Poetry for Youngsters
October 10, 2009 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Parenting
I’ve discovered that youngsters enjoy poetry…reading it, listening to it and writing it. The other day, when I was substitute teaching, the first graders recited poetry from their reading book.
Image: sxc.hu
During story time, I read some of my poems from my story/poetry anthology, Tales of Adventure & Discovery. Often I teach poetry workshops for youngsters.
Frequently when youngsters attend a writing workshop, they want to write poetry. So I start with simple ones that don’t necessarily rhyme. However, some youngsters are very adept at rhyming, so automatically incorporate this into their writing.
I remember from my childhood, reading Robert Louis Stevenson’s poetry. Even now I can quote some of them. The other day, when substituting for the school librarian, I read a book about shadows to the kindergarten group. I found the words to Stevenson’s “My Shadow” coming to mind so I could recite it to the children. If I’d had more time, I would have had them recite it with me.
Do your children like poetry? Do you read poetry…silly, serious, seasonal and more to them? What are their (and your) favorite poetry and poets?
