What is a poem?

A poem is a piece of writing that uses imaginative words to share ideas, emotions or a story with the reader.  Last week the PYP students have focussed on poetry during their English lessons. They learnt that most poems have rhyme, or they have a certain rhythm, but this is not always the rule. Some poems do not rhyme at all! There are also different types of poems which will be further explored by the students throughout the semester.

Last Friday, the PYP students held their first “Poetry Day” with each class performing a poem of their choice for the rest of the PYP students, teachers and invited guests.

All the PYP students opened the performance with Chinese poems all about Spring under the guidance of Miss Bobo. Each class was given a chance to recite their own Chinese poem as well as in a group.

The Grade 1 class recited a poem called “The Little Turtle” by Vachel Lindsay. They did so well to remember all those words and the actions too!

Mr Maldonado and the Grade 2 class prepared and recited a poem about “Spring”. It reminded us what beautiful things we will soon experience. Thank you, Grade 2s!

Our Grade 3 students performed a very humorous poem entitled “When Daddy Fell into the Pond” by Alfred Noyes. We do hope that this will not happen to any of our fathers!

The Grades 4s entertained us with a poem called “Cats Sleep Anywhere” by Eleanor Farjeon. They each created a picture from one line of the poem which they incorporated into their performance – well done, Grade 4s.

The Grade 5s poem was entitled “When Doggy Ate My Homework” by Dave Crawley. As teachers, we do hope that none of these excuses will be used in class!

Finally, Mrs Hobson prepared a funny poem by Roald Dahl entitled “Jack and the Beanstalk”. Many of the students knew the story well and were able to follow the poem and enjoy the story again.

It was agreed that this inaugural Poetry Day was enjoyed by all and should be repeated annually. We congratulate all our students for the wonderful way they learnt their poems and performed them for us all – we are very proud of you.