The Ring of Words : An Anthology of Poetry for Children
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
Roger McGough's The Ring of Words is a perfect introduction to the pleasures of poetry. His selection is wonderfully varied, drawing on classic and contemporary poets, and illustrates, if there were any doubters, just how relevant poetry is to our lives. The poems are, in one way or another, about growing up: placing ourselves in the world around us and discovering the imaginative world in our own heads. There are poems of exhilaration and poems of sadness, poems that ambush us with the unexpected (and make us think about something all over again) and poems that make us laugh out loud. Whether about secret passions or shared enthusiasms, dreams of escape or longing for home, each of the poems has its own ring of truth which will resound in readers of all ages. The book has been beautifully illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura, whose distinctive and quirky style makes the book a feast for the eye as well as the ear.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem was your favorite and why did it stand out to you?
How do the images in the poems make you feel? Can you describe them using your own words?
Do you think the poems tell a story? What story do they tell you?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way as a character in one of the poems?
If you could write a poem, what would it be about and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading a poem together, then ask your child to pick another that resonates with them. Discuss what makes it special.
Encourage your child to visualize and draw scenes or characters described in the poems to deepen their understanding and engagement.
Relate themes or emotions from the poems to personal experiences that your child may have had, enhancing their emotional connection.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free reading environment to help your child focus and reflect on the poetry.
Ask your child to create their own poem inspired by their favorite one from the book, discussing the thoughts and feelings they want to express.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the diverse range of poems, children are exposed to different perspectives and emotions, allowing them to empathize with the feelings and experiences of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in their interactions with peers, fostering stronger friendships and social connections by appreciating diverse viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The anthology encourages children to engage with language creatively, showing them the beauty and power of words through poetry.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to express their own thoughts and feelings more confidently through creative writing or verbal expression.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Literature
Explanation: By presenting poetry in an accessible and engaging way, this book helps develop a lifelong appreciation for literary arts among young readers.
Real-World Application: This appreciation can lead to continued interest in reading and literature, enhancing literacy skills and academic performance.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The collection includes poems from various cultures, providing a glimpse into different traditions and values.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and celebrate cultural diversity, which is crucial in our interconnected global society.