Children are drawn to poetry by its rhythm, rhyme, and repetition. A poetry program in the classroom can expand children's language experience, teach listening and speaking skills, and serve as a source of ideas for discussion. One very effective poetry program involves readings, discussions, practice sessions, and recitals. In the first week, a poem is read aloud several times by the teacher, and discussed. Once the class knows the poem well by ear, the poems are distributed on paper. After a month, each child prepares to present one of the poems to the class. During practice sessions prior to the recital, the teacher works with individuals or small groups on expression and phrasing. Supplementary activities include dramatizing poetry, and team contests testing knowledge of authors, titles, and content of poems. Repeated exposure to poetry is a good source of vocabulary and literary technique that can be valuable to children's prose writing and speech. Recitals can diminish fear of public speaking and instill a sense of pride in children. Children are also capable of thoughtfully discussing the serious themes in poetry. Poetry will likely be with children long after they have forgotten other skills. (A brief list of poetry anthologies is included.) (HTH)