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Curricula and Learning Links - Language Arts
Why Study Poetry?
How important is it to study poetry and what should you study? Poetry helps children develop a sense of beauty, a deeper awareness of feelings and nature, and an appreciation for words. Children have a natural interest in the rhythm of poetry and love to recite it when given the chance!
Memorizing Poetry
Memorizing poetry helps children feel rhythm and internalize beautiful words. Children truly enjoy memorizing poetry if you start them young! Begin with selections from Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. Robert Frost's poems are also very enjoyable for children. The Harp and Laurel Wreath by Laura Berquist is a collection of poems organized to help parents select poems for memorization based on their children's ages.
Writing Poetry
Poetry teaches children to choose words carefully and to be concise. Only by paying close attention to words can the child write a poem with rhythm and beauty! Of course, not all poems rhyme, so children who like to break away from the rules can have their chance by writing poetry!
Integrating Poetry with Other Studies
Many poems can be linked to other studies. For example, Longfellow's Courtship of Miles Standish is outstanding supplement to study of early American history. Robert Frost's Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening could be added to studies of winter weather, travel prior to automobiles, and appreciation of God's creation. A poem can be found to enhance study of almost any topic! It just takes a little research.
Links to other sites
HomeschoolChristian.com's Poetry page
A Study of Poetry by Bliss Perry
The Study of Poetry by Matthew Arnold
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