read and reread, frowned over and fussed at. After filling in history for our children from diverse backgrounds, we summarized main ideas. We discussed the format of the poem, any repeating patterns of line, phrase, word, rhyme. We wondered why the poet chose to use the unusual format in the first place, we outlined the poem, we hit upon Columbus’ purpose when he had first set out to find the new world and the “what if’s” of that voyage. (See Fig- ure 3.) The following day our circles discussed the “adventure” of exploration and its implied meaning of high risk stakes.

FIGURE 3 -

“Suppose Columbus” poem by Charles Suhor

Virginia Educational Leadership

Vol. 7 No. 1

Spring 2010

46