Using a unique and long forgotten authentic material in the efl/esl classroom: Poetry

Abstract

No doubt one of the everlasting concerns of EFL/ESL teachers is to re-examine and improve teaching tools and practices to meet the needs of their students. This article portrays how poetry, a very genuine and authentic text, can enrich students' language experience. My own teaching observations and students' positive feedback, all proved that poetry can enrich emotional response, imaginative power and creativity in the language learners. Thus it increases their engagement and involvement. There are over hundred original ideas for working with poetry in the language classroom. These highly motivational activities and exercises encourage students to express their inner thoughts and feelings in English. No doubt these classroom activities and practices can improve students' language skills. This article provides a sample of a poem worksheet that includes four skills activities: reading, writing, speaking and listening.