Poetry

The more I teach, the more convinced I become that children should be exposed to poetry from a young age, and that they should be exposed to good poetry. Yes, in the grand scheme of things poetry isn’t as important as say math, science, or learning how to write. But someone who has been taught to appreciate poetry has certain music in their heart that comes out in their writing, and there is a richness of soul that develops over time.

You don’t have to be an avid poetry fan or a poet to write well, but the echoes of harmony read in their lines translates into more moving sentences. People who can understand poetry can think more creatively, and they increase their ability to think abstractly. I think God approves of poetry—otherwise why is Psalms part of His word? Our ability to use language is a gift of the Lord, and our ability to use it well is both an imitation of our creator, and a good stewardship of the talents He has given us.

Therefore, I will continue to incorporate poetry into my literature and history lessons where I can, and I will continue to require that my students learn two poems a term. I will continue to use a poetry anthology for my 7th graders comprehension questions, and I will continue to stand in my little corner of the world and fight for the classics. So there!