A third-grade teacher in Lauderdale County, Alabama, creates a unique poem, “4th and 31,” following the intense Iron Bowl game between Alabama and Auburn.
The aftermath of the 88th Iron Bowl game between Alabama and Auburn is still being felt by many fans, each with their own reasons for recovering from the intense rivalry. However, one teacher in Lauderdale County, Alabama, found inspiration in the chaos on the field and transformed it into a captivating literary work. Mollie Hetrick, a third-grade teacher at Underwood Elementary, crafted a poem titled “4th and 31,” drawing from the emotions and excitement of the Crimson Tide’s victory over the Tigers. What began as a personal expression soon became an engaging educational tool for her students, incorporating various language arts lessons into the reading of the poem.
The Power of Poetry in the Classroom
Hetrick’s decision to bring her poem, “4th and 31,” into her classroom was driven by her desire to teach her students more than just the mechanics of language arts. By using her poem as a teaching tool, she aimed to introduce her students to the beauty and power of poetry while covering topics such as fluency, inferences, and stanzas. Through this creative approach, Hetrick hoped to inspire her students to explore their own artistic abilities and express themselves through writing.
Engaging Students in the Lesson
Hetrick’s students eagerly followed along with her as she read and dissected different stanzas of the poem. The classroom became a space for exploration and discussion, as the students delved into the meaning behind each line and the emotions conveyed through the words. By actively participating in the analysis of “4th and 31,” the students not only gained a deeper understanding of poetry but also developed critical thinking and interpretation skills.
One of Hetrick’s students shared their enthusiasm, stating, “I think it’s really good that she did that ’cause it inspired me to write my own poem one day.” This sentiment reflects the impact that Hetrick’s creative teaching methods had on her students, sparking their interest in exploring their own artistic potential.
Poetry as a Multifaceted Learning Tool
Hetrick’s decision to incorporate her poem into her classroom demonstrates the versatility of poetry as an educational tool. Through the exploration of stanzas, students learn about the structure and rhythm of poetry, enhancing their understanding of language and literary devices. Additionally, the poem provided an opportunity for students to practice fluency and develop their inference skills by analyzing the deeper meaning behind the words.
Conclusion:
Mollie Hetrick, a third-grade teacher in Lauderdale County, Alabama, turned the chaos of the Iron Bowl game into a unique literary creation. Her poem, “4th and 31,” not only captured the emotions of the game but also became a valuable teaching tool in her classroom. By incorporating the poem into her lessons, Hetrick engaged her students in the world of poetry, teaching them about fluency, inferences, and stanzas. Her creative approach inspired her students and encouraged them to explore their own artistic abilities. Through the power of poetry, Hetrick demonstrated the multifaceted nature of learning, proving that even an intense football game can become a catalyst for education.
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