ACT's YouTube Live Session Explored Poetry's Impact on Children's Emotional Learning

Asian College of Teachers (ACT) hosted an enlightening YouTube live session on the ‘Impact of poetry on the emotional learning of children’ on 22nd June 2023. The session featured Ms. Nishi Pulugurtha, an associate professor at Brahmananda Keshab Chandra College, Kolkata besides being an accomplished author/poet. Ms. Pulugurtha is also the Secretary of the Intercultural Poetry and Performance Library in Kolkata and holds membership in the Advisory Board of the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India, Calcutta Chapter.

The session delved into the profound impact of poetry on children and explored the significance of emotions in their development. Ms. Pulugurtha covered various aspects, including the role of the conscious mind, the passage of time, the careful selection of words, and the importance of writing and empathy in poetry. The session also highlighted the distinct qualities of poetry compared to prose, emphasizing the use of the right words to convey powerful messages. Furthermore, Ms. Pulugurtha discussed the relevance of poetry in education, shedding light on how it can cultivate empathy, encourage introspection, and foster creative expression. She showcased the interplay between poetry and mathematics, showcasing how abstract ideas and metaphors can be effectively conveyed through poetic techniques. The session provided practical exercises and emphasized the importance of poetry reading sessions, as well as the development of one's own poetic style. Ms. Pulugurtha emphasized that poetry extends beyond writing, serving as a tool to explore different perceptions and sensibilities.

In her message to future educators, Ms. Pulugurtha highlighted the vital role they play in encouraging their children's writing journey and nurturing their love for poetry. The session concluded with a reminder of the lasting impact poetry can have on emotional learning and personal growth. The live session proved to be a valuable resource for aspiring as well as working educators, as it unveiled the power of poetry in enhancing children's emotional intelligence and enriching their educational experiences.