- A small group reading poetry before class begins.
After marinating the students in poetry, they discovered a new genre to explore. They enjoy sitting in small circles reading poetry to each other. Marinating students in poetry is non-threatening. They can enjoy it and create their own meaning or conclusions. The “lessons” on terminology, rhythm or structure can be taught with less stress because the student has a foundation in which the teacher can focus the student’s attention.
Through this project and instruction, I have a new understanding of poetry. I do not cringe at the thought of teaching poetry. I almost hate saying this but I discovered it is not difficult to write if the lesson has been scaffold and the limitations are minimal.
