As a teacher, incorporating poetry into your lessons can be a powerful way to engage your students and bring new life to your curriculum. Not only is poetry a rich source of literary analysis, but it can also be used to help students develop skills in critical thinking, creativity, and self-expression. Here are a few tips for effectively using poetry in schools:
To get children interested in poetry in school, we recommend starting with the basics, making it fun, and encouraging self-expression.
5 Tips for Incorporating Poetry in Schools:
1. Start with the Basics:
To fully understand and appreciate poetry, students must first be familiar with the elements of poetry such as rhyme, meter, and figurative language. Try starting with a classic poem like Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and ask students to identify the rhyme scheme, meter, and figurative language used in the poem.
2. Making it Fun:
The key to getting students excited about poetry is to make it enjoyable. Incorporate games, activities, and interactive elements into your lessons. For example, try playing a poetry scavenger hunt where students have to find examples of specific literary devices in a selection of poems. Or, to make it more interactive, have students act out a scene from a dramatic monologue like Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess.” Or bring out your silly side with Road Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes or by dabbling in nonsense poetry.
3. Encourage Self-Expression:
Poetry is an excellent way for students to express themselves creatively. Encourage them to try their hand at writing their own poems, and provide guidance and feedback as needed. A fun way to do this could be to have them write a poem in the style of their favorite poet.
4. Use A Variety of Poets and Styles:
Instead of sticking to one type of poetry or poet, mix things up by introducing students to a range of styles. From traditional sonnets to modern free verse. For example, to introduce free verse, show them Langston Hughes’ “Dreams” and ask students to compare it to a traditional sonnet like Shakespeare’s “Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?”
5. Use Poetry as a Jumping-Off Point:
Poetry can be used to explore a wide range of subjects, from history to science to social studies. For example, use Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” as a jumping-off point for a discussion on empowerment and self-esteem.
What examples of poems can be taught in school?
The curriculum will outline certain poetry which is suitable due to various factors: its individual merit, literary features, emotional impact, and form. Here are some examples of poems that could be suitable for primary and secondary school students:
Poetry in Primary School:
- “The Cat and the Moon” by W.B. Yeats: This simple poem tells the story of a cat’s journey through the night sky. It’s short and easy to understand, making it a great choice for younger students.
- “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: This famous poem tells the story of a traveler who must choose between two paths. It’s a great way to introduce students to the concept of decision-making and the consequences of our choices.
- “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein: This playful poem is full of imaginative imagery and is a great choice for younger students. It’s also a great way to introduce students to the concept of rhyme.
Poetry in Secondary School:
- “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: This powerful poem is a great choice for teaching secondary school students because it evokes strong emotions, which can help students to understand the power of language. The repetition of the phrase “do not go gentle” and the use of vivid imagery can help to instill a sense of urgency and poignancy in the students, which can help them to better understand the themes of death, loss, and the power of the human spirit.
- “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: This modernist poem is a great choice for teaching secondary school students because it presents them with a complex, yet relatable narrative. The poem explores the theme of self-doubt and isolation through the protagonist’s inner monologue, which allows students to understand the inner workings of a character’s mind. Additionally, the use of a stream-of-consciousness style and fragmented structure of the poem serves as a great introduction to modernist literature.
These are just a few examples, but there are many other poems that could be suitable for primary and secondary school students. The key is to choose poems that are age-appropriate and that will engage and challenge your students.
Thank you for reading this post on the importance of using poetry in school. By following the above tips, you can effectively use poetry in your school lessons to engage and inspire your students. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – your students (and you!) may just discover a love for poetry that lasts a lifetime.
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