April is National Poetry Month

Poetry helps to connect foreign language learners to new words and expressions in a personal way. Read, discuss, and create some poems this April.

In a way, poetry is a language in itself. I used to think that asking novice-level language learners to create a poem would be a daunting task. Now I look forward to the opportunity for my students to play with words and break free from strict grammatical rules. And since learning any language is for communication, poetry offers a unique way to express an individual's ideas, thoughts, and images.

I once took the simple concept of "J'adore" and "Je deteste" and had students create lists of the things they loved and hated. Their items ranged from mosquitos to chocolate to homework to peace to getting up early or sleeping in late. Final drafts were prepared along with collages and illustrations. My students felt a sense of pride and accomplishment (so did I) and I got to know them a little better in the process.

This April, celebrate National Poetry Month by creating poems in a foreign language. Play with Magnetic Poetry. (Don't you just love a product that is available in nine different languages?) Meet at a coffee shop for a poetry reading. Memorize and recite a poem with your whole class. Join in on a discussion about your favorite foreign language poem, poet, web site, or writing activity.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Robert Frost, "Poetry is what gets lost in translation." Only a person who speaks more than one language truly understands that statement.

Happy Foreign Language Poetry Month.