Poetry is an art that has the magical power to introduce words, ideas, and concepts.
Do you know that our human brain is hardwired to appreciate poetry without even its literary meaning?
Yes!
A study proves that our human brain displays a positive response to sentences with poetic construction rules. This means that we have an innate instinct to appreciate poetry construction unconsciously.
Theories like these prove the importance of poetry and poetry education for schools. But despite all these connections, many schools and teachers find it difficult to teach poetry in the classroom.
If you too feel intimidated to teach poetry, this information will be highly relevant for you. We will take up some undiscovered aspects like students poems, strategies, and creative ways to effectively teach this form of art.
Let’s begin with the definition.
What is Poetry?
Broadly, poetry is a way of using language that includes patterns, rhymes, and sounds that can be recalled easily. Its history is associated with rituals in early agricultural societies. Because it was believed that reciting this type of language created magical spells that ensured good harvests.
This form of expression seems highly captivating and attractive to most of us. Because these rhyming sounds are highly satisfying. And also create a feeling of pleasure or joy in us. In the current digitally driven lifestyles, poetry schools are not very common. However, this does not belittle the importance of this age-old art. Because it still plays an integral part of our education.
Here’s more.
What is Poetry in Education?
Research suggests a chronological pattern to highlight the importance of this art in education. It states that students poems and rhymes are a part of a child’s life even before he/she joins a preschool. A child gets this emotional experience in the initial stages of life. And the trend continues. All preschools have poems, rhymes, and musical expressions as a support to build a solid academic foundation.
In the advancing stages of life, children further develop an appetite for poetry. And the best part is that all this happens with or without the instructions of a teacher. I am sure you still remember the songs, rhymes, chants, lullabies, and play jingles we loved as kids!
Well! It is true that the love for poetry grows in all forms and social connections way beyond the teacher’s poems.
Top Reasons and Importance of Teaching Poetry in Schools?
We already know that the building blocks of our education depend on this form of expression. Children learn the alphabet with songs and music. And with time, many more educational uses follow.
There are many reasons for incorporating poetry in education. It is an attractive form of expression that plays a crucial role in disseminating cultural knowledge. In fact, in a country like ours, this form of expression also played a role in instilling a sense of unity. Since ancient times, great poets used their magical power of expression to highlight their contemporary problems (to the policymakers and common citizens). This proves that the importance of poetry extends from culture to geography to politics and celebrates diversity.
Be it the breathtaking beauty of our landscapes or the grief of a martyr’s mother, poetry sinks down to the deepest corner of our hearts.
How Can Modern-Day Students Benefit from Poetry?
In the previous sections, we have already discussed that poetry education has great value for our students. With the changing world order, our modern-day students need a broad horizon. And they must also learn the ways of thriving in the global village.
Today in this age of digitalization, online schooling and virtual resources have extended numerous opportunities for our students. With these new and innovative ways of education, we can help our students build a strong sense of community.
As an appealing art form, poetry in education also helps students in reducing stress levels.
Do you know that 46% of our Indian population between the age group of 16 to 24 feels a rise in stress levels after the pandemic (between 2021-22)?
Yes!
Similarly, 1 out of 7 (14%) Indian people between the age groups of 14 to 24 reportedly had signs of depression (as per UNICEF).
All this explains the need to harness the healing effects of poetry in classroom.
Ways to Teach Poetry in Classroom
Reading Method
The age-old reading method is no fail when it comes to teachers poems. The first reading session can include the difference in the writing style i.e. between prose and poetry. In the next step, introduce the students to the structure of the sentences, the selection of words, and ways of presenting ideas. Finally, involve the kids in their own writing by either giving them some independent time.
Picture method
Another method that we use in poetry education is through pictures. Show a picture to your students in the classroom. And let them jot down the first thing that strikes them when they look at it. Collate all the ideas, and take inputs from all the students to create a rhyme form.
Playing with Language & Free Writing Time
Many teachers have battled with the right ways of planning lessons to teach poetry. However, in reality, students poems can be as effective as teachers poems.
You can simply give your students some random topics. And let them have their time to jot ideas in the form of poems.
Mentor Poems
As a teacher/stakeholder, you can also make poetry in the classroom more fun and engaging. Try the mentor poem technique. And give the students a poem for reference. Ask the students to use their creativity and re-create this piece within a deadline. This will give them a fair idea of some great writing styles. At the same time, your students will have the liberty to add a personal touch to a classic poem.
Striking Benefits of Poetry in Education
- It adds joy to regular classroom teaching
- Encourages thoughts and boosts creativity
- Supports emotional development (because it represents a huge range of emotions)
- Has a great power to heal (pain or distress etc.)
- Helps to vent negative emotions
Final Thoughts
With the power of technology, we can now extend the pedagogies of the best poetry schools to our students across the country. Encourage your children to read and write poetry as a hobby in their free time. In fact, you can also enroll your child in an online school to help him/her explore global educational content at a reduced cost!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is poetry importance?
This form of expression helps them to develop holistically, and gives them an idea of the new ways of expression.
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