Holy Cow Batman! Ethan Recites His First Poem.

Ethan astounded us today! He recited the poem “Friends” in front of all his friends at preschool. He wasn’t expected to do this, it kind of just happened. Let me take you back a few weeks so you get the whole picture here.

At the start of Ethan’s preschool year, his teacher passed out the poem “Friends” to everyone. New to the curriculum this year is exposing the children to different poems. For the past couple weeks, Laura, and sometimes me, would read the poem to Ethan. He mostly listened but would occasionally recite the first stanza or say the last words of each line. We wanted him to become familiar with the poem and how it flowed, not memorize the entire thing.

Last week while we were visiting Laura’s parents, Laura started to say the poem and, after the first line, Ethan finished the poem. We were a bit shocked since we didn’t know he had the entire poem memorized. Of course we were impressed with how well he had remember the poem and let him know.

Today at preschool, Laura informed his teacher that Ethan really liked the poem and may be able to share it for his class, but don’t be surprised if he pulls the shy guy routine. During class sharing time, the teacher asked Ethan if he’d like to recite it for everyone. From our understanding he stood up and nailed it. Very cool! Here’s the poem.

Friends

By Abbie Farwell Brown

How good to lie a little while
And look up through the tree!
The Sky is like a kind big smile
Bent sweetly over me.

The Sunshine flickers through the lace
Of leaves above my head,
And kisses me upon the face
Like Mother, before bed.

The Wind comes stealing o’er the grass
To whisper pretty things;
And though I cannot see him pass,
I feel his careful wings.

So many gentle Friends are near
Whom one can scarcely see,
A child should never feel a fear,
Wherever he may be.

Why are we happy for Ethan on this great accomplishment for a 4-year old? There are a few reasons.

He showed a lot of confidence to stand up and recite this poem in front of his friends at school. It showed how comfortable he was and we’re glad to see this.

He showed an interest in poetry by listening and reciting the poem. We’ve exposed him to nursury rhymes and he loves them. The past 4 or 5 months he has kept on trying to make words rhyme, even making up his own. It’s great to see how his interests evolve.

Lastly, we’re proud of his ability to memorize the poem, not through flashcards and sit down and study methods, but through basic read aloud as we have time methods. There was no methodical approach here. Him reciting this piece was an extra bonus. We didn’t know he had it in him.

Good job buddy!