We did a lot of memorizing poetry when our five children were small. There was no sweeter sound than innocent lips reciting poems, Bible verses, and written hymns. Those bright eyes, and eager expressions delighted grandparents and visitors alike, as well as mom and dad, who silently hoped that those words would be remembered for a lifetime.
We had many favorite poets such as Christina G. Rosetti, Louise Oglevee, Edna Mae Burnham, Christopher Morely, Cecil Frances Alexander and various hymn writers and books of collections of children's poetry. There are many shorter poems for little people to memorize - even at three or four years old! A delightful poem that we heard for many years was called My Beautiful Palace. The truths it contained had a way of speaking even to grown up hearts. My Beautiful Palace. A beautiful palace my King gave to me, And all through my lifetime my home it will be. I call it my body, to use as I will, But this I remember; that God owns it still. From things that would harm it, I'll keep it away, And carefully guard it by night and by day. Its windows and doors are my lips, ears, and eyes. Dear King, help me use them in ways that are wise. -Louise M. Oglevee Our now almost 19 year old son can still recite with a grin, his favorite poem as a small red-haired boy - one that was memorized by all of our boys when they were little - The Caterpillar (what little boy can resist smiling at this one!) The Caterpillar Brown and furry Caterpillar in a hurry, Take your walk to the shady leaf or stalk, May no toad spy you, May the little birds pass by you Spin and die, To live again a butterfly -Christina G. Rossetti (taken from a shorter version from First Language Lessons for the Well Trained Mind) Memorization is wonderful for the mind, beautiful and soothing to listen to, fun to recite out loud, full of new and exciting words, and a splendid way to spend a cold and stormy winter afternoon together. (hot chocolate with marshmallows required for total enjoyment) -Lori P.
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Some days it is not about the joys. It is about getting through math, comforting a child, cleaning up messes, settling arguments, getting the (same) load of laundry washed for the third time, thinking up something creative for dinner.....but it is not always about the joys.
And then some days it is. Those wonderful days when you have a child cuddled up on the couch with you, while he struggles to sound out words, and looks up at you with excitement because he did it! He understood what he was reading! Or the days that the math concept is understood, and even, maybe, enjoyed. The sunny days when books are laid aside for a little while - and everyone gets to soak up some much needed vitamin D and jump on the trampoline. The impromptu extended reading of a favorite history book, the hot chocolate and Little House on the Prairie episode, the baking of cookies together, the messy art lessons, the fun science experiments...... sigh. The joy is really there. It really is. And once again you are thankful for this amazingly awesome opportunity to teach your own children. To spend the extra time enjoying those fleeting moments called Childhood. To marvel together. To learn. To discover. To love. The joy. |
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