A Mirror to Nature by Jane Yolen with photographs by Jason Stemple was a resource I used recently to teach my 8th grade Language Arts class poetry unit. The book's theme, reflection, fit nicely with the driving force behind our lesson of introspection and creating art using words. Poems such as "A Solitary Cockle" are accompanied with beautiful pictures from nature which lent itself toward a study of art in various forms. There are even facts scattered throughout the book about the various animals depicted making A Mirror to Nature a perfect resources for interdisciplinary study, or just as an enjoyable book for anyone who enjoys poetry or photography. 3 Ways to Use Poetry with Kids
1. Simply read them to help children appreciate works of art in its various forms as poetry is a medium they will be less intimidated by if exposed at an earlier age.
2. Sing poems as songs. My toddler loves anything with rhyme and poems which employ end rhyme are perfect for this purpose.
3. Recite poems as bedtime stories. I often use lines from Shakespeare sonnets as "ditties" during our pre-bedtime routine.
Smart Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of Mirror to Nature by searing for it on Google and commenting back here about what details on the book you can find. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ends 4/21/09.
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