Children and poetry are a natural fit. They rhythm and language of poetry makes it perfect for reading aloud to your child. Children's poetry is silly and fun, and a book of children's poetry will be a favorite at bedtime or anytime. Don't underestimate your child's ability to respond to more serious poetry also. A brief poem will teach a child to relate words and feelings more quickly than will a narrative or story. To introduce your child to the world of poetry, your first stop should be the bookstore. Pick a book that has a variety of children's poetry. Poems are quick reading, and you'll want a good selection to find your child's favorites.
Then, take the next step to teach your child to memorize poetry. It's a great learning and memory-building technique, and your child will feel a sense of accomplishment reciting the poetry. In our town, we have an 'Open Mic' night at a local restaurant. Along with the musical performances, adults and children recite both original and memorized poetry. It's always a magical evening for everyone. You can incorporate this at home also. If you plan a Family Performance Night, let your non-singers prepare to recite a favorite poem from memory.
Favorite Books and Authors of Children's Poetry
You can't go wrong with these essential books of children's poetry.
- Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young by Jack Prelutsky, illus. Marc Brown
- The Random House Book of Poetry for Children by Jack Prelutsky, illus. Arnold Lobel
- The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury by Jack Prelutsky, illus. Meilo So
- Shel Silverstein 3-Book Set (includes Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up)
- Top 10 Children's Poetry Books from About Children's Books
- Top 5 Books of Rhymes for Little Ones from About Children's Books
At-Home Activities with Children's Poetry
Deepen your child's interest in poetry with some at-home activities suggested by educators, poets, and parents.
- Celebrate Poetry at the Kristine O'Connell George web site
- Elementary Activities for National Poetry Month from Scholastic
- Poetry Matters, an engaging book that teaches 8-12 year olds how to write poetry -reviewed at About Children's Books
- Poetry for Young People - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow for older children to explore historical poetry such as The Song of Hiawatha and Paul Revere's Ride
- Ten Tips for Kids on Writing Poetry wise advice from Marilyn Singer, who writes wonderful children's poetry about the natural world - so far, earth, water, and fire!
- Poetry Idea Engine for Kids from Scholastic
Children's Poetry on the Web
Find children's poetry and new books and poets online. Some are printable, or you can copy and paste into a word/art program for educational use at home.
- Runny Babbit at ShelSilverstein.com
- Animal Sense at DianeAckerman.com
- Giggle Poetry online home of Bruce Lansky
- Poetry4Kids online home of Kenn Nesbitt
- Poetry for Upper Elementary Students find classic children's poetry in simple text form from
- All Dr. Seuss from About Homeschooling
- PoemHunter.com texts of classic poetry for children
