Some parents are intimidated about introducing their children to poetry, thinking they need to understand all about meter, rhyme and symbolism before venturing with their children into the world of Wordsworth or Frost.

 

But if you change poetry from a “school” subject into an activity to enjoy together as a family, you’ll quickly find that poetry can be great fun.

 

A large anthology of poems (which can be found in most any educational catalog or bookstore) can be invaluable to introducing your family to the joy of poetry. Try picking out a few poems on the subject of the current season, then reading these aloud to your children at the table after lunch or outside in the shade of a tree on a lazy summer day.

It’s also great fun to have everyone choose a favorite poem to memorize for a family recitation, perhaps after dinner when the grandparents or extended family are visiting.

For a fun and friendly introduction to a wide variety of poetry styles, I highly recommend:

A Child’s Introduction to Poetry: Listen While You Learn About the Magic Words that Have Moved Mountains, Won Battles, and Made Us Laugh and Cry (ages 6-12)

View here: http://amazon.com/dp/1579122825/simplepleasuresp/