Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Kathy, we’ve already discussed the value of teaching poetry, and I’m sure our listeners are eager to add this important component to their children’s education. But for most parents listening, their own experience with poetry is very limited—in fact, they may not be sure they enjoy it themselves. Tell us some of the practical methods you’ve used to make this process really fun with your children.

Kathy Weitz:
Well first of all, you need to just read and enjoy poetry together with your children. Make it part of your everyday life. Read a poem or two aloud with your children every day, and a variety of types of poetry.

Memorize poetry. In this case, familiarity actually breeds enjoyment. Begin in toddlerhood, and continue this practice through high school. Reread family favorites and memorize them as a family. One quick and easy way to do this is just to repeat a poem throughout the day: at bedtime, mealtime, snack time—and it’s very easy to memorize poetry in this way.

And another thing is to learn to scan poetry, and this means to determine its rhyme and meter. Much of the beauty and meaning of poetry is found in the form, and learning to understand and recognize these forms really helps children to enjoy poetry even more.

Mike:
Well thanks, Kathy. I know our listeners will appreciate that advice. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.