I have been trying to intentionally bring truth, goodness and beauty in our home this year as we continue our education (I say we because I'm learning alongside my kids - reclaiming my own education). When I heard about Julie Bogart's Poetry Tea Time idea I was immediately intrigued at the notion of pairing learning with tea/treats. Let me tell you…It has provided an atmosphere of learning that has had a tremendous effect on the attitudes, attentiveness, and creativity of my kids. They are pleasant (often times silly) and eager to read/hear the poetry choices. They make a huge effort to make the setting inviting and special.
A typical teatime for us includes the kids working together to set the table, choosing their poems to read aloud (or for me to read aloud in the case of my preschooler); and occasionally putting on some background music. My second grader will even request tea with me when we’re working on a subject lesson (most often Grammar). Most recently, though, we’ve brought in my Belizean culture and I’m thrilled that I get to share that with them. Every Tea Time looks different but it is always guaranteed enjoyment by all.
One morning this week was special because my parents are visiting from Belize. Being once a British colony, Belize adapted the idea of ‘Tea’ from Britain but portray it in a slightly different way. Belizeans have two tea times that are more small meals: one in the morning and one in the evening. Tea usually includes tea or other hot beverage, some type of homemade baked item (Fry Jack, Powda Bun, Johnny Cake), and something savory like cheese, eggs, and/or beans. So, after enjoying some delicious Fry Jacks (less dense version of a beignet) that my mom prepared; and, some apple juice, we read some inspirational poems from "God’s Wisdom for Little Boys" and "God’s Wisdom for Little Girls". We try to embark on our day’s happenings by filling our hearts with God’s Word. Poetry Tea Time was a perfect atmosphere for doing that this morning.
My mind is constantly racing with ideas for Poetry Tea Time. I have been gathering poetry from my home country (Belize) appropriate to read to my kids. Belize Kriol is occasionally spoken in my household so my kids are often exposed to it. But what was once a dialect has recently become an official language; therefore, reading the ones written in Kriol might take some rehearsal. We’re looking forward to involving my parents more. Maybe the kids can help my mom make some more delicious Belizean treats.
So here’s the thing: if I could I would probably have Poetry Tea Time EVERY DAY!!! I just love seeing my children laugh at Jack Prelutsky’s poems; illustrate Langston Hughes’ "In Time of Silver Rain"; and create poetry of their own. It is guaranteed enjoyment by all. And I’ll tell you a little secret: when I have my own work to do, I brew myself a pot of tea, grab a little something sweet to eat and light a candle. These quick, simple elements provide me with the atmosphere to stay focused. I hope my kids continue this even when they’re grown; I hope they develop an appreciation for their cultural heritage; I hope they find joy in learning; I hope they remember these times of togetherness.
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