http://www.mensaforkids.org/read/a-year-of-living-poetically/
How to memorize a poem in a few simple steps (really)
- Read through the poem carefully and slowly and out loud. It's okay if you don't get it all right away. Just read it, letting the language flow out of your mouth.
- Copy the poem over in your own handwriting, writing on every other line. Try to keep the lines and stanzas on your paper the same as in the original poem.
- Read the poem out loud again.
- Using an index card or a piece of paper, cover up all of the poem except the first line. Say that line over to yourself three times. Now, gaze off into space for a moment and try to say the line from memory.
- Repeat this with the rest of the lines in the stanza, saying the lines you have already worked on, too. If the poem is not divided into stanzas, divide it yourself into groups of three or four lines.
- Once you have one stanza down, go to the next one, again working line by line.
- Put those two stanzas together, and then move on. Repeat this until you reach the end of the poem.
- You will think you have it down pat, and you will be wrong. It will take practice to move this information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory. To practice, follow the ideas below:
- write the first letter of each word on an index card and practice with the card, using the letters to prompt you
- record yourself reading the poem and listen to it (if you can load it on an iPod or MP3 player, that is awesome practice)
- say the poem out loud when you are walking by yourself
- recite to your parents (serious brownie points)
- say it while you are in the shower, drying your hair, or exercising (repetitive motion like a foot striking the track will help get the pattern of the poem in your mind)
- write it out over and over
- think it to yourself when you are bored in class
Using these simple steps and techniques, you will be able to learn the poem without too much difficulty. You already know the lyrics to about a bazillion songs. All songs are is poetry. You can do it. Take the time to practice it. Really try to learn it.
This plan contains suggested poems for memorization, along with an explanation of the poem, study helps and review sheets. It also contains suggestions for further memorization and resources to develop your relationship with poetry. The poems do not need to be memorized in any particular order.
Additional Poetry Resources
Books
- Committed to Memory: 100 Best Poems to Memorize by John Hollander
- Ten Poems to Last a Lifetime by Roger Housden
- The Best-Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by Caroline Kennedy
Web Resources
General Poetry Resource:
Poetry Recitation Competition:
Poetry for Schools: This site has poems specifically selected by former Poet Laureate of the United States Billy Collins to be used in schools. The “180” in the title stands for the 180-day school year.
