty of free educational resources are available on the National Poetry Month website.

Beyond the academic world, booksellers, bloggers, publishers, poets and literary lovers celebrate all things poetry. Multiple events and festivals take place all month throughout the country. Search for the event nearest you. Read your poem at a local open mic night, or share your poem with the public by writing it in chalk on the sidewalk. April 21 is National Poem in Your Pocket Day. Select a poem you love, write it down and carry it with you then share it with loved ones. Watch your favorite movie about poetry. Popular films featuring the form of literature include Before Night Falls, Dead Poets Society, HOWL and Sylvia. National Poetry Writing Month encourages poetry lovers to write a poem a day in celebration.

Become a member of the Academy of American Poets and join the community devoted to promoting poetry.