This Saturday is World Poetry Day, and it is the perfect opportunity to bring the magic of poetry into your classroom or home learning space!
Poetry has always held a special place in my heart. My love for it started at home, where my dad would recite silly poems and ones he memorized in elementary school. Over the years, I wrote many poems about love, friendship, and the small moments that shaped my life. Poetry helped me express my feelings and make sense of the world around me.
Looking back on my time in the classroom, I wish I had spent more time reading poems to and with my students and creating more space for them to explore poetry.
If you are currently teaching, I hope this post gives you a simple and joyful way to celebrate World Poetry Day with your learners.
Classroom Poetry Activities
Host a haiku competition.
Haikus are a wonderful way to practice counting syllables while building creativity. Challenge learners to write their own haiku and share them with the class. Vote on favorites and celebrate every entry.
Use these writing prompts to inspire young poets:
- Write a poem about the weather today.
- Write a poem about recess or playtime.
- Write a poem about your favorite snack.
- Write a poem about something that makes you happy.
Create a rhyming word chain.
Start with a simple word (like “cat”) and have learners take turns adding rhyming words (hat, bat, mat). Turn the list into a silly group poem.
Draw and label a poetry picture.
Invite learners to draw a picture and add labels or short phrases to turn their drawing into a simple poem.
Always invite learners to share their poems. Poetry can help even hesitant writers find their voice and build confidence in expressing their ideas.
Two Poems to Share With Your Class
Put Something In by Shel Silverstein is a playful poem that encourages creativity and self-expression.
Draw a crazy picture,
Write a nutty poem,
Sing a mumble-grumble song,
Whistle through your comb.
Do a loony-goony dance
'Cross the kitchen floor,
Put something silly in the world
That ain't been there before.
My Doggy Ate My Essay by Darren Sardelli is a hilarious and relatable poem that never fails to get a laugh. Read it aloud and watch your learners light up.
I would love to hear from you! What poem has stayed with you over the years and why? Drop it in the comments below!
0 comments