Should teenagers be taught how to write poetry?

This is the place for readers of poetry. Discuss poetry and literary art. You can also discuss music here, including lyrics. Also, you can discuss poets themselves, in addition to poetry.

Do you think that poem writing requires skill?

Yes...
177
77%
No...
37
16%
I am not sure...
15
7%
 
Total votes: 229

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yapashley
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Re: Should teenagers be taught how to write poetry?

Post by yapashley »

No hesitation, yes definitely! If we're taught how to write letters or haikus, why not poetry? Poetry is one of my most favorite kinds of literature.
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victoriasimons
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Post by victoriasimons »

FNAWrite wrote: 04 Dec 2013, 12:01 Should students be taught how to sculpt or paint so they can produce masterpieces of graphic art?

As far as i know, there are more people who write poetry than there are who actually read and enjoy poetry. We have plenty of people writing poetry.

IMO it is not something that can be taught - that is to say the craft of poetry can be taught, but not the art.

How like summer, love.
After sweltering passion
autumn must arrive.

I could be taught that 5-7-5 was a format.
I agree. There are many formatting tools and techniques that aspiring poets can use to springboard their ideas but it is difficult to teach the art of what makes a good poem. Indeed, it is so subjective that I wouldn't know how to define a 'teacher of poetry'.
Zainabreadsnow
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Post by Zainabreadsnow »

Definitely! Teenagers and younger kids have a natural aptitude for learning and writing poetry and it's a shame that they aren't allowed to exercise this freely.
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Faisal611
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Post by Faisal611 »

Yes, the teenagers be taught about how to write poetry. The grown ups passes through a physical build up process, if besides their mindset is moulded on creative poetic writings, would subsequently add to their visionary powers, enhancing level of understanding about various topics and will eventually help in shaping and grooming the personality of a teenager as a mature personality and finally will reshape the personality of a teenager person as a useful member of the society who has on the one side, ability to Express his or her feelings in a writing module and will also be the responsible and sensitive person of a society who unveils the hidden aspects of both nature and human beings in a more vocal and decisive way.
Elaborating above, I say that a teenager be taught poetry. It will definitely impart positive impact in the building up of a personality.
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Bigwig1973
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Post by Bigwig1973 »

I think in most cases it would be fine. I think children could also write poetry. If poetry is aimed at expression or a catharsis, then it can probably be done at any age. I'm not a poet, but I'm artistic so I suppose I imagine writing poetry might be expression in that same sort of sense. The technical poems, however, with things like sonnets, iambic pentameter, etc. I think could be fun for children. To learn how to use words to fit the form. The sacrifice of the artistic sentiment for the sake of form teaches emotional control. I would probably allow it to be done both ways. I imagine something like having a child or a teen belt out a song and then having them sing it as it was intended to be sung. Except with poetry.
"...I'd discuss the holy books with the learned man...and that would be the sweetest thing of all...would it foil some vast, eternal plan..." Hamick Fiddler on the Roof

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kimoy13
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Post by kimoy13 »

I believe that all children should be taught to write poetry. Poetry is a beautiful art. It will assist them in learning to express themselves as well as to become creative thinkers.

As far as teenagers are concerned, they tend to think that writing poetry is boring. However, it can be shown to be interesting and exciting by allowing them to write on topics that they are passionate about. Such an activity can further assist them in developing holistically. It can also be seen as a relaxing mechanism.
Georgephilips
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Post by Georgephilips »

The Bookaholic wrote: 04 Dec 2013, 07:35 Poetry has been such an important part of human history for many years. Poetry has preserved folk lore and songs that would've otherwise been lost. Bards were the pop stars of their day and the gift of eloquence was prized. The development in poetry has posed deep question such as can poem writing be taught?

Is the ability to write beautiful poems inherent or is it somethingt that can be taught at school? I feel that poetry writingrequires some basic skill but can be developed like anything else with teaching. I feel that as well as learning about poems written in the past, teens should also be taught how to write poetry and the value of enjoying a good poem.
Yeah I think they should be encouraged to write poetry!
FJCJ55
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Post by FJCJ55 »

It was part of our curriculum from a very young age up until our teens. Afterall, it is a tool that was used to understand our language and how to communicate (I'm French).
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Mason Garrod
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Post by Mason Garrod »

Absolutely. I would have loved to have been taught about how to write poetry when I was at school. It's not for everyone, but a little taste never hurts. It would have saved me the trouble of lots of terrible poems when I finally started as an adult!
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Post by Seluleko Nhleko »

Definately.I think there is a lack of good poetry writers. So if they can be taught at a young age,it would be a good thing.
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Post by IamJc_Bembo12 »

I don’t think so as it depends on them. However, I saw a lot of teenagers writing poetry. So, I think there's no problem with that as long as they enjoy doing it. Also, writing poetry reinforces their writing skills and creativity that would result in a better outcome not just for themselves but also in many aspects.
Siti Rahimah
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Post by Siti Rahimah »

True, you must at least have a basic understanding before writing poetry.
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Post by literatureonmymind »

Yes! Poetry and all other arts are for everyone to enjoy, and children should be given the opportunity to engage in them by adults. When education has any forms of art, it makes for a lifetime of good memories and happiness. Poetry also has been a form of expression for all sorts of people in history, and has been used to incite people to fight wars, as well as to express love. Teaching about it, and creating an environment where ideas and originality are encouraged and healthy discussions about the art take place, will be a very fruitful form of education. It should span over much more than just "studying" a few existing poems like in most education systems, and actually teach about what poetry really is.
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Post by review-specialist »

Yes, the earlier the better so that if they happen to find great interest in it they can develop their skills further so as to hone their new found love for poetry writing.
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DE Navarro
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Post by DE Navarro »

They should certainly be exposed to both poetic appreciation and composition and if they take a liking to it they can then pursue it. Many people don't know they are hungry until you set a plate of delicious food in front of them. So set a plate of delicious poetry in front of them and let them taste it and check it out and see if they are hungry for it.
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