Poet turns life's sounds into words
Inside a bustling Starbucks, the movement and voices of people shuffle together to create an atmosphere that inspires the imagination of The Woodlands poet Carolyn Praytor Boyd .
While some might consider it noise, Boyd picks through the sounds, conversations and life like a chef at a market, and collects them in a basket of thoughts that is her journal.
Boyd is now sharing with the world The DNA of Sand , a collection of image-driven poems inspired by nearly 20 years of life captured in her journals.
"I like the sound of people living their daily lives," said Boyd as she sat with her mocha light frappuccino and journal placed neatly in front of her. "I don't like the iconic empty park as a place to write because you're so isolated from life. I want the hustle and bustle of everyday life around me."
Boyd has been a teacher for more than 35 years, teaching English in Kuwait, Turkey, Peru, Taiwan, and in Texas.
For the past 11 years she has taught literature at The John Cooper School in The Woodlands.
In teaching her students, Boyd always instructs them to write with a "reporter's eye," by capturing as many details to help tell a story. It is also the foundation for how she writes her poems, which she calls "journalistic poetry."
"We talk a lot about word pictures — having a poem that paints a picture in words. You're using all of your senses to describe what's going on," she said. "I have a poem that describes how everything in your past contributed to where you are now, and I do so using the scene of a garden."
Each year, Boyd gives her students an assignment used to sharpen their observation skills. She tells them to listen to conversations that do not concern them, look at people not like them and to look at things that concern all.
Boyd admits her love of eavesdropping on conversations and how it is one of the best ways to conjure up thoughts.
"I don't write about what people are saying in their conversations," Boyd laughed. "But their conversation can put me in a different mood or feeling, and I can tap in to that."
While many of the ideas for her poetry come from subtle interactions with everyday life, the poems themselves are mostly based on the experiences Boyd had while growing up in Texas. Her writing is also shaped by her story telling experience from her years as a librarian.
The process of publishing the book has given her students a chance to learn more about Boyd and the writing process. She said they are often curious and surprised to learn that sometimes her poems are not well received.
Picture For The 5 Senses - News
"We talk a lot about word pictures — having a poem that paints a picture in words. You're using all of your senses to describe what's going on," she said. "I have a poem that describes how everything in your past contributed to where you are now,
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This simply means that they are more sensitive to the 5 body senses. Many do not like bright lights, loud sounds, over crowded areas, and/or strong smells. This can be difficult if the family would like a night out at the movies. Rave Motion Pictures
The 5 senses flashcards
The 5 senses flashcards
by Julia
(South Australia)
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THERE ARE NEW COMMENTS (BELOW) ON THIS K-3 TEACHING DISCUSSION....
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Hi Donna,
I am about to embark on a term theme about the 5 senses in humans (and also looking at the different senses different animals/insects use for survival and protection).
Whenever I begin a new theme I go straight to your Theme Flashcards to download and print off 2 copies of each - one is used on the Word Wall and not laminated; the other is laminated and used each morning for the learning of new vocabulary. They are just right! - Perfect for the job!
However, you don't seem to have any flashcard words and pictures for the 5 senses. Is that something you are planning to add to your already vast resource stock? If not, would you be able to make some up please?
Once again, thank you for your wonderful and generous site. I know it makes life a lot easier for many of us out there in the busy world of teaching.
I look forward to seeing the flashcards for The 5 Senses and using them on the Word Wall and as part of the vocab program with my class.
These are a few words I would like to use as part of vocab development within the unit: sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell, eyes, ears, tongue, mouth, fingers, hand, skin, nose, taste buds, sour, sweet, salty, soft, hard, rough, smooth, prickly, dark, light, smelly, stinky, bright, shiny, loud, quiet, noisy, hot, cold, stale, fresh, tongue map.
Also, I would like to get in touch with Mel, who posted a comment and offered to share with me, her ideas and unit assessment for the 5 Senses. Please would you put us in touch with one another.
Thanks! We did the five senses last term, so some of our vocab list is below. Also, if you need any ideas etc or a unit assessment, I have those too, just let me know...
sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, eyes, ears, hands, tongue, nose, dark, light, small, large, thin, thick, straight, curved, colourful, shiny, loud, noisy, soft, quiet, hot, cold, rough, smooth, soft, hard, bumpy, slippery, dry, wet, sharp, greasy, salty, sweet, sour, juicy, gooey, delicious, creamy, spicy, strong, bitter, flowery, fresh, stale...
Hi Julia
Thanks for your input.
Picture For The 5 Senses - Bookshelf
5 senses, ready-to-go activities, games, literature selections, poetry, and everything you need for a complete theme unit
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