National Poetry Month is a time when people all over the world come together to celebrate the beauty and significance of poetry. In the world language classroom, it is an especially important time to recognize the value of poetry as a tool for language acquisition and cultural understanding. In addition to celebrating poetry in general, it is also important to recognize the value of using Comprehensible Poetry or poems specifically written for world language students. Here are some reasons why celebrating National Poetry Month with Comprehensible Poetry is so important.
Helps improve language skills
One of the main benefits of using comprehensible poetry in the world language classroom is that it can help students improve their language skills. Comprehensible Poetry is written specifically with language learners in mind, using vocabulary and syntax that is appropriate for their level of proficiency. This makes it easier for students to understand the poems they are reading and to use them as a tool for language acquisition.
Listen to my interview in Claudia Elliot´s Podcast: Exploring the Power of Poetry in World Language Education HERE
Provides cultural insights
Comprehensible Poetrycan also provide valuable cultural insights for world language students. Many poems written for language learners explore themes and experiences that are relevant to their lives and cultures, helping them to better understand the perspectives and values of the language they are studying. In addition, comprehensible poetry can help students appreciate the unique literary traditions and cultural heritage of the language they are learning.
Fosters creativity
Comprehensible Poetry can also be a valuable tool for fostering creativity in the world language classroom. By reading and writing poetry in the language they are learning, students can practice expressing themselves in new and creative ways. This can help them develop their linguistic and artistic skills, as well as their ability to think critically and analytically about language and culture.
Read Bertha Delgadillo´s blog post: Teaching Spanish with Poetry: Engaging Activities for High School Students HERE
Enhances comprehension
Using Comprehensible Poetry in the world language classroom can also enhance students’ comprehension skills. Comprehensible Poetry is written in a way that is designed to be understood by language learners, which can help them develop their reading and listening comprehension skills. This can be especially valuable for students who are struggling with reading or who are still developing their proficiency in the language they are learning.
Encourages an appreciation for poetry
Finally, using Comprehensible Poetry in the world language classroom can help students develop an appreciation for poetry in general. By reading poems that are accessible and understandable, students can develop a love for poetry that they might not have otherwise. This can be especially valuable for students who are not naturally inclined towards literature or struggle with reading comprehension.
Read María Isabel Leal O’Donoghue’s blog post: Is there room for poetry when teaching foreign languages? HERE
In conclusion, celebrating National Poetry Month in the foreign language classroom with Comprehensible Poetry is an important way to support language acquisition, cultural understanding, creativity, comprehension skills, and appreciation for poetry. By using poems specifically written for language learners, we can help students develop their language skills and deepen their understanding of the cultures and literary traditions of the languages they are learning. So, let us all celebrate National Poetry Month with comprehensible poetry and explore the rich world of language and literature!
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DIEGO OJEDA 