For those who do not follow the WTM, memorization is equally important but not for every subject.  Some history dates are important  to remember as connections are made from one era to the next.  Memorization is important for Latin as well.  Having conjugations and declensions pop out at you when you are translating is an important skill.  Memorization helps them pop out.  Also, remembering grammar and spelling rules are beneficial, especially for the ones who are not naturals in these subjects.  It is also helpful on a practical level  to have your child memorize Scripture verses.  When hard or joyous times present themselves, it is refreshing and rejuvenating to be able to recite a verse that pertains to your situation.

Poetry is another area where memorization is helpful.  Being able to remember  various poems can instill beauty into one's  soul.   When going through hard times,  poetry, as well as Scripture, can minister to one's  soul in a way that nothing else can.

We memorize a lot of poetry in our family.   We use the poet suggestions from Ambleside Online.  Each one of my children has a poet that we read from for about three months.  My children will work on memorizing poems from their poet during this time.  

One day, last week,  we were going for a walk and the kids started reciting the poems that they have been learning for this term.  It made our walk very special.  I always liked watching movies when the characters would recite poetry that they had learned from their childhood.  This is what I wish for my kids.  That when a situation sparks a memory of a poem long ago learned,  they will be able to rattle it off and nourish their soul.

Autumn is creeping up on us so I thought I would include a poem of this beautiful season.

When the Frost is on the Pumpkin

by James Whitcomb Riley

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,

And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,

And the clackin' of the guineys and the cluckin' of the hens,

And the rooster's hallylooyer as he  tiptoes on the fence;

O it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his  best,

With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,

As he leaves the house, bare-headed, and goes out to feed the stock,

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

There's something kindo' hearty-like about the atmosphere,

When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here

Of couse we miss the flowers and the blossoms on the trees,

And the mumble of the hummin' birds and buzzin' of the bees;

But the air's so appetisn' and the landscape through the  haze

Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days

Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

Julia and her husband live on the Canadian Prairies, homeschooling their 3 children (10,8,6) and attempting to give them a Classical Education.  You can read more at her blog.

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