Surprising Advantages of Learning Poems in English
Roses are red
Violets are blue
English is fun
And so are you!
In every culture, poems represent deep connections with heritage, history, victories, and struggles. Every poem tells a story, and every story has a different emotion.
Poetry is a special type of writing that can help you improve your English reading skills. They are often shorter than most reading articles, but they can be challenging despite their short length.
Regardless of your current English level, you can get started with reading poetry. Here are some tips for both beginner and intermediate readers.
For Beginner Readers
When starting out, don’t read poems that are long and difficult. It is best to start with poems that are written for children. They are usually short and fun, and include rhyming words and silly images to keep you entertained for a long time. Look for classic poets such as Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss.
Here are ways to learn English while reading poems.
- Rhyming Words: Find words with similar sounds
- Word Patterns: Recognize word patterns
- Word Play: Learn common expressions and idioms
- Jokes: Develop an English sense of humor
- Cultural Stories: Identify the moral or meaning of the story
- Homonyms: Find words that sound the same but are spelled different
For Intermediate Readers
After you feel comfortable with the children poems, it’s time to try poetry written for teens and adults.
Here are some tips for reading adult poetry.
1. Start with haikus
A haiku is a special type of poem that contains 17 syllables in three lines. They are short and each word has a very important purpose.
2. Take it slow
Poems are not about going fast. In fact, poetry is meant to be read slowly. It should be a journey that you enjoy.
3. Learn the rhythm
Many poems read like songs. Authors follow a certain set of sound rules, which give the poems structure. Start with Robert Frost, a modern poet known for using English grammar to create beautiful poems.
4. Read modern poetry
The older the poem, the older the English. Stick to modern poetry in order to learn phrases useful for your English learning. Try poets such as Sylvia Plath, Don Paterson, T.S. Eliot, or Allen Ginsberg.
