A Whimsical Start to Learning Poems in Russian
Introduction: The Magic of Words
Objective: To introduce young learners to the enchanting world of poetry in the Russian language while sparking their curiosity and creativity.
Materials Needed:
- Colorful picture cards illustrating various emotions (happiness, sadness, surprise, etc.)
- Soft music playing in the background (optional)
- A cozy reading corner with cushions and soft lighting
The Lesson Begins: A Journey Through Emotions
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Create a Cozy Atmosphere:
- Gather students in a comfortable reading corner with soft cushions. Dim the lights slightly to set a cozy mood, if possible.
- Play soft instrumental music in the background to create a peaceful ambiance.
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Engaging Introduction:
- Start by saying, “Today, we are going to embark on a magical journey through the world of words! Have you ever felt something so strong that you just wanted to share it with everyone? That is the magic of poetry!”
- Invite the students to close their eyes and think about a time they felt very happy or very sad. Allow a few moments for reflection.
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Showing Picture Cards:
- Introduce the colorful picture cards. Show each card one by one, asking questions like:
- “What do you see?”
- “How does this picture make you feel?”
- Encourage students to express emotions using simple Russian words, such as счастливый (happy) or грустный (sad).
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Storytime to Introduce Poetry:
- Read a short, simple poem in Russian—something that evokes the emotions represented by the cards. Use expressive voice and gestures to engage the children. A classic, like A.A. Akhmatova's children's poems, might be suitable.
- As you read, pause after each line and ask, “What do you feel?” or “What do you think this means?”
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Interactive Discussion:
- After reading, gather responses from students about the emotions they felt. Discuss how poets use words to express feelings and paint pictures in our minds.
- Encourage them to share their own ideas about how they might write a short poem about something they love, such as their family, pets, or favorite colors.
Conclusion: Unleashing Creativity
- Finish the lesson by reassuring students that poetry can be fun and freeing. Explain that in the upcoming lessons, they will get to create their own little poems in Russian!
- With excitement, say, “Get ready to turn your thoughts and feelings into magical poems!”
Follow-Up Activity:
- Offer students a blank piece of paper where they can draw a picture that represents their favorite emotion. They can write a simple word or phrase in Russian to go with their art. This activity reinforces learning through creativity and personal expression.
By starting with engaging emotions and visual aids, this lesson not only introduces the concept of poetry but also fosters a sense of connection to language and self-expression, paving the way for a joyful exploration of Russian poetry.