(source:https://www.quotemaster.org/Poets)
Passion, grief, joy, hope, anger, romance all of these are emotions that can be conveyed through a rhythmic play on words. That's right, I'm talking about Poems.
In my Literature writing course the final type of writing discussed was Poetry. When I think of poetry I always think, like the quote says, about beauty and style. It is always fascinating for me, to see out writers play on words, to create these masterpieces called poems. Reading them always stirs up a specific emotion in me. Sometimes I want to laugh or cry, sometimes I feel encouraged or it even makes me think about something differently than I had before.
When discussing Poetry writing in my class, something was brought to my attention, that I never paid attention to before, when reading poems. Although I knew that some poems rhyme and some do not, I learnt that rhyming poems, usually has a Rhyme Scheme. This refers to the lines in the poems, that the writer chooses to make rhyme. For example, they may choose to have the first and third, or second and fourth lines in every stanza rhyming (AB,AB) or maybe only the first and fourth (AbcA). However the writer chooses to do it, it is there own unique style coming through in the poems.
I have not written many poems that I can remember, but any time I do, there is a great feeling of pride when it is completed. I think this is because poetry writing gives you the freedom to express yourself creatively, how you want to. It takes the focus off of the conventions of writing, like punctuation and just lets you express raw emotion. This makes me think though, how often do we as teachers, provide students with the opportunity, to just freely express their emotions through poetry writing? Or, do we believe it is too difficult a task for them? Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
shevon, I have not really given much taught in allowing students at the early level to express themselves through poetry, nor have I read much poem to them but now that you brought out the idea I feel need to try it when I return to the classroom. Poetry is way of expressing yourself and your emotions and it help you understand the way others feel about different issues and topic.
ReplyDeleteShevon, twice recently my emotions were stirred by poems. The first occasion was in class when Mrs Lazarus had us read the inspirational poem. I really felt encouraged from hearing myself repeat the words so much so that in on heart the poet's words became inscribed as if it was mine.
ReplyDeleteThe second occasion my emotions were stirred by a poem recently was while I was composing my poem for our Lit coursework. This time, feelings of sadness overpowered me and I broke out into tears. Such is the power of words, especially the words of a poem. Poems allow you to be free and vulnerable and that is why it is my favourite type of writing.
I do believe, as teachers we should allow our students to get into the art of composing poems. This is because poems can be written on any subject. Poems can be used by students as a way to release anger through a safe avenue rather than subjecting their peers to the brunt of their frustration. Students can also use poems to express a range of other emotions.
Possibly hosting a poetry week at school whereby students learn more about poems, write poems and read them to an audience, which can be classmates, the entire school, parents or others can be an activity worth contemplating. Let me know what you think about that idea.
I too enjoy reading poetry. I have tried my hand at writing a few poems before. However, challenges arose since I placed too much emphasis or rhyming. Thankfully we discussed Rythme Schemes and I now have a greater understanding of the more unconventional ways to rhyme. I also think I need to allow my students to try their had at poetry writing. As you mentioned I surely will be a great tool to allow them to express their emotions. However, I will be sure to release them from the "rhyming each line" shackles by explaining the concept of Rhyme Schemes.
ReplyDelete