Children can learn to write poetry when they are shown the basics. It does not matter if you are a parent or a teacher. Here are 6 steps to get you started.
1. List of words. On the chalk board or on a piece of paper at home write down some words that rhyme. An example would be: night, kite, fight, scare, snare, mare, mile, smile etc. Help the kids arrange a couple of these words in a sentence.
2. Recitation. While the students are writing their sentences you can write some of your own and then read them out loud. Hearing words rhyme is different than saying them in your head. Have each of the children do this. There may be giggles which is normal.
3. The Bible. The Bible is the most widely read book in the world. It is written in prose and parts of it are quite beautiful. You can read parts of the Bible a loud and discuss why it is considered poetry. As an exercise you can have the children try to imitate some of the verses.
4. Poems about familiar things. Poetry is an expression of feelings and emotions. Help the kids by getting them to express thoughts and ideas about people and things they are very familiar with. Encourage them to be expressive.
5. Rhyming games. Rhyming games are another method for teaching children to write poetry. Nursery rhymes are some of the first poetry we learn. You can also teach rhythmic patterns by having the children stomp their feet and clap their hands along with the poem. Naturally this is loud but very effective.
6. Music. Older children in particular will become interested in poetry more readily when they learn that all music is based on rhythmic patterns. The lyrics are like poetry and if written down and read sound like poetry.
Writing poetry is a fun activity and the kids will enjoy it. You need to start with simple rhyming schemes so the students can build confidence. You can use the Bible, games and music to further their understanding. - 15252
1. List of words. On the chalk board or on a piece of paper at home write down some words that rhyme. An example would be: night, kite, fight, scare, snare, mare, mile, smile etc. Help the kids arrange a couple of these words in a sentence.
2. Recitation. While the students are writing their sentences you can write some of your own and then read them out loud. Hearing words rhyme is different than saying them in your head. Have each of the children do this. There may be giggles which is normal.
3. The Bible. The Bible is the most widely read book in the world. It is written in prose and parts of it are quite beautiful. You can read parts of the Bible a loud and discuss why it is considered poetry. As an exercise you can have the children try to imitate some of the verses.
4. Poems about familiar things. Poetry is an expression of feelings and emotions. Help the kids by getting them to express thoughts and ideas about people and things they are very familiar with. Encourage them to be expressive.
5. Rhyming games. Rhyming games are another method for teaching children to write poetry. Nursery rhymes are some of the first poetry we learn. You can also teach rhythmic patterns by having the children stomp their feet and clap their hands along with the poem. Naturally this is loud but very effective.
6. Music. Older children in particular will become interested in poetry more readily when they learn that all music is based on rhythmic patterns. The lyrics are like poetry and if written down and read sound like poetry.
Writing poetry is a fun activity and the kids will enjoy it. You need to start with simple rhyming schemes so the students can build confidence. You can use the Bible, games and music to further their understanding. - 15252
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