My teaching career with YMCA（YMCA of Hong Kong） always reminds me of some good old days when students always enjoy writing whatever they are tasked - whatever I find interesting and fun. Of course, the definition of "fun" varies, especially among my students.
I try to avoid all plain boredom in my classes. I hope that my teaching can stimulate students' curiosity and help them learn.
That is why I like teaching poetry – those little writing about rhythm, stringing words together with a beat helps the understanding of words and where they fit. Appreciating and writing poetry can also be a valuable component of knowledge development.
Many English learners underestimate the importance of poetry in modern culture. It allows us to infuse life with beauty and purpose; teaches us the art of creative expression, which most found highly lacking in the contemporary classroom teaching.
I like to add poetry writing as a part of the in-class activity. Getting students to write their own poem of the day can be a good stress buster these days. Students write funny poems of their lives, their excitement, frustrations, and joyful moments. Here is a little poem I composed, I hope it brings my readers some fun and hope.
A lovely day
Whose day is that? I think I know.
Its owner is quite happy though.
Full of joy like a vivid rainbow,
I watch her laugh. I cry hello.
She gives her day a shake,
And laughs until her belly aches.
The only other sound's the break,
Of distant waves and birds awake.
The day is lovely, blissful and deep,
But she has promises to keep,
After cookies and lots of sleep.
Sweet dreams come to her cheap.
She rises from her gentle bed,
With thoughts of kittens in her head,
She eats her jam with lots of bread.
Ready for the day ahead.
I hope it also demonstrates how easy it is to express yourself in the form of poetry.
What have you done to relieve stress during the pandemic period? Feel free to email me, maybe with your poem.
Miss Carol 大專院校語文講師、企業培訓講師及國際英文公開試主考官
Email：carolc.english@gmail.com
