Two Voice Poems

Two voice poems are an interesting form.  They are great at showcasing different points of view.  Paul Fleischman first showcased this type of poetry in his book "Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices".  Reading this type of poetry is a great tool for helping students develop fluency.  David L. Harrison wrote the book "Partner Poems for Building Fluency" to help teachers use this strategy with students.

In the American Memories(Library of Congress) lesson section "Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself" there is a poem called "A Graduation Poem for Two", that is a great example of comparing two different points of view.  Lesley Roessing writes eloquently about comparing and contrasting a students life with a person from another culture.  I think this poetry format has lots of applications.

Mary Ann Hoberman has written several books in her series "You Read to Me, I'll Read to You".  They are delightful.  Great two people stories.  The one I think makes a good October selection is titled "You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Scary Tales to Read Together."  I think my favorite story in the book is called "The Witch and the Broomstick.".  In her book she uses color to make it easier to read - purple (reader 1), lavender (reader 2), orange both read together.  I am going to share her first poem in the hopes that you will explore this format further.

Introduction

Do you like to

Quake and quiver?

                         

                              Do you like to

                               Shake and shiver?

Do you like your

Mind all jumpy?

                             Do you like your

                             Skin all bumpy?

                  If you do,

                  Then take a look

                  At the stories

                  In this book!

I'll read here

And you'll read there.

                             Both sides give you

                             Quite a scare.

                 Then, with middle

                 Words before us,

                  Read together

                 In a chorus.

                 Now we know

                 Just what to do:

You'll read to me!

                           I'll read to you!