Poetry And Cognitive Development

Poetry and cognitive development

When many think of ballet their minds may typically think of movements to classical music. Although this may be how Ballet has been traditionally explored, this may be a hindrance for many wanting to pursue ballet if music is not promoted or encouraged within their faith. Grace and Poise is the first ever ballet school to offer a ballet to poetry syllabus. Not a note of music is used, yet the rhythm and flow is still achieved by the use of spoken word in the form of valuable poetry.

In this blog, we will look at the benefits of poetry and how it aids with cognitive development.

What is cognitive development?

Cognitive development refers to the growth of an individual’s ability to think, explore and problem solve. It is the structuring of thought processes which includes remembering and decision making. It starts as soon as a child is born and continues on into adulthood. It helps us to understand and learn about the world around us.

Language and memory, amongst many others, are areas that contribute towards cognitive development. This is where the value of poetry can be seen.

1. Poetry boosts memory and engages the mind

The pattern of poetry, the use of rhythmic words and short, snappy sentences have been known to activate parts of the brain that had been in ‘daydreaming’ mode. Poetry usually sticks easily  in a person's mind  as it can be said over and over again and the flow and rhythm often becomes  easily absorbed. This is evidently clear in ballet classes run at Grace and Poise. A poem can be played just once and some students will have memorised it unknowingly by the next session. When the words of a poem are played, the ears listen and  the mind is engaged and focused, the child experiences and embodied connection to themes, emotions, and poetic structures as they connect and explore poetry by responding with movement and expression

2. Poetry helps with listening, reading and writing skills

Listening to or reading a poem can often ignite an unknown talent where a child may want to write their own poem. This leads to an exploration of language, thus increasing vocabulary and enhancing literacy and reading skills. Writing poetry can help express ideas and feelings which not only foster creativity but can also be therapeutic. It gives a child the opportunity to arrange and revise their ideas which help with constructing their own thought processes. This goes on to help them form their own views of the world around them and how it works.

3. Poetry encourages ‘thinking outside of the box’

One single poem can be interpreted in so many different ways. The beauty of this is that there is no right or wrong meaning/interpretation.  Poems can often be discussed and this is a great opportunity for children to show appreciation and acceptance of other people’s ideas. All of the above allow a child to think outside of the box and form their own opinions. This encourages them to not follow a single narrative that is fed to them.

Poetry is a graceful art form which brings nothing but positivity to a person’s cognitive development. Coupled with the physical and emotional benefits of ballet, a child will be immersed in an environment that will engage their mind, promote confidence, teach respect for others ideas as well as enhance literacy, reading and writing skills. Grace and Poise offer all of this within their classes where each child has the opportunity to spark their imagination and thrive within themselves.

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