POEMS THAT TOUCH THE HEART: DEVELOPING CHILD CHARACTER THROUGH READING OF POETRY

Though the poetry within these pages will cause adults to wax nostalgic, it was with children in mind that poems were selected, for appreciation for poetry is a really important part of childhood development.. Poetry influences children to think deeper about themselves, to take into account feelings and viewpoints of others, and become caring, friendly, and communicative people.. It is important that children are encouraged in reading of poetry, for poetry is the language of the soul, and may prove to have a profound influence in the quality of life of children as they mature into adulthood. . THE DR. BENJAMIN SPOCK OF CHILD CHARACTER DEVELOPMENTRichard W. Shivers is a veteran teacher of emotionally challenged and learning disabled children adjudicated to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, with character development being considered just as important a subject of study, if not more so, than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Mr. Shivers is the founder of Project Teddy Bear USA, a non-profit organization that has served as national inspiration for distribution of comfort teddy bears to abused and neglected children, and terminally-ill patients of all ages..