Why Poetry Matters & Resources That’ll Inspire Kids to Write Their Own Poems
Why do children need poetry?
Lots of reasons! Poetry helps build early reading skills like rhyme, rhythm, and sound. It helps kids develop their memory and brain power and gives them a way to express their thoughts. Most of all, poetry is fun! Funny children’s poems and limericks can make kids laugh.
Below, you’ll find great resources for children’s poetry, activities, and podcasts that’ll inspire your kids to love and even write their own poetry—all for free!
Enter Kidsguide’s Poetry & Art Contest for a chance to win a $25 Amazon eGift Card! Details below.
The Children’s Poetry Archive
At The Children’s Poetry Archive, you can listen to the world’s best poetry read out loud. Poems are read by the poets themselves or by captivating narrators. It’s important to remember poetry was spoken out loud a long time before people started to write it down. Hearing poems read out loud makes the words come alive and The Children’s Poetry Archive has promised to record as many poets and poems as possible. Poems are searchable by popular themes, types, and age interests.
Kenn Nesbitt’s Poetry4Kids
Former Children’s Poetry Laureate, Kenn Nesbitt, created this fun poetry playground where you’ll find lots of funny poems for kids, classic children’s poems, and games! Plus, there’s resources for kids to write their own poems including a rhyming dictionary, poetry lessons, and activities. Poems are organized by subject, grade level, length, and poetic technique. Kenn Nesbitt also has a podcast called Poetry for Children.
Kid’s Poetry Club Podcast
The Kid’s Poetry Club podcast blends rhymes, fun, and friendship. Each episode is released on Mondays and is based around a different topic, with three poems, and a fun story line. The Club also runs quarterly poetry and art competitions that attract hundreds of entries from around the world. Listen to episodes using any podcasting service.
Academy of American Poets
Academy of American Poets’ Poems for Kids has a huge selection of poems curated around specific themes including: Black History Month, Myths and Fairy Tales, Social Justice, Sports, Technology, Women’s History Month, and more. There’s also a Materials for Teachers section filled with lesson plans, poems for kids and teens, a glossary of poetry terms, and essays about teaching. Visit their Poetry for Teens section for themes like Heritage & Identity, Grief & Loss, Mental Health, and more.
Inspired by Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem?
National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, was the Inaugural Poet of 2021. At 22 years old, she’s the youngest inaugural poet in history! See her performance here.
Poetry & Art Contest
Do you have a budding poet? Kids (ages 8-12) can send their poem and accompanying artwork for a chance to win a $25 Amazon eGift Card!
The topic for the poem is HOPES & DREAMS. Share with us your hopes for the new year and dreams about the future.
Deadline: February 28, 2021
Email the poem and artwork to editor@kidsguidemagazine.com. Include poet’s name, age, and city. All poems and artwork will be published on our blog on March 2, 2021. Winner will be selected and announced the same day.
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide
