FI_Lion Line_9/5/25
9/5/25
Dear Lion Family,
I can hardly believe the month of August is already behind us, and we are starting to feel a touch of fall in the air. In just a few short weeks, our scholars have settled into their classroom routines, and it is a joy to witness their learning and discoveries each day.
Have you practiced your first poem at home yet? Beginning in kindergarten, our scholars memorize and recite poetry as part of their classical education.
Why do our scholars memorize and recite poetry? Research shows that this practice strengthens memory recall, focus, and language skills, giving children tools they will use across every subject.
Speaking poems aloud also builds confidence in public speaking and helps scholars learn how to communicate with clarity. Just as importantly, memorizing gives them a collection of beautiful words and ideas that shape their imagination and character, providing language they can carry with them for a lifetime.
Recitation isn’t about rote memorization for its own sake — it’s about building the mental tools scholars need to think clearly, speak confidently, and appreciate the beauty of our language.
You can support your child at home by listening to them recite a few lines each night, encouraging them to speak with inflection and clarity, and celebrating their progress.
Some families find it helpful to post the poem on the refrigerator, practice in the car, or take turns reciting lines together. Your encouragement makes a big difference and helps build both skill and confidence.
