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What is Poetry Tea Time
Welcome to the enchanting world of Poetry Tea Time, where words dance on the tongue and hearts are stirred by the beauty of language. In a Charlotte Mason homeschool, Poetry Tea Time is a delightful ritual that combines the pleasures of sipping tea with the wonders of poetry appreciation. It creates a cozy and relaxed atmosphere where the whole family can gather to immerse themselves in the rhythmic language and expressive artistry of poetry.
Benefits of Poetry Tea Time
Poetry Tea Time offers a multitude of benefits for your homeschooling journey. Through the power of poetry, children develop language skills, expand their vocabulary, and gain exposure to different forms of expression. The rhythmic flow of verses captivates their imagination and enhances memorization abilities. Poetry Tea Time cultivates a love for literature and sparks creativity, nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
Creating a Poetry Tea Time Atmosphere
Set the stage for a magical Poetry Tea Time by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Select a special tea set or teacups, lay out a beautiful tablecloth, and arrange cushions or cozy chairs for everyone to relax in. Consider dimming the lights or lighting candles to create a cozy ambiance that complements the mood of the poems you’ll be sharing.
Selecting Poetry
Choosing the right poetry for your Tea Time is key to fostering engagement and appreciation. Here are some classic poetry books that you may consider adding to your collection:
- A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
- Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne
- A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
- When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne
- The Random House Book of Poetry for Children by Jack Prelutsky
- Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Ferris
- Poems to Learn by Heart by Caroline Kennedy
- Poetry for Young People series, featuring various poets
- Poetry for Kids by Robert Frost
- A Child’s Introduction to Poetry (Revised and Updated): Listen While You Learn About the Magic Words That Have Moved Mountains, Won Battles, and Made Us Laugh and Cry (A Child’s Introduction Series) by Michael Driscoll and Meredith Hamilton.
- A Year of Poetry Tea Time: The Essential Guide to Everything Poetry and Tea by Christine Owens.
These poetry books offer a diverse selection of classic and beloved poems that will captivate the hearts and minds of your children. Consider incorporating poems about nature, friendship, or seasons to create variety and appeal to different interests.
If you are new to poetry and Poetry Tea Time, I highly recommend “A Year of Poetry Tea Time: The Essential Guide to Everything Poetry and Tea” by my friend and Homeschool Sisterhood poetry teacher, Christine Owens. This delightful guide is a must-have for homeschooling families who wish to explore the enchanting world of poetry and tea. Christine combines the joys of poetry and tea, this book provides a year’s worth of inspiration, activities, and resources to make your Poetry Tea Time experiences truly memorable.
Poetry In A Charlotte Mason Education
In a Charlotte Mason education, poetry holds a position of great importance and influence. Charlotte Mason recognized the power of poetry to touch the hearts and minds of children, igniting their imagination and fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty of language.
Through the rhythmic flow, vivid imagery, and lyrical expression of poetry, children are exposed to a wealth of emotions, ideas, and experiences. Poetry offers a unique avenue for children to engage with the richness of literature, allowing them to develop their language skills, expand their vocabulary, and refine their ability to articulate thoughts and emotions.
By immersing themselves in the world of poetry, children develop a heightened sensitivity to the nuances of language, cultivate a love for words, and experience the transformative power of literature.
Through poetry, children are encouraged to connect with the depth of human experiences, explore their own emotions, and develop a sense of empathy and understanding. As Charlotte Mason believed, the study and enjoyment of poetry contribute to the holistic development of the child, nurturing their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
10 Charlotte Mason Quotes On Poetry
- “Poetry should be read by the teacher, discussed with the children, and taken in through memorization.”
- “Children should be encouraged to narrate in their own words what has been read to them, including poetry.”
- “The reading of poetry should not be casual but deliberate, and the teacher should dwell upon each poem until it is loved.”
- “A child’s knowledge of poetry should not be a mere jumble of names and phrases, but a possession of delight.”tte Mason
- “Poetry gives children a taste for the finer expressions of thought, the subtler music of words.”
- “Poetry is, perhaps, the best food of the mind for children.”
- “Children should be allowed to enjoy poetry freely and not be burdened with overanalysis.”
- “Children have an innate appreciation for the rhythm, beauty, and imagery of poetry.”
- “Poetry has the power to inspire and nourish the soul, stirring the emotions and sparking the imagination.”
- “Poetry awakens a child’s sense of wonder and helps them to develop a love for language and expression.”
These quotes reflects some of Miss Mason’s view on the importance of poetry in a child’s education and the value it holds in nurturing their intellectual and emotional growth.
Activities and Discussions Ideas
Here are some ideas for activities and discussions during Poetry Tea Time for kids and teens, along with suggestions for handicrafts:
- Poetry Reading and Discussion:
- Have each family member choose a favorite poem to read aloud and discuss. Explore the themes, imagery, and emotions portrayed in the poems.
- Encourage children and teens to share their interpretations and personal connections to the poems.
- Discuss the different poetic devices used in the poems, such as rhyme, rhythm, and figurative language.
- Poetry Recitation:
- Invite children and teens to memorize and recite a poem of their choice. Provide guidance and support in helping them practice and deliver their recitations.
- Discuss the importance of oral presentation skills and the power of reciting poetry.
- Poetry Writing:
- Set aside time for children and teens to write their own poems. Provide writing prompts or themes to inspire their creativity.
- Share and appreciate each other’s poems during Poetry Tea Time, providing positive feedback and encouragement.
- Handicrafts:
- Create poetry journals or notebooks where children and teens can write and illustrate their favorite poems. Decorate the covers with their own artwork.
- Design bookmarks featuring lines from beloved poems or original poetry.
- Make homemade poetry magnets by printing out small snippets of favorite poems and attaching them to magnets. Display them on the refrigerator for inspiration.
- Artistic Expression:
- Encourage children and teens to create artwork inspired by poems. They can draw, paint, or collage their interpretations of the images or emotions evoked by the poems.
- Use watercolors to paint nature scenes mentioned in nature-themed poems, or create a visual representation of abstract poems.
- Theme-Based Discussions:
- Choose a specific theme for each Poetry Tea Time, such as love, nature, or adventure. Discuss different poems that revolve around the chosen theme.
- Explore the historical context of poems from different time periods, discussing how the societal and cultural factors influenced the poets’ works.
- Collaborative Poetry:
- Engage in group or family activities where everyone contributes a line or verse to create a collaborative poem. Each person adds to the poem, building upon the ideas of others.
- Literature Connections:
- Connect the poetry readings with related literature. Discuss how poems can complement or reflect themes and characters in novels or short stories.
Remember to tailor these activities to suit the age and interests of your children and teens. Above all, allow them to express their creativity, share their thoughts, and engage in meaningful discussions during Poetry Tea Time.
Easy Recipes for Poetry Tea Time
Make your Poetry Tea Time interactive, engaging, and delicious by incorporating easy recipes to bake with your children. Here are some delightful ideas:
- Lemon Drizzle Cake: A tangy and moist cake that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea. Let your children help with measuring and mixing the ingredients. The zesty flavor will add a refreshing touch to your Tea Time.
- Chocolate Chip Scones: Scones are a quintessential treat for Tea Time. Involve your children in the process of kneading and shaping the dough. The warm, buttery scones studded with chocolate chips will be a delightful accompaniment to your poetry reading.
- Berry Muffins: Bake a batch of soft and fruity muffins together. Let your children choose their favorite berries to mix into the batter. As you enjoy the sweet aroma filling your home, savor each bite alongside the beautiful verses.
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits: These light and fluffy biscuits coated with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping are irresistible. Encourage your children to help roll and cut out the biscuits. Enjoy them warm from the oven while exploring the magic of poetry.
Before you bake something, don’t dismiss what you already have in the pantry, such as cookies, breads, and jams.
Sharing Your Poetry Tea Time
Share the joy of Poetry Tea Time with others in the homeschooling community. Sally Clarkson books Teatime Discipleship and The Lifegiving Home have inspired me to invite friends and family over for tea and for hosting Poetry Tea Times in our home with homeschool friends. We love hosting virtual Poetry Tea Time in The Homeschool Sisterhood. The kids love our Fridays Feast poetry lessons together!
Also, connect with like-minded families through online communities, forums, or social media groups. Share your favorite poems, Tea Time setups, recipes, and the memorable moments that unfold during these special gatherings. By sharing and exchanging ideas, we inspire and support each other in our homeschooling journeys.
Poetry Memorization
Anither one of my favorite strategies for enriching our homeschooling journey is poetry memorization. It may sound old-fashioned, but trust me, the benefits are truly remarkable. As a homeschooling mom, I’ve witnessed firsthand how poetry memorization has sparked a love for language and fostered a deep connection with literature in my three children. Not only does it improve their language and communication skills, but it also enhances their memory, concentration, and overall confidence. Plus, it’s an incredibly fun and engaging activity for the whole family!
Now, if you’re wondering where to start, let me introduce you to a fantastic resource that has been an integral part of our homeschooling routine for years: IEW’s Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization (Try 3 weeks free here). This program provides a structured and systematic approach to learning and reciting poetry, making it enjoyable for both parents and children. With its carefully selected poems and step-by-step instructions, IEW has truly taken the guesswork out of poetry memorization. We’ve experienced incredible success with this program, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow homeschooling families. It has brought so much joy and enrichment to our homeschooling days, and I’m sure it will do the same for yours!
So, give poetry memorization a try and watch your children’s love for language and literature blossom. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Poetry Tea Time Is A Delight
Finally, Poetry Tea Time is a delightful way to infuse joy, beauty, and the love of language into your Charlotte Mason homeschool. Through the enchantment of poetry and the joy of baking together, you create lasting memories, nurture the hearts and minds of your children, and engage in meaningful connections. So, gather your family, steep a cup of tea, indulge in homemade treats, and embark on a poetic adventure that will bring warmth, inspiration, and deliciousness to your homeschooling days.
Join The Sisterhood For Virtual Poetry Tea Times
The Homeschool Sisterhood offers a wonderful opportunity for homeschool families to come together and experience the joy of virtual poetry tea time. Led by Christine Owens, these gatherings create a warm and inviting space where families can connect, learn about a poet, share poetry, and enjoy the beauty of literature together.
Every week, our Homeschool Sisterhood families also gather on Zoom to engage in delightful book club discussions, explore nature studies, learn about famous artistsand composers, and savor the enchanting learning time together. Additionally, The Homeschool Sisterhood provides a treasure trove of learning experiences through their Fridays Feast lessons, which have been embraced by hundreds of homeschooling families. Click here to learn more.
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