Module 9: Tap Dancing on the Roof

Summary:
Linda Sue Park walks young poets through a brief introduction about what a Sijo poem is, how it's structured, and its origin. The origin of a Sijo is Korean, and it follows a specific syllabic pattern. A short nonfiction introduction about Korean Sijos starts the book and a longer author's note about Sijo poetry ends the book. Sandwiched in between is a collection of kid-friendly Sijo poems and delightfully quirky illustrations to match.

Park, L.S. (2007). Tap dancing on the roof. New York, NY: Clarion Books.


Review: School Library Journal
Moorhead, S. (2007). Tap dancing on the roof. School Library Journal, 53(11), 111.
My Impressions:
Library Use:

Sijo is a traditional Korean form of poetry that can take two different shapes, three lines or six lines, using a strict syllable count as haiku does but with distinct differences. All of the lines have a purpose: in a three-line poem, the first one would be the introduction, the second would continue the theme, and the third and final line holds a sort of punch line, be it a play on words or a whimsical observation. Park's sijo, 28 in all, harmonize with illustrations that are deceptively simple at first glance, but have a sophistication and wise humor that will make viewers smile, and at second glance make them think. The selections are thoughtful, playful, and quirky; they will resonate with youngsters and encourage both fledgling and longtime poets to pull out paper and pen. The author's note includes historical background on sijo, further-reading suggestions, and a helpful guide to writing in the form. A smart and appealing introduction to an overlooked poetic form.


I loved this book! The simple, fun-loving approach to a structured poetry style in Tap Dancing on the Roof makes poetry accessible for younger and older age groups alike. The slight humor of a Sijo poem makes the material fun and more relatable to younger readers especially. In addition, the structure of a Sijo is really flexible when it's really considered. Poetry is often see as outdated, inaccessible, or difficult to understand by younger generations. Seeing a new form of poetry, especially one that emphasizes a twist or curve in subject rather than syntax, makes poetry fun and encourages young adults and children to examine or practice more poetry.

Tap Dancing on the Roof is a fun book for introducing different poetry styles and formats. With the nature of a Sijo being so simple and straightforward, students could quickly learn how to fill the format and then implement it to describe their school experiences. The librarian could give examples of experiences that might be used in a Sijo in the context of school and the library. Students could then write Sijo poems. Those poems could be used on display throughout the library as a visual reminder that poetry still has a role in literature and in their everyday life.