Brave Writer Poetry Teatimes
My Uncle John gave me a copy of A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein for Christmas 1987. My Aunt Ruth and Aunt Blanche gave me a worn poetry anthology way-back-when. I adored both books and read them over and over and over. Now, at the ripe old age of 37, I cannot remember what happened to the anthology but I still have A Light in the Attic, with my Uncle’s inscription on the front cover. I love to read and re-read the poems with my children. It amazes me that I still have so many memorized, and I love how Silverstein never fails to result in belly laughter.
But, sadly, my poetry education started and ended with those two books. I am sure we covered poetry units in middle and high school but I can’t recall a single one. Still, I know that poetry is an important art form. I love that poems tell a story in a way that uses visualization and emotions. And I know from my own childhood experience that children love poetry. Kids appreciate poems in a way that many adults do not.
When we started [suddenly, unexpectedly] homeschooling, I knew I wanted to incorporate poetry … somehow. I lacked a framework for doing so, since there was so little poetry instruction in my own schooling. I invested in some poetry books and thought a lot about how I might make the whole thing fun, and then I found Brave Writer and Poetry Teatimes.
What is a Brave Writer Poetry Teatime?
Fun, that’s what.
Poetry Teatimes are part of the Brave Writer Lifestyle (stay tuned, folks, because I have a Brave Writer review coming out very soon!), and they are so much fun.
Here’s what you do:
- Stop everything. Make some space.
- Make (or buy- remember this is not stressful) some tasty treats like cookies, bread, or crumpets.
- Brew a pot of your family’s favorite tea.
- Get out some tea cups. Bonus points if you use the fancy ones. You know that china you never use? Use THAT.
- Hit the dress up bin with your kiddos and get fancy, just like your tea cups!
- Grab a poetry book.
- Everyone meets at the dining room table.
- More bonus points for soft music.
- Even more bonus points for mood lighting.
- Sip tea, snack on treats, read aloud, and discuss poetry.
That’s it!
Folks, if you do this your children will ask for poems. I’m not kidding. And, do you know what else you’ll be doing as you enjoy your teatime?
- You’ll be practicing those social skills
- You’ll be building your relationships
- You’ll be making memories that will last a lifetime
Need some poetry book ideas?
Look no further, folks! I have a whole month’s worth of books for you and a Pinterest board to go along with it!
Tell me, folks… what is your family’s favorite poetry book? Are you a Brave Writer family? Share here!
Follow Cait Fitz @ My Little Poppies’s board Poetry on Pinterest.
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