World Poetry Day, which falls on March 21 each year, is a time for us to appreciate and celebrate poets and poetry from around the world. This is a great opportunity to introduce your learners to your favorite poetry or find some new poems to share.
Today, let’s focus on ways to bring poetry to life in your homeschool. From children’s poetry books to unit studies and hands-on activities, there are many fun ways to introduce your children to poetry.
World Poetry Day
Children’s Poetry Books
Fairy Poems by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Day and night, wherever we go, fairies are out dancing, painting, and creating joyous mischief for all who can see them. Laura Ingalls Wilder shares her vision of the fanciful, ethereal, and mischievous world of the “Little People” in this first-ever collection of fairy poems she wrote in 1915. Accompanied by whimsical illustrations, readers young and old will cherish this book for a lifetime.
Poems to Learn by Heart by Caroline Kennedy
There’s a poem to celebrate every moment in life-whether it’s hitting a home run, watching a sunset, or laughing with your best friend. A poem is a gift of the heart that can inspire, reassure, or challenge us. Memorize it-share it-it’s yours forever.
Kids Pick the Funniest Poems by Bruce Lansky
This is one of the most popular collections of funny poetry for kids ever published. It’s a classic because it’s the first collection of poems selected by kids! It includes clever creations from some of the most popular names in children’s poetry, including Bill Dodds, Timothy Tocher, Joyce Armor, Robert Pottle, Bruce Lansky, and Kenn Nesbitt. Humorous illustrations by Stephen Carpenter make this book even better.
Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young by Jack Prelutsky
Here are more than 200 little poems to feed little people with little attention spans to help both grow. Marc Brown’s inviting illustrations add a visual dimension to the poems, which further engage young imaginations.” The poems are by 119 of the best-known poets of the 20th century.
The Real Mother Goose by Blanche Fisher Wright
Mother Goose rhymes are a vital part of childhood. And this collection of essential rhymes have been reproduced exactly as they have been repeated from generation to generation.
Unit Study Resources
Classical Copywork: Poetry for Kids $
Poetry Memorization/Poet Study at Homeschool Notebooking
Poetry Unit Study for Grades 2-5 at Homeschool Share
Big list of Poetry Resources at se7en
How and Why to Help Young Children Memorize Poetry at I Can Teach My Child
Pick a Poem to Memorize for Poetry Month at Imagination Soup
Poetry for Kids Who Don’t Like Poetry at Planet Smarty
Hands-On Activities
Here’s a great post about making Poetry Notebooks with your kids.
Mrs. Orman’s Classroom has a list of hands-on poetry activities.
Popcorn Poetry focuses on onomatopoeia.
Use similes and metaphors to create Paint Chip Poetry.
Mix art and poetry to create an I AM poem.
