#WaterPoemProject FAQ

Thanks for visiting the project FAQ. Please post any questions in the comments. I will be adding to the Q&A throughout the project.

For Educators and Adults

Q: How do I find the prompt of the day?

A: Writing prompts from authors will be posted each evening on Laura Shovan’s blog and on social media with the hashtag #WaterPoemProject. Links to every post in this series will be listed and linked at the bottom of each prompt.

Q: I can’t share this with my students right now. Can I use the writing prompts later?

A: Please consider this a resource and use as you see fit. If you’d like to save it for National Poetry Month in April, during an annual poetry unit, or for Poetry Fridays, go for it.

Q: Will adults/the general public be able to comment on children’s poems?

A: My suggestion is that each classroom do this project as a closed group. However, teachers who wanted to share the project and invite adults to comment on kids’ poems could do so through a blog or other platform. If you do make your project viewable by the public, it is important to credit the authors for their writing prompts.

Q: Can I use these writing prompts again in the future?

A: Yes, with one stipulation. Always credit the authors for their writing prompts.

Q: My school is still in session. Can this project be set-up offline?

A: Yes! I recommend dedicating a bulletin board to the #WaterPoemProject. Clear it each morning and encourage students to pin up their new writing over the course of the day. Give students time to read posted writings during the day. They can write their positive comments on sticky notes, sign them, and post them on the poems.

Q: When does the project start?

A: The first prompt will be posted on the evening of Sunday, March 22, 2020. There will be 30 prompts shared by 30 children’s authors and poets and by poetry educators.

 

For Kids and Poets

Q: Do I have to describe water in my poem?

A: Not necessarily. The prompt of the day might make you think of a happy time, remind you of a song or a person. You’re encouraged to use all of your senses, but what you write is poet’s choice.

Q: Can I share my poem outside of my classroom or group?

A: Of course. It’s your poem.

Q: If the writing prompt includes art or a photograph, can I post or share the image my poem was written about?

A: Each author posting a daily prompt, if it includes an image, should note whether or not we have permission to share the image outside of our group. If permission is given and you post the image to a public forum or on social media, be sure to credit the artist/photographer (if known).

Q: If I really like someone else’s poem posted in the group, can I share it?

A: You must ask the author’s permission first and give credit when you post the poem.

Q: What if I miss a day or two?

A: It’s okay! Write as many days as you are able to. You can always come back later and write in response to any prompts you missed.

Q: What if I want to do this project independently? Do I have to share in a group or class?

A: The writing prompts are available to anyone who wants to use them. The only rule is: If you share, publish, or post a prompt, give credit to the author.

Q: Can adults join this project?

A: Yes. You can follow the prompts for your own writing practice or as an adult writing alongside your children or students.

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#WaterPoemProject Series Posts:

Project Introduction
FAQ
Prompt 1: Irene Latham, The Language of Water
Prompt 2: Elizabeth Steinglass, What Would a Raindrop Say?
Prompt 3: Linda Mitchell, Found Haiku
Prompt 4: Shari Green, Fogbow Fibonacci
Prompt 5: Margaret Simon, The Taste of Water
Prompt 6: Heather Meloche, The Shape of a Wave
Prompt 7: Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, A Water Memory
Prompt 8: Laura Shovan, Rainy Day Opposites
Prompt 9: Kathryn Apel, Silly Solage
Prompt 10: Buffy Silverman, A Watery Home
Prompt 11: Kara Laughlin, Frozen Fog
Prompt 12: Debbie Levy, Jump into a Limerick
Prompt 13: Joy McCullough, What Are Water Bears?
Prompt 14: Linda Baie, Frozen Water Skinny
Prompt 15: Chris Baron, The Hidden World of Water
Prompt 16: Michelle Heidenrich Barnes, Water Wordplay
Prompt 17: Susan Tan, The Sound of Water
Prompt 18: Mike Grosso, Waterplay!
Prompt 19: R. L. Toalson, Wishing Well
Prompt 20: Margarita Engle, Ode to the Shore
Prompt 21: Faye McCray, Poem in a Bubble
Prompt 22: Meg Eden, Surprising Connections

Please support the #WaterPoemProject authors by buying their books from your favorite independent bookstore.