I have not always enjoyed poetry beyond that of the nursery rhyme genre. I do remember, however, in first or third grade perhaps , being given a booklet of poems for young people. The cover was gold and brown and the booklet itself was rather small and thin. However, it contained the words to the only poem I committed to memory (aside from the aforementioned nursery rhymes): "Down, Down, Yellow and Brown". The only other poem I vaguely remember spoke of "eating peas with honey. " I loved that little booklet and yet, my mother hated it for reasons unknown to me then and now. I recall her using the words "stupid" and "vulgar" whenever I attempted to read from it to her. I soon learned to not bother my mom with my recitations. My heart was broken the day I came home from school and couldn't find my little book. It wasn't where I kept it; not in in my room or on the bookshelf--it had vanished. Now as an adult I am sure my mother had something to do with it, but as a child I was just heartbroken. I did not have any interest in poetry after that...not reading it and certainly not writing it. I even managed to get through high school with only having to write a haiku or two...not bad I thought. Fast forward a few years and as I contemplated homeschooling my brood of (then) 3 chicks I read of Charlotte Mason and of the Classical approach. Poetry it seemed was actually good for children...not vulgar and stupid (although I am know some poety DOES fall into that category). During our first year home educating I purchased "The Harp and the Laurel Wreath" to use for copywork and memorization. In second grade, the Boy memorized Frost's "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" (as did his then-2 year old sister who learned it as he practiced it out loud) Even now this is one of the chicks favorite books. This year I added to our collection of anthologies by purchasing "Poetry for a Lifetime", "Favorite Poems, Old and New" and the "Oxford Book of English Verse" (by far my favorite). We also started and are about to complete a 12 week study of poetry entitled "Classical Writing-Poetry for Beginners". All the chicks have enjoyed this study and have done a wonderful job analysing and imitating various works. And just for fun this year we implemented "Tea Time Tuesday"; simply and hour or so out of our busy schedule to slow down, enjoy a cup of tea and read poetry. The only rule is poetry reading is mandatory if you want a treat...works like a charm for the sometimes reluctant Boy. The chicks have enjoyed this very much, especially Tink...not a day goes by that she doesn't ask, "Is today Teatime Tuesday?" All this rambling does bring me to what truly wanted to blog about...If you have a reluctant poet in your house...just throw out this title and see if it doesn't catch his or her attention:"On a Favourite Cat, Drowned in a Tub of Gold Fishes". That "Tub of Goldfishes" is of course referring to actual fish and not the cracker variety as The Boy first thought!!I stumbled upon this peom in the Oxford Book of English Verse...I think this is now my favorite poem...or at least my favorite title...ever!!
Hello~
When I say the word poetry at our house, I usually get a few groans as well. (It's not really a favorite subject with my tribe, but I do love it!) Perhaps I should try introducing "Tea Time Tuesdays!" They really don't hate poetry, they just don't enjoy having to write it very much. But they DO perk up when I announce that I am going to READ some poetry outloud. We have several of the books that you mentioned. Another poetry book that we have that has been a real hit at our house (perhaps you've heard of it), is titled Zooful of Animals selected by WILLIAM COLE and Illustrated by LYNN MUNSINGER. It is an extrememly colorful book, and the poems are not too long. And the poems truly do send us into fits of giggling. Here's a sample of one of our favorites from the book:
ARE YOU A MARSUPIAL?
Now are you a marsupial?
And have you a little pouch?
If I pinch it on the outside
Does something inside holler "Ouch!"?
I got this book from a friend and I believe it was at one time offered through Sonlight.
Just the simple thoughts on life, children, books, nature, and God (to name a few) of an imperfect Christian momma as she ventures forth in search of the Sweet Life...
Saturday, June 2, 2007 - Poetry
When I say the word poetry at our house, I usually get a few groans as well. (It's not really a favorite subject with my tribe, but I do love it!) Perhaps I should try introducing "Tea Time Tuesdays!" They really don't hate poetry, they just don't enjoy having to write it very much. But they DO perk up when I announce that I am going to READ some poetry outloud. We have several of the books that you mentioned. Another poetry book that we have that has been a real hit at our house (perhaps you've heard of it), is titled Zooful of Animals selected by WILLIAM COLE and Illustrated by LYNN MUNSINGER. It is an extrememly colorful book, and the poems are not too long. And the poems truly do send us into fits of giggling. Here's a sample of one of our favorites from the book:
ARE YOU A MARSUPIAL?
Now are you a marsupial?
And have you a little pouch?
If I pinch it on the outside
Does something inside holler "Ouch!"?
I got this book from a friend and I believe it was at one time offered through Sonlight.
Happy Rhyming!
Blessings~
Pam