There is no doubt that rhythm and rhyme are valuable tools in
terms of developing vocabulary. Michael Gove has just announced
that, from Year 1, five-year-old children will be read poems by
their teacher as well as 'starting to learn simple poems by
heart and practise recitals'. For Year 2 pupils should continue
to 'build up a repertoire of poems learnt by heart and recite
some of these with appropriate intonation to make the meaning
clear'. I am sure many teachers recognise this already but it is
hoped that the directive will also highlight the broader agenda
- not only where poetry can take the reader but the essential
aspect of learning by enjoyable and creative ways means. It has
long been recognised that poetry is a valuable device for
introducing new words in isolation - such as 'contrary' in 'Mary
Mary' but it is the 'garden of silver bells and cockle shells'
that will fire the creative imagination and inspired teachers no
doubt take the form further by looking at the enthralling
stories borne out of t