Sharing poetry with children

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.~Phillipians 4:8

"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture everyday of his life; in order that world cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."~J.W. von Goethe

So many times these areas of education (or training) get slid to the back burner. Keeping my current poetry book with my scriptures is the best way I have found to see to the reading of poetry everyday. Right after our devotionals I am then prepared to read a few selections. I agree completely with Charlotte Mason when she says: "We can hardly do better than to lead children to reflect on some high poetic teaching, for it is here that the young and aged mind continue to feast, providing food for moral understanding, reverence, imagination, and true loveliness." She maintained that this sort of teaching so be given on a daily basis. Memorizing, copywork, and recitation are all ways in which we can incorporate poetry into the daily lives of our children.

We are currently reading A Child's Treasury of Poems. It is perfectly fit for the ages of my younger ones. It is loaded with gorgeous pictures and the kids love to imitate them in their drawings. My older children are reading selections from The Oxford Book of Children's Verse by Iona & Peter Opie. I believe this is out of print right now. We found an old library copy that we are using.

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