My daughters and I held our first Tuesday Teatime today. They were so excited even though they really weren’t sure what it would involve. Indiana, age five, and Austin, age three, took turns picking poems for me to read based on the titles and pictures. It lasted for about eight minutes, but was definitely worth it. The build up and cake making were all part of the experience. We are all looking forward to next Tuesday!
Thank you,
Brittany
Poetry and teatime is one if our favorites! Anytime there is tea involved I’m in. The boon we discovered is that teatime kept our three old quiet for us to do some reading aloud.
Take care,
Fatima
We have a poetry teatime every second Tuesday, and any other day when the mood strikes. Sometimes Nanna or a friend joins us for an arty Tuesday and brings an extra measure of delight. Most of our previous poetry teatimes have been cosy shared readings, snuggled on the lounge with rugs and hot drinks. Our table (when visible) has been pretty, with a blue plate of scented candles and paua shells one week, a treasure box of old and foreign coins and notes another time, or a white platter of pressed fern decorated candles (made with friends) and driftwood and shells we collected.
This time, a pot of red tulips was the star attraction. I asked Jasmine (8) and Elijah (9) to play in the bedroom while I prepared a surprise. Earlier, I had surreptitiously cut wedges of watermelon (an unseasonal treat as it is Winter here) and arranged lamington fingers beside fresh strawberries. All that was left to prepare was laying the table … checked blue and white cloth to contrast with the bright red tulips, a pretty stack of books, plates, serviettes and our 11 languages water jug (made from a simple flask and permanent marker, it shows words used for water in other countries).
(The red book is “A Vision Splendid: The Complete Poetry of A. B. Banjo Paterson,” a gift from my Dad.)
The children, when invited in, were delighted and settled in to enjoy our first fancy poetry teatime for the term. We all love stories and are naturally drawn to ballads. I read “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” by Robert Browning while the children enjoyed the feast, then we listened to the recorded version of it on the CD which accompanies ‘A Child’s Introduction to Poetry.’ After some light limericks for dessert, we were full and ready to go out and play.
I loved the relaxed and animated conversations we had about the stories, words and rhythms of the poems we shared. Elijah made up a poem between readings … he suddenly started to say it, and I dearly wished I had a recording device handy, but could only listen and enjoy his moment of inspiration. It was like a sunset that, when you’re caught without a camera, all you can do is sit in awe of it’s momentary beauty. When it’s gone, you fumble trying to describe the colour, light and subtle movements of clouds. Next time I will have paper and pencils handy, and I may just sneak in my mobile phone … the trick will be knowing when to press ‘record.’
Best wishes,
Vanessa
Vanessa also writes a blog, Chrysalis Island, and she posted about her experience with Brave Writer. Check it out!
This is my daughter Kassidy aged 8 years. Kassidy and I just started enjoying Tuesday Tea time, and I have to say, we both look forward to it each week. We have been taking turns choosing and reading poetry and stories, and it has been a great opportunity, not only for us to unwind, but also for me to get to know the styles of writing and topics she is attracted too. We have expanded Tuesday Tea to include my husband, since he is working during “Tea Time,” he and Kassidy have started picking recipes, shopping for supplies, then baking our treat for tea on Sunday’s. It has been a great way for us to expand on the idea, get some extra “schooling” in and include Daddy.
We are loving your program, thank you so much
Laurie
Image by JaimeMorrow
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ~C.S. Lewis
