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Poetry is emotion recollected in tranquility and by recollecting, we learn to feel, learn to
experience nature in all its wild beauty, learn about the mysteries of the universe, and learn
about love, happiness, joy and sorrow. We are enriched in more than one sense and are
instinctively transported into a world where rhythm, harmony and creative forces integrate in
the most delightful way possible. Unfortunately, poetry is found to be missing in many people’
s lives. Teaching poetry is a means of establishing a link between mere existence and life
itself, thereby uplifting mortals to a higher plane of excellence. How then do you teach poetry?
Catch them young. The earlier you infuse the joy of poetry, the better. Teach poetry inasmuch
as it relates individually to each child. Some children love poetry and have a natural flair for it.
They love to read poetry and enjoy writing it too. Such children should be encouraged to write
without drilling into them the mechanics of writing poetry. Rather than trigger an increased
interest, it could actually turn them off. On the other hand, Children not really interested in
poetry could become bored if the creative aspect is not instilled. In such children then the
mechanics of writing poetry should be inculcated. Mechanical teaching of poetry does not
really tax the little minds and it may actually stimulate them to appreciate the dynamism which
poetry has. Other children may be interested only in the analysis of poetry and hence enjoy
only reading. Their interests must also be catered to.
Basically then there are 2 approaches to the teaching of poetry, the creative approach, which
dwells on how to write poetry and the approach of instruction, which seeks to inform the child
about the mechanics, dynamics and analysis of poetry. It becomes important then to identify
what kind of child you are dealing with and adopt the right approach. A balance between the 2
approaches is also possible. Whenever you do teach poetry, choose poetry that delights and
poetry that is suitable for their age. To capture and enrapture the little minds, you need to find
poetry that is captivating and arresting—poetry that is individually delicate and sensitive.
When you teach poetry, read poetry aloud and encourage children to read aloud. Make them
memorize poetry that they like, make them recite and make them compose. Have the children
write for magazines and have them make poetry greetings. Hold poetry workshops, organize
poetry readings, tape poetry written by children and play the tapes back, have “ poetry of the
week” contests and be as imaginative as you can. Bring poetry to life and you will enliven the
little minds and in the process be enlivened.
Indian poetry reflects much of our culture and heritage. Teaching poetry in the native language
is a tool by which many of us can go back to our roots and understand its essence and spirit.
~ Author M. Hemdev
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