Brod: If I were rich and didn’t have to work, visiting schools is what I’d do for fun. I have visited upwards of a thousand schools in all 50 US states and five of the seven continents. You can check out my website at brodbagert.com for reviews. Teachers can also email my booking agent, Ms Ashley Martinez, for more information (i[email protected]) or call 1-800-999-9652.
Jennifer: Do you have any other ways that teachers and students can follow your projects?
Brod: I am on Facebook, and I'm about to do Twitter. My staff has told me I've been slow to move in this direction, and they're right---I'm getting there! I just have to overcome my propensity to float off hypnotically into the places poets go.
Jennifer: What are some parting words you would like to share with literacy lovers?
Brod: Become a poetry lover. It's simple, and it's worth it. A poetry lover is a person who loves at least one poem, so all you have to do to become a poetry lover is to find at least one poem you love. Now remember, when you start searching for that special poem, you might have to go through a whole bunch of poems you don't like, but don't give up. It's out there, and, when you find it, it'll be with you like an old friend for the rest of your life. Then start looking for #2.
Well, readers, now you understand why we chose Brod to highlight in this issue. His work is amazing, and he even penned an original Missouri poem to help you teach about our wonderful state! This poem is linked here in .pdf form to print off for students. The video embedded below shows Brod performing the Missouri poem just for you. His hope is that you will use it to create excitement for learning in your classrooms. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Brod as much as we did! Please take the opportunity to become involved in The Muse Project and integrate content area poetry and performance in your classroom!
Jennifer
10
Watch this video of Brod performing his original
Show Me Missouri poem found on the next page!