PRELUTSKY'S POETRY WHEEL
"I'm a big believer in serendipity," says Prelutsky. "I start a poem, and I have no idea where it's going to go. Where it takes me is usually far better than what I would have imagined." For a fun way to test out Prelutsky's theory about chance, give his poetry wheel game a spin. The wheel contains 20 words and phrases picked by the poet from his new book, "My Dog May Be a Genius." The selections are melodious ("orangutan," "elegance," "somersault") and intriguing ("I think I'd better run," "squashed bugs"). Such a mix loosens up kids to create poems -- with an added dose of silliness.Play with the poetry wheel online or download a template to make your own.
TO MAKE YOUR OWN:
1. Download and print the template, then cut out the spinner and the wheel. Trace each on card stock, cut those pieces out, and glue the paper and card stock patterns together.
2. When the glue is dry, poke a hole through both pieces where shown and insert a paper fastener. For easier spinning, bend each end of the arrow slightly upward and hold the wheel in your hand when using it.
HOW TO PLAY:
1. Spin the arrow once. The word or phrase that comes up should be the title of your poem.
2. Spin the arrow five more times. With each spin, write down the word or phrase that you landed on.
3. Now, create a poem using all five words and phrases.
4. Finally, read the poem out loud!
5. Make up your own rules for a variety of poems!
