It is no coincidence that lyrical poetry has always held a unique allure, especially for those with a love for the arts. But how can elementary school students truly grasp the profound beauty woven into every word and stanza of lyrical poetry? How can they feel the melancholy in Qua Deo Ngang, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, appreciate the natural beauty in Canh Khuya, Ho Chi Minh, or sense the wistfulness in Song Lap, Tran Te Xuong? This is no easy journey, but it is one filled with creativity and wonder – a journey that the teachers and students of Dewey Ocean Park have embarked on together.
The lyrical poetry workshop, “A Whisper of Something Undefined – Echoing Through the Heavens and Earth,” marked a significant milestone. It was more than just a lesson; it was a rich literary experience, leaving a lasting impression on every student. Instead of passively listening to lectures, Dewey students actively participated in every step of the learning process, from content preparation and presentation to group discussions. This not only transformed them into active learners but also sparked their critical thinking and creativity.
With the enthusiastic guidance of their teachers, students were meticulously supported in exploring authors, works, and poems using diverse resources. This process helped them develop essential research and information synthesis skills, which are critical for lifelong learning. Before the workshop, 4Sydney students dedicated two class periods to reflecting, researching, and writing thoughtful analyses of their favorite lyrical poems. Each poem became a vibrant portrait of the students’ inner worlds, enabling them to not only understand the lives of the poets but also uncover the profound emotions and contemplations that the poets poured into their verses.
Through the study and analysis of literary works starting in elementary school, students not only gain an understanding of poetic content but also recognize the historical context, ideology, and writing style of the authors. This early exposure helps them develop strong literary analysis skills from a young age. More importantly, each student experiences the anxiety and hope conveyed by the authors in every word, fostering a profound sense of empathy for the creators.
Witnessing each student stand before the class to present their reflections on poetry, teacher Le Anh Dao could not hide her emotions as she shared: “I was overwhelmed with pride and emotion during today’s workshop. I truly felt a strong connection as the students took the lead in guiding the discussion and linked their own emotions to those of the poets. They not only absorbed knowledge but also learned to listen, respect the opinions of their peers, and, more importantly, empathize and understand the sentiments and concerns expressed by the poets in their verses.”