Mama’s Magic: Poetry Tea Time
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One of our very favorite activities, that we don’t do enough of, is Poetry Tea Time. Poetry Tea Time is a wonderful way to slow down, enjoy time together without being focused on academics while still learning. It is exactly what it sounds like: a drink, a snack and, of course, picture books. It has a magic of its own, it is like a mama’s magic wand to bring a feast of both food and literature to life.
Tea Time basics: set the stage
Just to set the record straight, we do not use Tea Time just for poetry but for a myriad of occasions, therefore from here on out I will just call it Tea Time.
Tea Time is really meant to be a peaceful, enjoyable time, creating family memories and reading together. We usually brew something to drink. We always have food. And of course there are picture books. We put a fresh tablecloth on the table, if we will be having Tea Time at the table. The nice tea cups are set out, no matter the beverage, otherwise we could not call it “Tea Time”. We use real plates. Then we will all sit at the table, and read one or two or all of the books brought to the table while enjoying our drinks and snacks. Sometimes we will light candles, other times we will sit on the back patio enjoying the heat of the day in the shade. Sometimes we play music, especially if we are celebrating a composer, other times we listen to the grasshoppers. It is a relaxed moment to enjoy all together.

Tea Time basics: drinks
Anything will do, from lemonade to tea and hot cocoa. I am VERY partial to tea, but do accommodate the kids’ less refined tastes, lol! We have had a little of everything depending if our Tea Time is themed or not, see more below. If it is a themed Tea Time then we will have something that goes along with the theme, for example if we have a Lewis Carroll Tea Time, there will be tea, in a fancy teapot. But if we are having a Bear Tea Time, because we just read Winnie-the-Pooh, then milk and honey will be more appropriate. I list several resources at the end of this post.
Tea Time basics: foods
This is usually the most important part. Right now I have a 10 year old on a baking kick so it’s easy, I just need to place an order in the morning and the goods will be delivered by Tea Time. But otherwise anything will do, from freshly baked goodies to ice cream or store bought cookies. Again, if we are having a themed Tea Time we will stick to our theme: maybe some heart shaped cookies for Lewis Carroll. Some granola and fruits would suit Winnie-the-Pooh, as long as it is drizzled with honey. Your imagination (and Pinterest board, lol) are the limit. Involve your children in both the ideas and the baking. I know that can make it a little more stressful but it is worth it to create wonderful family memories.

Tea Time basics: books
My favorite part! Usually picture books, sometimes chapter books. If we are celebrating Lewis Carroll’s birthday chances are good that we might be reading Alice in Wonderland, or a picture book biography of Lewis Carroll such as One Fun Day with Lewis Carroll: A Celebration of Wordplay and a Girl Named Alice, by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Julia Sarda. It really all depends on what we are doing: a themed Tea Time or a reset Tea Time or a just because Tea Time. We have had Tea Time without books, and played a board game instead or built a puzzle. Tea Time is an opportunity to come together and enjoy each others’ company. And, yes, it’s even better if it can bring a few school things together but it doesn’t have to.
Themed Tea Time
A themed Tea Time is one that is planned and prepared for ahead of time. It is usually the culmination of a unit study or the celebration of someone’s birthday. For example, on January 27th it is Lewis Carroll’s birthday and in order to celebrate we usually have a fairly decadent Tea Time. Another decadent Tea Time will be repeated on March 2nd for Ted Geisel’s birthday, that’s Dr. Seuss. But a themed Tea Time could be celebrating the end of our Civil War unit study or the end of a botanical study. Everything and every topic is an opportunity to celebrate, let’s be honest. It is amazing how much more our children retain when we celebrate. In the Monthly Booklists I share many ideas and resources for opportunities to create memory-making Tea Times.

Reset Tea Time
These Tea Times are more spur-of-the-moment occasions. When I can feel that we are entrenched in a boring routine, that nothing fun has popped up in a while, everyone is grouchy, or the February Blues are entrenched, then I spring a Reset Tea Time on everyone. It’s my magic wand. We will do with what we have on hand as far as snacks and drinks, and everyone who wishes will bring a book to the table. It can be any book from a chapter book with a favorite passage, to a board book that the toddler loves best at the moment. Sometimes no books are involved, just drinks, food and a puzzle, or a board game, or a good chat. These are often the best Tea Times we have had.
Liturgical Year Tea Time
We really enjoy celebrating the life of the saints with a Tea Time as well. Lately it has been moved to dessert after dinner so that Dad could participate. We follow the same pattern as for the other themed Tea Times. The picture book is a biography of the saint being celebrated. The food and drink are usually related to that saint, as well. So on the feast of Saint Bridget of Ireland (February 1st) we usually read a picture book on the life of Saint Bridget: Brigid’s Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story, by Bryce Milligan, illustrated by Ellen Cann. It is accompanied by Irish Soda Bread and butter as well as tea, very simple!

Where the idea came from
Julie Bogart, of Brave Writer, is probably the person anyone would point to as the founder of the Poetry Tea Time Movement, and rightly so. Her Brave Writer lifestyle has definitely inspired me. I just took it a little further. I am not limiting it to poetry, hence “Tea Time” instead of “Poetry Tea Time”. But when you search for ideas online, make sure to look for “Poetry Tea Time” for the best possible results. I have always loved the Brave Writer lifestyle, and a lot of my philosophy of education is my own twist on it, and on Charlotte Mason. I have taken these two models, and others, and adapted them to work for my family. As it would not be worth it if it didn’t. Tea Time is not any different. We have had seasons when we were very diligent on having a monthly Tea Time. And other seasons when there were no Tea Times. Sometimes I forget I have this magic wand at my disposal. But when we do it regularly, the magic of family and good times just materializes. It is not to be underestimated.
A final note
As magical as it can be, there are seasons in life when Tea Time is just the last straw. There are other seasons when it is a life saver, after all everyone has their mouth full and you might actually be able to read for more than 30 seconds without being interrupted. No matter what, it is a mama’s magic wand, so adjust it to fit your season, your life and your family. Enjoy it, make memories and rejoice in these times with your family.

- Create Your Own Alice & the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party by Lewis Carroll
- Once Upon a Recipe, by Karen Greene
- Poetry Tea Time, Julie Bogart
- A Daily Picture Book Pinterest Tea Time Pinterest Board
- Mondays with Mary by Meredith Henning
- Catholic Mosaic by Cay Gibson
- Catholic Cuisine
- Shower of Roses

Thanks for the inspiration! I love the idea of celebrating saints after dinner with dad!
It has been so good to celebrate the saints as a family at dinner time! We have often expanded into ethnic food for dinner depending on the saints and the recipes available. Hoping to expand on that soon 😉