ABSTRACT

Poetry is an integral and essential part of our existence as human beings. It is at the heart of our emotional being. It is used at times of great joy and great sadness. It is used to celebrate many special occasions and it can offer a new outlook on social problems as well as on the wonders of creation. Cultures across the world have their own strong traditions and we need to be aware of these as we work with diverse societies and children from many different ethnic backgrounds. Oral storytelling in verse began with the Greek myths. The Japanese have an age old tradition of haiku verse. Indian songs, black raps and folksongs from around the world all use poetry, both rhyming and non rhyming.