The World of Poetry!

In this week’s session we focused on poetry that I will reflect on. While we were exploring poetry, I felt that poetry is a beautiful form of expression that allows us to delve into the depths of emotions and experiences. Some others indicated their disliked of this complex art form. For me the use of figurative language, rhythm and imagery creates a unique and captivating experience for both the writer and the reader.

 During the session, students were chosen at random to recite the poem titled “The Sea” and “The Flattered Flying fish” and looked at the structure of the poems and the literacy devices that were used. I have a love for poem and it was clear to me to figure it out. I was able to recognize rhymes in the poem with the same endings and even counted the rhymes all with the same ending. I was able to count the rhyme scheme of a poem. It’s exciting to make progress in understanding poetry. A breakthrough moment in teaching poetry is when students start recognizing and counting the rhyme scheme in a poem. It's a joy to witness their excitement as they unlock the patterns and rhythms that make poetry so unique. Celebrating these milestones and encouraging their creativity is key to nurturing their love for writing and self-expression.

 Sometimes I find it challenging to understand certain literacy devices such as onomatopoeia in poems. One of the challenges in teaching poetry is helping students understand literary devices like imagery and onomatopoeia. By using relatable examples and interactive activities, we can make these concepts more accessible and enjoyable for them. Breaking down poems and analyzing themes and emotions helps students develop critical thinking skills and deepens their understanding of the human experience.

The experience of hearing different readers interprets the verses was interesting. Each reader brought their own unique style and qualities to the verses, making them rich with personal touches. This led to a lively discussion about the different aspects of poetry. We explored various exercises that can be used in the classroom that I am eager to try with my students to help them appreciate the beauty of poetry. By exploring the different elements of poetry like rhyming schemes and figurative language, we were able to uncover the deeper meanings and layers of expression within poetic verses.

We discovered that poetry has the potential to encourage critical thinking and emotional growth. It became evident that poetry can serve as a tool for children to explore and articulate their emotions in a thoughtful and eloquent manner. It’s truly amazing how poetry can take us to places of self-discovery and emotional exploration. As a teacher of writing I will make my poetry lessons more engaging for students and have them express themselves through writing.

As I reflect on this session gives me an opportunity to inspire young minds, foster their imagination, and empower them to find their voice. It's a journey of growth and discovery for both the students and the teacher. I have gained a whole new perspective on the power of poetry. It goes beyond being a writing activity, it’s a way for students to delve into deeper meaning and express the unexplainable.

-Leshana  Morton