[Tea] How to Have a Poetry Teatime

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Cincinnati, June 24, 2023

Hi Friend,

If you haven't heard of "poetry teatime" before, you are in for a treat!

This is THE practice that transforms so many homeschools.

It's the magic you seek for a subject you value!

Here's how to have a Poetry Teatime.

The Preparation

Buy tea or other beverages.

PG Tips if you like British tea
Black tea from the supermarket works too
Herbal teas are also lovely
Any special beverage will do

Purchase/make a treat.

Cookies
Scones
Muffins
Toast and jam
Sliced fruit
Tea sandwiches

Lay a fresh tablecloth before teatime

Hint: you can throw a clean bed sheet over the table.
Placemats work just as well.

Use nice ceramics if you have them.

Cream pot for milk
Sugar bowl
Little bowl with a spoon for jam
A mug or cup for each person
Small plates
Napkins (cloth are extra special)
And a teaspoon and knife at each place setting

A centerpiece is a plus.

Flowers
Decorate a colorful plate with moss and leaves
Grouping of candles
Trinkets like marbles and old pearl necklaces
Add little dolls to a scene
Spare teapot filled with flowers

Keep a stock of poetry books in the house. More on books in a future email, but anything by Jack Prelutsky is highly recommended. You might also bring the current read aloud to the table.

The Process

At the start of teatime, everyone selects a poetry book and brings it to the table. While you boil the hot water to steep the tea, encourage the kids to hunt through the books for the poem they will share.

Begin by pouring tea for everyone. Take time to add sugar/honey and milk. Pass the cookies/muffins around. Cut them open and add butter and jam.

Once everyone has their tea and food, reading can begin. Ask for a volunteer to start. Each child will read one poem (or a parent can read the poem for the pre-reader that she selected based on pictures!). Each person may read one or two poems (depending on length). There is no need to analyze the poem. This is a delight-driven practice. Enjoy the poem. Laugh at its humor, enjoy its rhythm, listen to the rhyme. It’s okay to comment, but it’s not required.

Feel free to offer more tea and food. You may even enjoy reading aloud from your chapter book. (I usually did the reading while the kids did the eating and sipping.)

When you finish teatime, each person brings their plate and cup to the sink, rinses and puts them in the dishwasher (if you have one). Candles are extinguished, the tablecloth is shaken out and folded, and the centerpiece is removed (or left out).

Be sure to follow along on our Instagram account where we feature your poetry teatimes!

For additional ideas about poetry teatime, you can also visit our website: Poetry Teatime.

Warmly,

P.S. Catch up on all the “Tea with Julie” emails here!