Teaching poetry to kids can enhance learning in many subject areas. For instance, from a science lesson on marine life the teacher could scaffold to poetry written about the ocean. Students not only develop writing skills, their subject matter learning is also enhanced.
Keep It Simple
One of the least liked writing genres to teach is poetry. Yet, teaching poetry to kids can be used to enhance, reinforce and develop learning not only in creative writing, but also across the curriculum.
Teachers from K through 12th grade might utilize poetry without having to recreate their curriculum. For educators in middle and high school, poetry across subject areas is an opportunity to teach in collaboration with colleagues.
Begin simply, yet do not be afraid to experiment. Reinforce subject matter vocabulary by giving the students a word list to use while creating their poems. Allow for poetic license. The key is offering students the opportunity to have fun while learning.
Finding Poetry in Math and Science
Teaching poetry to kids lends itself nicely to units incorporating math and/or science. Teachers will need to find poems that fit the age group and the unit being taught.
For example, a science class studying the growth cycles of trees might first read Wendell Berry's "Woods" or "City Trees" by Edna St. Vincent Millay; a math class working on a unit in geometry could create poems in the shape of diamonds (diamante), or triangles.
Various types of poems, such as cinquains, lanturnes, or haiku challenge young writers while fostering a joy of learning. In addition, the language of math and science is reinforced as it is used to create the poems.
Poetry and Social Studies
Creative writing is the cornerstone of culture. Whether studying a unit on Ancient History or discovering the intricacies of modern cultures, poetry is an essential link.
Cultures around the world have epic poems that give amazingly detailed descriptions of their history through the adventures of the epic hero. In addition, historic story poems where recited by traveling bards to instruct others, give the news of the day and entertain the royals. The details found with epic and story poems often give students a first-hand look at history, as many of the stories are written by people who lived during the time described.
Teachers, after having the class read and analyze an epic/story poem, can have students work in groups to create their own poem related to the unit being studied. Analysis of the poem leads the way to critical thinking, a tool necessary for students in studying social sciences and the humanities.
For example: The classic poem, "Old Ironsides" by Oliver Wendell Holmes can be used to discuss the role of patriotism in the early history of the United States, as well as, how ships were constructed during the 1800's, and what is the significance of the name, "Old Ironsides."
End Results
Regardless of the subject area being taught, educators can enhance the experience by teaching poetry to kids. Poetry is one form of creative writing that not only gets the thought processes churning, it is also a great way to increase vocabulary and reinforce previously taught subject matter. Teaching poetry to kids across subject areas can be fun, enlightening and rewarding for all.