January 2012 Poetry is Meant to be Heard First

Dear Parents,

          This month our teachers continue their training with Ms Rory Cohen. Ms Cohen is our National Literacy consultant who trains our teachers in early reading and writing skills. This month’s training session was dedicated to poetry. Here are some techniques that your children will be experiencing throughout the school year.

Poetry is meant to be heard first! Read with expression and feel the rhythm. Poetry is meant to be read many times. Reading the poem again and again can create images in our minds, make meaning verse by verse, and generates images in their minds. Poetry builds vocabulary and knowledge about who we are and the world we live in. Discussing the poem allows the child to make connections to words and visions that the poet was trying to reflect.
        Your children will learn that poets are inspired by all different things, nature, family, memories, observations and feelings. Our students will have the opportunity to become poets themselves.  Group discussions in class and self thought out subjects will be incorporated into our curriculum.
        I am extremely excited to see the progression of all the students. I hope your child will embrace poetry and maybe even teach you a verse or two. This month in our enrichment program we will visit “Extreme Weather.” This program is always enjoyed by both the staff and students as well.  As always please feel free to call me if there is anything I may be able to help you with.

Sincerely,