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Poetry is emotion
recollected in tranquility and by recollecting, we learn to feel, learn
to experience nature in all its wild beauty, learn about the mysteries
of the universe, and learn about love, happiness, joy and sorrow. We are
enriched in more than one sense and are instinctively transported into a
world where rhythm, harmony and creative forces integrate in the most
delightful way possible. Unfortunately, poetry is found to be missing in
many people’s lives. Teaching poetry is a means of establishing a link
between mere existence and life itself, thereby uplifting mortals to a
higher plane of excellence. How then do you teach poetry?
Catch them young. The earlier you infuse the joy of poetry, the better.
Teach poetry inasmuch as it relates individually to each child. Some
children love poetry and have a natural flair for it. They love to read
poetry and enjoy writing it too. Such children should be encouraged to
write without drilling into them the mechanics of writing poetry. Rather
than trigger an increased interest, it could actually turn them off. On
the other hand, Children not really interested in poetry could become
bored if the creative aspect is not instilled. In such children then the
mechanics of writing poetry should be inculcated. Mechanical teaching of
poetry does not really tax the little minds and it may actually
stimulate them to appreciate the dynamism which poetry has. Other
children may be interested only in the analysis of poetry and hence
enjoy only reading. Their interests must also be catered to.
Basically then there are 2 approaches to the teaching of poetry, the
creative approach, which dwells on how to write poetry and the approach
of instruction, which seeks to inform the child about the mechanics,
dynamics and analysis of poetry. It becomes important then to identify
what kind of child you are dealing with and adopt the right approach. A
balance between the 2 approaches is also possible. Whenever you do teach
poetry, choose poetry that delights and poetry that is suitable for
their age. To capture and enrapture the little minds, you need to find
poetry that is captivating and arresting—poetry that is individually
delicate and sensitive.
When you teach poetry, read poetry aloud and encourage children to read
aloud. Make them memorize poetry that they like, make them recite and
make them compose. Have the children write for magazines and have them
make poetry greetings. Hold poetry workshops, organize poetry readings,
tape poetry written by children and play the tapes back, have “ poetry
of the week” contests and be as imaginative as you can. Bring poetry to
life and you will enliven the little minds and in the process be
enlivened.
Indian poetry reflects much of our culture and heritage. Teaching poetry
in the native language is a tool by which many of us can go back to our
roots and understand its essence and spirit.
~ Author M. Hemdev
data(c)Indian child. all rights
reserved.
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