Parents' Guide to

Poems by Heart from Penguin Classics

By Stacy Zeiger, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Memorize and recite poems with handy but limited app.

Poems by Heart from Penguin Classics Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

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In an age that encourages critical thinking and analysis, poem recitation and memorization may seem like a lost art. However, it may still benefit some kids or serve as an opportunity to help them learn poems to recite for special occasions. The app itself does a good job of helping kids memorize the poems, taking them line by line and increasing in difficulty as they learn more and more of each poem. However, simply memorizing the poem doesn't mean kids will understand it. Adding a brief analysis of each poem or even the opportunity to look up the definitions of words could help kids grasp a poem's meaning, which, in turn, could make memorizing easier.

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
  • Subjects: Language & Reading : presenting to others, reading, speaking
  • Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : memorization, Self-Direction : work to achieve goals, Communication : conveying messages effectively, listening, multiple forms of expression, presenting, speaking
  • Pricing structure: Free (Only includes a few poems. Additional poems available through in-app purchase both individually and as sets.)
  • Release date: December 12, 2013
  • Category: Education
  • Publisher: Penguin Group USA
  • Version: 2.0
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.3 or later
  • Last updated: August 16, 2016

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