“a fire alarm that sounds angry”

For our 2nd sessions, Brennemann 2nd graders sat with me on the rugs in their respective classrooms, as I read the poem “Collecting Words” by Pat Mora, from her book Bookjoy, Wordjoy. The poet writes that “All day, I collect words,/ words that move like wiggle,/ glowing words, candle,/ drifting words, butterfly/ singing words, ding-dong….” We took turns sing our own names, and had fun coming up with additional words that wiggle, glow, and drift; as well as words that are soft (like cotton, clouds), cozy (like hugs, blankets), or short and hard (like rock, wood). We talked about collecting words and using our senses. We read some Sound Poems written by former 2nd graders before there was a fire drill; but while outside we listened for more sounds to add to our brainstorm list.