Exploring the Benefits and Methods of Teaching Poetry to Children at All Learning Levels

Neralea Dell
Aug 2
5 min read

Poetry is often seen as a complex art form, but it can be a gateway to creativity and language for children. Introducing poetry at an early age can ignite a passion for reading, boost imagination, and improve literacy skills. This blog covers the many benefits of teaching poetry, shares age-appropriate poetry recommendations, provides effective teaching methods, and suggests ways to weave poetry into your educational plans.

Now We Are Six — Now We are Six by AA Milne

The Benefits of Children Learning Poetry

Engaging with poetry offers numerous benefits for children.

Primarily, poetry greatly improves language skills. Its rhythmic and typically concise nature exposes children to new vocabulary and educates them on the rhythm of language. This can lead to greater reading fluency than in those who do not engage with poetry. It helps them value the musicality and emotional depth of language, extending beyond mere grammar and structure.

Another benefit is the enhancement of critical thinking and interpretation skills. Analysing poetry pushes children to think beyond the literal meanings of words. They learn to decode symbolism, explore themes, and consider varying perspectives. For example, a study found that students who engaged in poetry activities demonstrated higher levels of critical thinking.

Additionally, poetry fosters creativity. Engaging in writing and reading poetry enables children to express their thoughts openly and experiment with language. Students who engage in poetry writing often demonstrate improved creative writing skills. Offering opportunities for both free verse and structured forms can foster a secure environment for self-exploration.

Lastly, poetry encourages empathy. By reading diverse poems, children learn to connect with emotions and experiences that differ from their own. This connection cultivates understanding and compassion, key skills in our diverse world.

Best Poetry to Start With for Young, Primary, and Secondary Students

Selecting the right poetry is essential for children at different ages. For young children, nursery rhymes and simple, repetitive poems work wonders. Classic collections like “A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson” or "A Children’s Treasury of Nursery Rhymes“ or "Aesop Fables for Children by Milo Winter” captivate young minds with playful language.

For primary school students (ages 6-11), introduce narrative poems and structured forms like limericks and haikus. Poets like William Wordsworth and Emily Dickinson's works combine humor with meaningful themes. Collections such as “AmblesideOnline Poetry Anthology Volume One: Beginnings” serve as excellent resources, sparking interest in exploration.

In secondary school, poetry broadens to more profound works. Introduce poets like Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes. Exploring various forms—including free verse and sonnets—allows students to engage with themes of identity, community, and personal experience. For example, a discussion on Hughes’ “I, Too” exemplifies themes of racial identity and resilience.

How to Teach Poetry

Teaching poetry requires a thoughtful approach. Here are practical steps to engage students of all ages:

Create a Welcoming Environment

Begin by establishing a supportive atmosphere where students can share their thoughts without fear of judgment. A confident classroom encourages exploration.
Engage with the Text

Read poems aloud while emphasizing rhythm and tone. Encourage students to visualize scenes as they listen. This can enhance appreciation for both sound and meaning.
Encourage Active Participation

Invite students to join in readings through group recitations. Activities such as poetry slams can make the experience interactive and enjoyable.
Promote Creative Writing

Allow students to write their own poems using prompts related to their interests or emotions. Guided activities like “Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization,” or "Memoria Press Poetry Program"where they use existing texts, can also spark creativity.
Analyze and Reflect

Once students are comfortable, guide them in exploring deeper themes and literary devices. Journals for personal reflections can enhance their understanding.
IEW "Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization"

The Structure of a Poem

Poems can vary in structure, but certain elements are commonly found:

Lines: These individual segments vary greatly in length and number. Some poems consist of just a few lines, while others may have multiple stanzas.
Stanzas: Groups of lines form stanzas, similar to paragraphs. Each stanza can represent a distinct idea, contributing to the overall message.
Rhyme Scheme: Many poems follow specific rhyme patterns, enhancing musicality. Engaging students in identifying these can foster interest in structure.
Meter: Meter refers to the rhythmic pattern in poems, established by stressed and unstressed syllables. Understanding common meters, like iambic pentameter, can deepen students’ appreciation for form.
Figurative Language: Poets frequently use metaphors, similes, and personification. Exploring these devices can aid students in grasping the art of poetry.
AmblesideOnline Peotry Anthology volume 1 Beginnings

Methods to Help Teach Poetry

Incorporating various methods into your teaching approach can make poetry more engaging for students:

Use Multimedia Resources

Integrate music, visual art, and performance. Songs can serve as familiar entry points into poetry, helping students relate.
Thematic Units

Organise poetry lessons around themes, such as nature or identity. This approach allows for focused discussions and connections to students’ experiences.
Collaborative Projects

Group activities enhance involvement. Students can create a group or family anthology or collaborate on a collective poem, promoting teamwork and poetic principles.
Explore Diverse Voices

Introduce poets from various backgrounds. This fosters cultural appreciation and helps students understand different perspectives.
Incorporate Technology

Utilise digital platforms to create poetry blogs or online galleries for students to showcase their work, connecting them with a broader audience.
The Liama Who Had No Pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman

Integrating Poetry into Your English Plan

To effectively include poetry in your curriculum, consider these strategies:

Unit Planning: Begin planning units centered on poetry. Alternative texts and thematic connections can provide more context for learning.
Cross-Disciplinary Connections: Use poetry in subjects like history or science. Exploring poetic forms related to relevant events enriches overall education.
Assessment Through Poetry: Consider creative assessments involving poetry. Students might express understanding of a novel or historical event through poem writing instead of an essay.
Continuous Exposure: Make poetry a regular part of your teaching. An effective approach could be a "Poem of the Week" to analyse or respond to through creative tasks.
Reflect and Revise: Continuously assess your poetry teaching methods. Soliciting student feedback about what resonates with them can help refine instruction.

Final Thoughts

Teaching poetry to children offers an enriching experience for both teachers and students. The benefits—enhanced language skills, boosted creativity, and increased empathy—underline the significance of poetry in education. By selecting the right works and employing engaging methods, educators can instill a lifelong appreciation for poetry.

Integrating poetry into your curriculum not only supports educational outcomes but also creates a vibrant learning environment where language flourishes. With these strategies, students at all levels can embark on a journey through the rich world of poetry, discovering the power of words and their potential for expression and understanding.