“Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history.” – Plato

Before Jesus was even born, poetry existed, even in Sacred Scripture. Many have described God’s love for us as poetic since it often evokes an emotional response. You can’t read Psalms without feeling something!

Despite the importance of poetry, many skip over it, not taking the time to appreciate it in this modern age.

In “Poems Every Child Should Know”, a new book from Tan Books that was released this week, bestselling author Joseph Pearce compiled some of the best poems for children! From Robert Frost and Mother Goose to G.K. Chesterton and many more, these poetic gems are rich with beauty and wisdom!

Poetry is a timeless treasure that forms a foundation upon which to build poetic knowledge. It’s important to be able to see the world through the eyes of a poet as it can help us have a deeper understanding of scripture too!

If you want to enrich your children’s cultural treasure chest, this beautiful book is an excellent start.

Teaching our children how to slow down and take a moment to stop and observe a beautiful sentence is of the utmost importance. One way I do that with 4 rowdy boys is to invite them to a “tea party”. Cute, delicate tea cups and some warm muffins get them to slow down long enough for me to read aloud to them. Fostering an environment in which they can slow down is a lesson that will prepare their young minds to receive the richness of Sacred Scripture during Mass.

This book is available in hardcover or eBook. I might consider getting both if your budget allows since you could print the eBook version and use it for Catholic homeschooling or to build your own poetry unit study.

The Importance of Poetry for Children

Poetry is a powerful and timeless art form that can enrich the lives of people of all ages, but it has a special place in the development of children. Reading and writing poetry can help children learn important skills, such as language acquisition, creative expression, critical thinking, and emotional regulation.

I believe there are many benefits of poetry for children and think it is essential for parents, educators, and caregivers to encourage their children to read and write poetry.

Language Acquisition

Poetry is an excellent tool for teaching children about language, as it helps them learn new vocabulary, understand the nuances of language, and develop their reading and comprehension skills. Poetry uses words and phrases in a unique way, with a focus on rhythm, rhyme, and sound. When children read and write poetry, they are exposed to different literary devices, such as alliteration, metaphor, and personification, which can help them develop a deeper understanding of language.

Creative Expression

Poetry is an excellent outlet for children to express themselves creatively. Through poetry, children can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that is both personal and universal. Writing poetry can help children process their emotions and develop their own voice, while reading poetry can expose them to different perspectives and experiences, fostering empathy and compassion.

Critical Thinking

Poetry requires readers and writers to engage with language in a meaningful way. By analyzing and interpreting poems, children can develop their critical thinking skills, learning to think deeply about the meaning and purpose of language, which can later translate to better understanding of scripture. Poems often have multiple meanings and interpretations, encouraging children to consider different perspectives and ideas.

Emotional Regulation

Poetry can also be a powerful tool for emotional regulation, helping children learn to identify and manage their emotions. Writing poetry can be a way for children to express difficult emotions and find a sense of catharsis. Reading poetry can also help children understand and empathize with different emotional experiences, which can help them develop emotional intelligence and resilience.