Poetic Pencils: A Student's Toolkit for Poetry Writing

Welcome back to my blog...this week's topic is 'POETRY.'

As I logged into the virtual classroom, little did I anticipate that a pair of digital boards would become the stage for a unique exploration of emotions, perspectives, and the often-misunderstood realm of poetry. Our lecturer initiated a poetic dialogue by dividing us into two camps—those who declared themselves "lovers of poetry" and those who candidly admitted to being "nonlovers." This simple act set the tone for an engaging online session that delved deep into the intricacies of teaching and embracing the art of poetry.

I found myself hesitating before confessing my poetic bias: "Poetry is often challenging to understand. The complexity is frustrating, especially if the meaning isn't immediately clear." Little did I know that this admission would become the steppingstone for a transformative journey into the world of poetry.

As we navigated through the discussion, the spotlight turned to our individual teaching experiences. I found myself revealing a truth—I never explicitly taught poetry. Instead, I focused on literary devices, the building blocks that construct the poetic tapestry. This confession sparked curiosity and led us to the core question of the day: How can we, as educators, instill a genuine love for poetry in our students?

Our lecturer brilliantly redirected our focus from the overused rhyme schemes to the rich palette of poetic elements. We explored reading expressively, using figures of speech, unraveling rhyming patterns, painting vivid imagery, and appealing to the senses. The class unanimously agreed: it was time to break free from the monotony and introduce students to the diverse and captivating facets of poetry.

The real magic happened when poems like "The Sea" and "The Flattered Flying Fish" took center stage. The spotlight was not just on the words but on how we brought them to life. I, too, faced the challenge of infusing my voice with the emotions embedded in the verses, realizing that reading with expression is the key to unlocking a poem's true essence.

We explored innovative ways to make poetry come alive in the classroom—role plays, expressive readings, and the revelation of a new concept for me: deciphering a poem's rhyming pattern. The session unfolded as a roadmap, guiding us through a step-by-step process to dismantle the perceived complexity of poetry for our students.

As the class unfolded, we were showered with practical teaching ideas: guiding students to identify imagery, appealing to their senses, introducing figures of speech, and carefully selecting poems that resonate with their interests and grade levels. The goal? To make poetry not just a subject but an experience.

In the end, I left the virtual classroom not just with newfound knowledge but with an eagerness to share the poetry journey with my future students. The session, with its blend of insights and interactive activities, transformed my perception of poetry from a daunting task to an exciting exploration. As I reflect on the class, I can't help but anticipate the day when my students will embark on their own poetic adventures, guided by the lessons learned in that enlightening session. It was more than a discussion; it was an invitation to dance with the beauty of language, to explore the depths of expression, and to nurture a love for poetry that extends beyond the confines of a classroom.

by

• TEKOYAH MASON •