Connecting Scholars and Poetry

I read For Laughing Out Loud this morning. It is a collection of children's poems selected by Jack Prelutsky. It was fun to read these poems that played on words and experiences. Young people will enjoy them.

Although I thoroughly enjoy these poems and sharing them with scholars I don't want scholars to miss out on poems written by some great thinkers throughout the years. One of my favorite books is 101 Famous Poems. I used this book with scholars and had them memorize a number of poems in it. I know that memorization is looked down upon in this day and age but I personally feel there is still a place for it. What better way for a young person to fill his/her mind than with the inspiring thoughts and insights of others.

Rose, Where Did You Get That Red? by Kenneth Koch is a great resource for involving scholars with famous and ageless poets--reading and writing.