I wish I had been aware of these poems back when I was teaching. I think my students (mainly young teenagers) would have loved them, and would have quoted some of their favourites in their Nature Journals, which I had them write and illustrate each term.
You are an endless resource of wonders, Mike, for both young and old, and for all with any sense of humour!
There is also, of course, the educational aspect of these poems, and the strange pieces of factual knowledge we learn with pleasure. For instance, 'A qualog clam, age 405' from my home country of Ireland. How interesting! I just hadn't heard of that before.
I think animal and nature poems can help children develop an appreciation for poetry. I have picked up quite a bit of knowledge, over the years, as a byproduct of reading thousands of poems.
Yes, I agree, especially if the poems are viewed in the context of unusual things that they have actually witnessed themselves and are eager to put word on. Poems can expand their knowledge and make them curious enough to want to find out more.
The best animal poems can help engender empathy as well as knowledge. For instance, John Clare's poem about a valiant badger, Robinson Jeffer's poem about a hurt hawk, etc.
I wish I had been aware of these poems back when I was teaching. I think my students (mainly young teenagers) would have loved them, and would have quoted some of their favourites in their Nature Journals, which I had them write and illustrate each term.
You are an endless resource of wonders, Mike, for both young and old, and for all with any sense of humour!
There is also, of course, the educational aspect of these poems, and the strange pieces of factual knowledge we learn with pleasure. For instance, 'A qualog clam, age 405' from my home country of Ireland. How interesting! I just hadn't heard of that before.
I think animal and nature poems can help children develop an appreciation for poetry. I have picked up quite a bit of knowledge, over the years, as a byproduct of reading thousands of poems.
Yes, I agree, especially if the poems are viewed in the context of unusual things that they have actually witnessed themselves and are eager to put word on. Poems can expand their knowledge and make them curious enough to want to find out more.
The best animal poems can help engender empathy as well as knowledge. For instance, John Clare's poem about a valiant badger, Robinson Jeffer's poem about a hurt hawk, etc.