🌸 April Blog: Blossoming Through Words – Celebrating Spring & Poetry Month

🙏🏾 April Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we step into this new season, let us be reminded of the beauty of renewal. Just as flowers bloom in spring, may our children bloom in confidence, knowledge, and love. May the words they read and speak uplift them, teaching them the power of their own voices. Bless every family reading this, filling their homes with joy, understanding, and a deeper connection through books. Let poetry be a song of strength, a rhythm of resilience, and a melody of self-love in our hearts. Amen.

Reading, Poetry

&

the Power of Our Words

April is here, and with it comes new beginnings, fresh blooms, and the perfect time to celebrate the power of poetry! Words have the ability to plant seeds of confidence, knowledge, and love in our children’s hearts. This month, let’s dive into the beauty of storytelling, poetry, and self-expression—nurturing our kids just like the flowers of spring.

🌸📖

🌍 Honoring Poets of the African Diaspora

Poetry has always been a tool of empowerment in Black culture. From spoken word to written verse, our ancestors and present-day poets have used words to shape history. Here are some poets to celebrate this month:

📜 Maya Angelou – Phenomenal Woman and Still I Rise remind us of our inner strength. Maya Angelou | Biography, Books, Poems, & Facts | Britannica

📜 Langston Hughes – His Harlem Renaissance poetry captured the soul of Black America.https://youtu.be/fzSKrFffxDI?si=TsKH60ErQRLiQfYm

📜 Gwendolyn Brooks – The first Black Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry, who wrote about everyday Black life. Gwendolyn Brooks | Biography, Poetry, Books, We Real Cool, & Facts | Britannica

📜 Nikki Giovanni – A revolutionary poet who speaks on love, Black pride, and activism. Nikki Giovanni | Biography, Books, Poetry, & Facts | Britannica

📜 Kwame Alexander – A modern poet whose books inspire young readers through rhythm and rhyme.

📚 Books to Celebrate Poetry & Self-Expression

Encourage your child to find their own voice through these books:

🌟 Hip Hop Speaks to Children by Nikki Giovanni – A vibrant mix of poetry and hip-hop.

🌟 Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes – A rhythmic celebration of Black boy joy.

🌟 The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander – A powerful tribute to Black resilience and excellence.

🌟 Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story by Paula Yoo – An inspiring story about breaking barriers.

🌟 I Am Enough by Grace Byers – A beautiful affirmation of self-worth..

https://youtu.be/d_Cuq7sFHYo?si=biBqbZ6Z1nA6ZJRi

Wait!

This is VERY

IMPORTANT!

During National Library Week, April 6- 12 it's crucial to recognize the indispensable role libraries play in our communities—and to confront the significant challenges they currently face. As author Neil Gaiman once stated, "Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one." This highlights the irreplaceable value of libraries and their staff in guiding us through the vast sea of information.

Current Threats to Library Funding

Recently, the Trump administration issued an executive order aimed at minimizing the operations of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal support for libraries and museums across the nation. This directive has led to significant staff reductions and has placed numerous grants and programs in jeopardy. The IMLS, with an annual budget of approximately $160 million, has been instrumental in funding initiatives such as high-speed internet access, telehealth sites for veterans, and various outreach programs, especially in rural areas.

Impact on Local Communities

The potential defunding of the IMLS could have devastating effects on local libraries. For instance, in Texas, libraries stand to lose about $12.5 million in federal support, which is critical for public and school libraries, as well as services for individuals with disabilities. Similarly, Ohio libraries are advocating to preserve the Public Library Fund, facing potential cuts that could severely compromise essential community services.

How You Can Help

Supporting our libraries is more important than ever. Here are some actions you can take:

1. Contact Your Elected Officials: Reach out to local, state, and federal representatives to express your support for library funding and the vital services they provide.

2. Join Friends of the Library Groups: Many libraries have affiliated groups that organize events, fundraisers, and advocacy efforts. Your participation can make a significant difference.

3. Attend Advocacy Events: Participate in Library Advocacy Days and other events that raise awareness about the importance of libraries.

4. Stay Informed and Spread the Word: Keep abreast of policy changes affecting libraries and share this information within your community to mobilize collective action.

By taking these steps, we can work together to ensure that libraries continue to serve as pillars of knowledge, community, and democracy.

🌞 Outdoor Poetry Activities for Families

Let’s bring poetry to life!

Try these interactive ways to connect with words:

🌼 Poetry Picnic – Bring a blanket, snacks, and take turns reading or making up poems.

🌼 Sidewalk Poetry – Use chalk to write inspiring poems on the pavement.

🌼 Story Walk – Write a short poem on index cards and leave them along a nature trail.🌼 Rhyming Relay – Play a game where each person adds a rhyming line to a growing poem.

Free

✏️April Puzzles

screenshot this fun Poetry & Self-Love Crossword Puzzle, filled with words that inspire creativity and Black pride!

🌸 Spring & Renewal Crossword Puzzle

1. A flower's transformation before full bloom. (Blossom)

2. What warms the earth and makes flowers grow? (Sunshine)

3. A process of positive change and development. (Growth)

4. When a plant opens up its petals, it begins to ____. (Bloom)

5. A fresh start or a new beginning. (Rebirth)

6. Something crisp, clean, and newly made. (Fresh)

7. The great outdoors filled with plants and animals. (Nature)

8. This weather event waters the earth in spring. (Rainfall)

9. A tiny plant breaking through the soil. (Sprout)

10. Full of bright colors and energy. (Vibrant)

    
    

    ✍🏾 Poetry & Expression

    

    
    

    

    
    

11. Words that sound alike at the end of a line. (Rhyme)

12. The beat or flow of words in a poem. (Rhythm)

13. A single line or group of lines in a poem. (Verse)

14. A type of performance poetry often spoken with passion. (Spoken Word)

15. A poetic comparison that doesn’t use “like” or “as.” (Metaphor)

16. A group of lines forming a section of a poem. (Stanza)

17. A short Japanese poem with three lines. (Haiku)

18. Words arranged to music or poetry. (Lyric)

19. A way to communicate feelings and ideas. (Expression)

20. The smooth delivery of words in poetry or rap. (Flow)

    
    

🌍 The African Diaspora & Culture Wordsearch puzzle

21. An African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” (Ubuntu)

22. A symbol meaning “go back and get it,” reminding us to learn from the past. (Sankofa)

23. A West African storyteller who passes down history through words. (Griot)

24. A Swahili word that means “Unity.” (Umoja)

25. A Swahili word that means “Purpose.” (Nia)

26. A traditional African fabric with bold patterns. (Kente)

27. The steady rhythm that brings people together in music. (Drumbeat)

28. What we leave behind for future generations. (Legacy)

29. A right that was fought for and won. (Freedom)

30. A word that describes the strength of a people. (Power)

    
    

💛 Fun, Joy & Self-Love wordsearch puzzle

31. A feeling of joy and contentment. (Happiness)

32. What the sun, stars, and confident people do. (Shine)

33. A sound of pure joy that comes from the heart. (Laugh)

34. Moving your body to music. (Dance)

35. A deep affection for yourself and others. (Love)

36. A big idea that starts in your imagination. (Dream)

37. A word that means fearless and courageous. (Bold)

38. A word that describes every child of the African diaspora. (Beautiful)

39. Something special, powerful, and full of wonder. (Magic)

40. A word that means to motivate and uplift others. (Inspire)

💛 April Affirmation

"My voice is powerful. My words matter. I speak love, light, and truth into the world."

Let’s celebrate the voices of the past, the stories of the present, and the voices we are nurturing for the future.

Happy Poetry Month, family! 📖✨

🌟 Featured Merch for April: Poetry, Self-Love & Spring Renewal 🌟

1. Exclusive Gratitude Journal – A beautifully designed journal to inspire reflection, poetry, and daily gratitude. Perfect for National Poetry Month! https://youngscholar.etsy.com/listing/1899624743/read-you-365-young-scholar-natural-tote

   

   
   

2. "I Am Poetry" T-Shirt/ Sweater and Tote bag – A bold and beautiful design celebrating poetry and self-expression.

   

3. Poetry Prompt guide