Using Poetry Across the Curriculum: A Whole Language Approach.Every teacher knows that children are "creative users of language." The process by which classrooms develop programs that encourage children to use, understand and become engaged with language is a subject of much debate and experimentation. This book explores using poetry in classroom programs to enhance children's language development. "Poetry is not a subject to be studied but (is) a part of the rich language environment of classrooms," writes Chatton. Once teachers understand that "poetry abides in an environment where it is fostered as a kind of continuous thread throughout the day," they will need guidance in planning and developing lessons or units that include poetry. Packed with specific thematic units, content area references and broad-ranging background ideas, Using Poetry Across the Curriculum provides such a resource. Chatton provides numerous examples of poems appropriate for specific lessons. If discussing nutrition, for example, a teacher could introduce "Rhinoceros rhinoceros, massive hoofed mammal of Africa, India, and SE Asia, characterized by a snout with one or two horns. The rhinoceros family, along with the horse and tapir families, forms the order of odd-toed hoofed mammals. Stew" and "Song Against Broccoli broccoli (brŏk`əlē) [Ital.,=sprouts], variety of cabbage grown for the edible immature flower panicles. It is the same variety (Brassica oleracea botrytis) as the cauliflower and is similarly cultivated. ." What student would not be interested in such topics? They might even forget that they were listening to poetry. The next step is to heighten height·en v. height·ened, height·en·ing, height·ens v.tr. 1. To raise or increase the quantity or degree of; intensify. 2. To make high or higher; raise. v.intr. children's awareness of the music and tapestry tapestry, hand-woven fabric of plain weave made without shuttle or drawboy, the design of weft threads being threaded into the warp with fingers or a bobbin. inherent in poetic language and to encourage their appreciation of poems, no matter what the subject. This book includes many ideas for using poetry with science, language arts language arts pl.n. The subjects, including reading, spelling, and composition, aimed at developing reading and writing skills, usually taught in elementary and secondary school. , social studies--even mathematics. A committed poetry-loving teacher would appreciate this reference. Just one complaint: Why not fill such a resource book with poems? Talking about poems is not the same as reading them, and this reviewer re·view·er n. One who reviews, especially one who writes critical reviews, as for a newspaper or magazine. reviewer Noun a person who writes reviews of books, films, etc. Noun 1. would have enjoyed some true poetic language and references in this book. This is a small complaint, however, in light of the full scope and potential of Using Poetry Across the Curriculum. Poetry has long been ignored and neglected. Classroom teachers need to create an environment that will nurture NURTURE. The act of taking care of children and educating them: the right to the nurture of children generally belongs to the father till the child shall arrive at the age of fourteen years, and not longer. Till then, he is guardian by nurture. Co. Litt. 38 b. in children a love for careful language and poetic format. This book might be one of the first steps toward that goal. Reviewed by Julia A. Morgan, 4th-Grade Teacher, Fairfax County, VA |
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