Does the idea of how to teach poetry scare you a little? Would you love to tackle poetry, but you’re not sure where to begin?

I totally understand. When Ben was small, we memorized some poems, but honestly, we didn’t dissect poems regularly for a very long time. Now I really wish we had spent more time in this study! There are so many benefits for your students if you will make the time to learn how to teach poetry in your homeschool. This little introduction to poetry study might encourage you to do start your own poetry lessons.   

It’s always good to understand your why before teaching a subject that scares you to pieces.  I wasn’t really sure why we would want to study poems in the first place. I mean, sure, as we came across them in our delight-directed way or as they fell into place with our language arts studies, it made sense to stop and look closer. It was natural to memorize poetry as it related to unit studies even. I remember the first poem Ben ever memorized – Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost. It was a Five in a Row title we studied in first grade, so memorizing it made sense. He can still recite this poem today.

But, study poetry for its own sake? Hmmm.

If like me, you asked this question with an answer already in mind, this “why” might surprise you. When I started with seeing what the word poetry meant,  it opened up a whole new world.

A biblical world view definition of poetry is found in Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:

“PO’ETRY, noun [Gr.] Metrical composition; verse; as heroic poetry; dramatic poetry; lyric or Pindaric poetry 1. The art or practice of composing in verse. He excels in poetry 2.Poems; poetical composition. We take pleasure in reading poetry 3. This term is also applied to the language of excited imagination and feeling.”

That’s important and inspiring in its own way, but it wasn’t until I went to the Greek root that I got really excited. And if we are going to study poetry, we need some inspiration, right? 

Here it is. According to Poetry.org, poetry comes from the ancient Greek: ποιεω (poieo) = I create. That’s pretty exciting when you think about it. 

Who is our Creator? Are we His poetry? 

I think so! After all, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.

If the Lord has given us the ability to express ourselves in language through poetry (I create), this ability is a reflection of His glory in us. 

Okay, now let’s dig in.

At first, some parents or students may balk at the idea of teaching and learning poetry. After all, isn’t it quite out of date? And who goes around talking like that anyway? But there are four goals for teaching poetry which will guide you in the purpose of teaching it.

According to the Foundation for American Christian Education (1), these four reasons are: 

1. Developing the reflective senses: the inner ear, the imagination, subtle responses to suggestions, words.; 
2. Cultivate a love for beauty—internal and external—and a taste for “images of magnificence.”;
3. Learn to appreciate the gifts of individual poets, the whole body of their work and their styles, as examples of God’s Principle of Individuality and as inspiration to believe that each child can produce poetry.; 
4. Each language and vocabulary, elevate and inspire children to use wonderful words and to express themselves in subtle and precise language.

(1) The Noah Plan® ©2006 English Curriculum Guide

Those goals are meant to inspire you, not overwhelm you, so if it helps, just pick one goal. You might also just choose one goal per poem. 

If you’re working with a younger child this might be super helpful. A high school student could learn all four reasons for studying poetry. Do what’s best for your family and situation.

Do you know that poetry is near and dear to God’s own heart? He has even used the style of poetry to reach the minds and hearts of men within His own Word. After all, He is the Creator and the Author of each and every subject. Therefore, let’s go through how to teach poetry to your middle and high school students.

I’d suggest you start with teaching the different types of poetry, explaining the differences among them. 

God’s unique expressions and variety in literary study is also seen in the types of poetry. As a result, we have much diversity and beauty to enjoy within poetry. And this is something your students need to know, because it nurtures their own individuality of expression when writing, memorizing, and studying poetry. Here are the different classes of poetry:

Besides what is already listed under Lyric Poem, there are subcategories. And these are known as Mixed Character forms.  Hence, they show varying degrees of epic, lyric, and dramatic traits. As such, these forms are legends, allegories, and ballads.

Don’t get overwhelmed. Simply learn what the different types are and find samples of each to compile in a notebook for your study.

You can present a variety of poets to your student. There are many to choose from, but the history of the English language has provided us with a rich heritage of poets to pick from:

And some American poets your high school study could study might include:

Younger students could study A.A. Milne or even Aesop.

You can present a poem for study the Charlotte Mason way, as shown here. And you might enjoy a Charlotte Mason poets’ schedule. 

Needless to say, your students have the potential to develop into remarkable poets themselves. Once they see that it’s okay to express themselves through rhyme and cadence, they’ll be on their way. 

Some ways to get them writing their own poetry include:

 Girl, I hear ya’. 

Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. Here are my recommended resources for those of us (me!) who need a little hand-holding in order to tackle teaching poetry in your homeschool.

For Youngers

Exploring Poetry with Notebooking from SchoolhouseTeachers.com (requires membership)

A Guide for Teaching Aesop’s Fables
 

For Middle School

Experiencing Epics and Poetry from SchoolhouseTeachers.com (requires membership)

Opening the Door to Poetry from SchoolhouseTeachers.com (requires membership)

Introducing the Many Faces of Poetry from SchoolhouseTeachers.com (requires membership)

Discovering Poetic Elements from SchoolhouseTeachers.com (requires membership)

Middle School Writing Prompts from Writing with Sharon Watson

 

For High School

Introductory Guide to High School Poetry Writing

If you really want to dig in and get serious about teaching poetry, we can highly recommend The Grammar of Poetry from Compass Classroom.  The Grammar of Poetry teaches the mechanics of poetry by using the classical approach of imitation. It is designed for grades 6-9 but is also appropriate for older students and even adults seeking to achieve a better knowledge of how poetry works. The Grammar of Poetry is an ideal introductory course for students and teachers discovering the art of poetry.  As a “grammar,” it teaches the fundamentals of poetry from scansion and rhyme to more advanced concepts like spatial poetry and synecdoche. To try it free, click on the banner below.

Inspirational Poetry Writing Prompts