In April 1996, the Academy of American Poets began National Poetry Month, which brings together writers, publishers, booksellers, libraries, and schools around the country to promote poetry in American culture. Thousands of businesses and literary organizations support National Poetry Month by hosting readings, festivals, workshops, and other events. To celebrate National Poetry Month, Sound Learning features The Writer's Almanac from American Public Media.

The Writer's Almanac is a daily resource for poetry and information on notable literary events. The program can be heard each day on public radio stations throughout the country. Every program features a poem, read by Garrison Keillor, and historical notes about literary figures. The program's website contains links to over 1,300 poems you can use with your students as well as vetted links to the literary figures and events mentioned on the radio program.

Included with this month's feature are lesson templates and selected resources correlated with the Minnesota Academic Standards. Use them to quickly integrate poetry and The Writer's Almanac into your language arts curriculum.