Poetry Tea Time - A Montessori Approach to Grace and Courtesy, and Language

Montessori educators always look for opportunities to foster not only academic skills but also social grace and an appreciation for beauty in our world. One of my favorite activities that we engage in is Poetry Tea Time. This delightful gathering allows our children to practice grace and courtesy while immersing themselves in the joy of poetry.

Setting the Stage: The Purpose of Poetry Tea Time

Our Poetry Tea Time is not just about sipping tea; it’s about nurturing a child’s love for language, developing social manners, and creating a cozy environment where children feel valued and respected. As Maria Montessori beautifully said, “There can be no doubt of the fact that a child absorbs an enormous number of impressions from his environment and that external help given to this natural instinct kindles within him a lively enthusiasm.”

Our Poetry Tea Time serves as the perfect external help to spark that enthusiasm. It pairs the beauty of poetry with the gentle act of sharing tea, making it a memorable experience.

children sitting at a table reading books

Preparing for Tea Time

To set the scene, we begin by choosing a tranquil spot in our classroom—perhaps near a window where sunlight streams in and plants can gracefully sway in the gentle breeze. We gather simple tea cups, a pot of herbal tea, and a few delightful snacks. Each child has a special role in our tea preparation. They take turns serving tea and snacks, learning how to pass items carefully and politely.

Here are the steps we follow to prepare for our Tea Time:

Choose the Tea: We discuss different types of herbal teas and let the children decide which one to brew. Some may prefer chamomile, while others lean towards peppermint. Each choice creates a moment for discussion about flavors and preferences.
Setting the Table: Children learn to set the table thoughtfully, paying attention to the placement of cups, plates, and napkins. This practice encourages them to take care of their surroundings.
Table Manners: Before we begin, we gently remind our little ones about how to sit up straight, speak softly, and use “please” and “thank you.” We emphasize looking at the person who is speaking, which fosters connection and respect.

Choosing the Music

At our Poetry Tea Time, music is a fundamental element. Classical music can create a soothing atmosphere as we enjoy our snacks and poetry. Before we start, we explore different composers—perhaps Bach, Mozart, or Debussy. Children take turns choosing a piece of music that resonates with them. This not only allows them to express their musical preferences but also exposes them to various styles and genres.

Introducing Poetry

Once we are settled with our tea and music, we introduce poetry from poets around the globe. I love selecting poets whose work is simple yet profound, making it enjoyable for children to comprehend and relate to. Here are some of my recommendations:

Shel Silverstein: His playful language and whimsical themes capture children’s imaginations beautifully.
Langston Hughes: A key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes’s poetry conveys deep emotional resonance and social commentary, often exploring African American experiences.
Laura Elizabeth Richards: An accomplished poet and author, Richards is known for her imaginative children’s poetry and ability to blend whimsy with warmth.
Marsden Hartley: As a poet and painter, Hartley’s work often reflects personal and emotional depth, interwoven with vivid imagery and nature themes.
A.A. Milne: Known for his charming verses about Winnie the Pooh, his poems evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Langston Hughes: His poems resonate deeply with human emotions and dreams, and they are simple enough for young minds to grasp.
Emily Dickinson: While a bit more advanced, selected poems can offer rich discussions about nature and emotions, making them accessible for slightly older children.
Alexander Pushkin: Often referred to as the father of Russian literature, Pushkin’s poems are characterized by their lyrical beauty, rhythmic elegance, and captivating storytelling. His fairy tales and children’s poems, such as “The Tale of Tsar Saltan,” resonate with themes of adventure and morality.
Mikhail Lermontov: While primarily known for his more serious and romantic poetry, Lermontov’s work sometimes includes playful verses that can delight young readers. His ability to capture the spirit of nature and human emotions adds depth to his contributions to children’s literature.
Alexander Blok: Recognized for his symbolist poetry, Blok’s works often evoke a sense of mystery and beauty. While not specifically targeted at children, some of his simpler verses can appeal to younger audiences through their lyrical quality and exploration of themes like nature and dreams.
Korney Chukovsky: An iconic children’s author and poet, Chukovsky is celebrated for his playful, humorous verse and engaging stories, such as “The Monster” and “Tarakanishche,” which captivate young readers with their vivid imagery.
Agniya Barto: A beloved children’s poet, Barto wrote simple yet charming poems that explore the everyday life of children, fostering a sense of wonder and playfulness in works like “The Good-Natured Girl”.
Samuil Marshak: Known for his rhythmic and whimsical poetry for children, Marshak often incorporates themes of friendship and adventure, as seen in his collection of children’s poems and nursery rhymes.
Rachel Fields: An accomplished author and poet, Fields is known for her sensitive and imaginative storytelling, often exploring themes of childhood, nature, and the wonder of everyday life.
Valerie Waite: A contemporary poet whose works often reflect personal and social themes. Waite’s poetry tends to blend a conversational style with rich imagery, capturing the complexities of modern life.
Shel Silverstein: Celebrated for his whimsical and thought-provoking children’s poetry, Silverstein combines humor with life lessons, often accompanied by his own playful illustrations that enhance the narrative.
Barbara Vance: Recognized for her evocative and lyrical poetry, Vance’s work often intertwines themes of nature and emotion, showcasing a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexities of life.

Here is one of our favourites by Rachel Fields:

Something Told the Wild Geese

Something told the wild geese
It was time to go,
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, “snow.”

Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, “frost.”

All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.

Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly,
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.

Discussing Poems: The Structure of Our Tea Time

The structure of our Poetry Tea Time revolves around sharing and discussing poems, allowing each child the chance to engage with the material meaningfully. Here’s how we typically organize our time:

Reading Aloud: I start by reading a poem aloud to the children, using expressive voice and tone. This helps bring the poem to life.

Turn-Taking: After I read, I invite the children to take turns reading a poem they have selected. Each child can bring their poem or choose from the ones we’ve shared in class.

Discussing the Poems: After each reading, we pause to ask questions like:

What did you like about this poem?
How did it make you feel?
Can you picture the images the poet describes?
What words stood out to you?

This encourages thoughtful discussion and gives children a sense of ownership in the conversation.

Reciting Their Poems: To foster creativity, I encourage children to recite their own poems or make up a few lines. Each child can share a short poem they create, celebrating their unique voice.

Collaborative Poetry: We can also play a game where each child adds a line to a poem, creating a collaborative piece. When we start a poem, I might say a line and then pass it to the next child to continue. This activity ignites their imagination and teaches teamwork.

Rhyming Games: We often play rhyming games where the children think of words that rhyme with a chosen word. It can turn into a lively and amusing exercise, filled with giggles and surprises.

Connecting Poetry to Grace and Courtesy

As children engage in poetry, they are also practicing important lessons in grace and courtesy. Each turn to serve tea, to listen attentively, and to respond thoughtfully to each other mirrors the essence of respect and kindness. This aligns beautifully with the Montessori philosophy of fostering a child’s holistic development.

By experiencing beauty through poetry, aesthetics in the presentation of tea, and harmony through the music we play, children learn to appreciate the intricate connections in life. They develop a sense of wonder and gratitude for the world around them.

In our environment, children are busy absorbing impressions that shape their understanding of the world. Our Poetry Tea Time is a beautiful blend of nurturing grace and courtesy, allowing children to explore the enchanting world of poetry.

Through moments shared over tea, the laughter ignited by rhymes, and the heartfelt discussions we have, we build connections—both among ourselves and to the beauty of language. This simple yet profound experience fosters a love for learning and an appreciation for the arts.