Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
As a child, I did not learn to value poetry, penmanship, or art. As an adult, it’s taken me a long time to understand the value of poetry, penmanship, or art. I spent the majority of my life believing these things to be unnecessary extras – only for the artsy families who already enjoyed such things. It was not until I came across a family who did value these “unnecessary extras” that I realized there was something significant in their home that was lacking in ours.
As a mom, my desire is for my children to love truth and beauty. But if we’re to love truth and beauty, how can we do so if we seldom expose our children to truth and beauty? Learning to love lovely things cultivates an appreciation for lovely things. As I’ve considered Philippians 4:8, I realize that in order to “think about these things,” they need to be in our minds in the first place. We cannot bring to remembrance things that we’ve never really pondered to begin with.
Why poetry?
Words are powerful. Expressing emotion and invoking imagery through artfully contrived words has been a valuable skill used throughout the ages. Poetry provides deep thoughts to consider (and remember) using rhyme, rhythm, meter, and imagery. Memorizing poetry provides literary devices that take root and later sprout forth in our own speech or writing. By learning poetry, we learn the art of expression (rhetoric). Given the ability to paint beautiful images with just a few words, we can bring life to those who listen (Proverbs 18:21). Over time, though, I’m afraid the study of poetry has become a lost art. We have so many subjects to tend to – so much curriculum to consider. How can we fit one more thing into our school day?
How to easily add poetry to your day.
Memorizing poetry can be as simple as reading aloud a poem once per day every day until it’s memorized. Through consistent repetition, intensity, and duration, we can memorize anything. A simple schedule that provides a way to revisit poems that have already been memorized provides the duration needed to transfer those memorized words from short-term memory to long-term memory. And… using copywork to reinforce poetry memorization – and to instruct children in punctuation and capitalization – actually lessens the workload in our school days overall.
Why cursive?
I used to think that the only value for learning cursive was the beauty aspect. After struggling through teaching writing with three boys, however, I discovered the value of teaching cursive handwriting first, before teaching print. I have much more to say about this in the coming weeks, but investigating cursive in detail over the past year has led us to some significant findings. After deciding to let go of the “mastering print first” mentality, I’m thrilled to announce that our third son now enjoys handwriting. Lest this be seen as a small thing, let me share the absolute truth. At the beginning of this school year, this child (like his older brothers) seemed to fall apart at the very act of holding a pencil. But after just four months, his handwriting, flow of thought, and spelling have improved significantly. This entire experience has launched us into the development of a new line of cursive instruction and copywork. If you have a struggling writer or if you haven’t taught your child cursive yet, stay tuned for more about this story along with the tools that made it possible.
Now that he writes cursive, one of the things that makes writing enjoyable for him is copying words we are studying elsewhere. Although he is a fort-building, nature-loving, risk-taking outdoorsman, he also enjoys poetry and Shakespeare and words that paint beautiful pictures. And so, with that…
The Script -n- Scribe Cursive Program
If you’re asking… “How can I easily fit poetry into our school day? Which poems should I start with? How can I start to cultivate a love for truth, goodness, and beauty?” we offer the first item from our Script -n- Scribe Cursive Program: Poetry Penmanship – Virtue in Poetry.
- Twelve carefully selected poems that reinforce virtuous character
- Scripture references to correlate with each poem
- Copywork pages for all 12 poems
- Mini-poster pages for all 12 poems
- Notebooking pages for older students to write all 12 poems or corresponding scriptures
- Coloring pages sprinkled throughout
- Memorization plan to assist with memorizing the poems
For children new to cursive writing, check out the Script-n-Scribe Introduction to Cursive: Roller Coaster Writer and the Script-n-Scribe Letter Connector. If you’re studying American History, Medieval to Modern World History, or Ancient History, be sure to also check out our Americana Poetry & Art Study, Hymns in History with Picture Study, or Truth Traveler Poetry & Art Study!
Script-n-Scribe™: Poetry Penmanship & Memorization PDF
Format: PDF Download (Mac & PC Compatible) Download sample.
Suggested grades: 1-5
For individual family use. For school and co-op license pricing, please contact us. Read more about this product and view additional images here.
PDF Price: $9.99
At the close of your purchase, you will receive instant access to the ebook version of the item you purchased, and the download link will automatically send to the Paypal email address used at check-out.
Learning Cursive?
Script-n-Scribe™ Introduction to Cursive: Roller Coaster Writer
Our introductory (Level 1) program for learning phonograms by sight and dictation and how to form cursive letters. Begins with large motor skills to help young children learn to write. Read more about this product and view additional images and supplemental Montessori-style products here.
Format: Printed, spiral-bound (85-page) workbook with additional 52 pages of instruction cards printed separately on cardstock (26 cardstock pages printed on both sides). Download sample.
Suggested grades: Preschool to 3
Printed Book & Cards Price: $19.99. While supplies last.
Script-n-Scribe™ The Letter Connector Spiral Bound Workbook & Cards
For learning how to connect letters into words and sentences and for practice with tricky letter combinations. Read more about The Letter Connector here.
Digital Bundle
Purchase the Roller Coaster Writer, Letter Connector, and Poetry Penmanship PDF Bundle!
The Roller Coaster Writer, Letter Connector, and Poetry Penmanship & Memorization PDFs are available as a discounted set. Click here to read about the Script-n-Scribe Roller Coaster Writer: Introduction to Cursive program, click here to read about the Script-n-Scribe Letter Connector program, and click here to read more about our Poetry Penmanship program.
Format: PDF Downloads (Mac & PC Compatible), for individual family use.
Suggested grades: Preschool to 5
Price: $29.99
Penmanship with purpose, beyond beginning cursive…
Script-n-Scribe™ Truth Traveler PDF
Our cursive copywork and art study program related to ancient history and world empire studies. Features 12 poems and 13 works of art related to the rise and fall of empires and truths revealed through the ages. For students who already know how to connect cursive letters into words.
Format: PDF Download (Mac & PC Compatible), 146 pages. For individual family use. Download sample. (The PDF includes an appendix with the poems and corresponding art formatted for printing as cards for reference or review.)
Suggested grades: 2 to 6+
PDF Price: $19.99
Script-n-Scribe™ Americana PDF
Our cursive copywork and art study program for American history. Features 12 poems and 14 works of art related to U.S. History, including historical events and persons from Columbus and the Pilgrims through the early 1900s. Read more about this product and view additional images here.
Format: PDF Download (Mac & PC Compatible), 164 pages. For individual family use. Download sample.
Suggested grades: 2 to 6+
PDF Price: $19.99
Script-n-Scribe™ Hymns in History PDF
Description: Study poems of praise from the Middle Ages to Early Modern Times in Script-n-Scribe Hymns in History, which features hymns from the Middle Ages through the early 1900s with historical highlights, related scriptures, and art study along with a gentle introduction/application of English grammar concepts. Features 12 hymns with related historical highlights from the Middle Ages through 20th century conflicts, and 12 works of art with grammar study.
Format: PDF Download (Mac & PC Compatible), 158 pages. For individual family use. Download sample. (The PDF includes three additional pages with the hymns and corresponding art formatted for printing as cards for reference or review.) Upon completion of the check-out process, a download link will be emailed to the Paypal email address used at checkout.
Suggested grades: 2 to 6+
PDF Price: $19.99
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