For many students, poetry can seem intimidating and inaccessible. With its complex language, obscure references, and ambiguous meanings, it’s no wonder many young people feel intimidated by this art form. However, discovering the beauty and power of poetry doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Saginthesunforever stated that One of the best ways to help students appreciate poetry is to encourage them to find it in their everyday language. Everyday language is the language we use in our daily lives – the words, phrases, and expressions we use to communicate. While it may not seem the most poetic language at first glance, everyday language is full of poetry. From the rhythm and melody of our speech to the metaphors and symbolism we use to describe our experiences, simple language is a rich source of poetic inspiration.

One of the best ways to help students find poetry in everyday language is to encourage them to pay close attention to the language they use and hear around them. This can involve reading poems that use simple language as their inspiration, as well as analyzing popular songs, movies, and TV shows for poetic elements. For example, despite their seemingly simple language, Bob Dylan’s lyrics are often praised for their poetic quality. His song “Blowin’ in the Wind” uses everyday language to ask profound questions about war, peace, and justice:

“How many roads must a man walk down Before you call him a man? How many seas must a white dove sail Before she sleeps in the sand? Yes, and how many times must the cannon balls fly Before they’re forever banned?” By studying Dylan’s lyrics, students can learn to appreciate how everyday language can be used to convey deep and meaningful ideas. Likewise, analyzing popular culture can be a powerful way to help students discover poetry in everyday language. For example, the TV show “Breaking Bad” is known for its dramatic storytelling and robust character development. However, it’s also full of poetic elements, from the symbolism of the blue crystal meth to the rich metaphors used to describe the characters’ struggles.

Encouraging students to analyze these poetic elements in popular culture can help them develop a deeper appreciation for the power of language and how poetry can be found in unexpected places. Another way to help students find poetry in everyday language is to encourage them to write poems using simple language as inspiration. This can involve writing about their experiences, using concrete images and vivid descriptions to bring their words to life. For example, a student might write a poem about the feeling of the sun on their face on a warm summer day:

“The sun kisses my cheeks. As I bask in its warm embrace, I close my eyes and breathe deeply, Feeling alive, free.” By encouraging students to write their poetry, teachers can help them discover the power and beauty of everyday language while also giving them a creative outlet for self-expression. Overall, helping students find poetry in everyday language is a powerful way to introduce them to the art form and encourage them to develop a lifelong appreciation for the power of speech. By analyzing poems, songs, movies, and TV shows for poetic elements and encouraging students to write their poetry, teachers can help young people discover the magic and beauty of everyday language and inspire them to explore the world around them with fresh eyes and an open heart.