From nursery rhymes to sonnets you studied at school, have you ever wondered why poetry is such a big part of children’s lives? In this article Patsy Lyons from Tara Book Company explains why poetry for kids is important and how it helps children learn about life.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Poetry might not automatically come to mind when you think about books and kids, but there are some really good reasons why poetry for kids helps them and engages them.
Why Poetry For Kids is Important
A First Introduction To Poetry
A child’s first introduction to poetry is generally listening to the rhythm and rhyme of a nursery rhyme recited by Mum or Dad. This is often a child’s earliest memory, and it’s one to be treasured.
The repetition of rhymes, riddles and songs nurtures early development of language, sound and listening skills. It engages a child’s imagination and teaches them that poetry can be expressive and fun.
Encourage your child to respond and take part in the rhyme, riddle or song. Clap hands, dance, dream, say it together, fast, slow, share it, or keep it all to yourself.
Poetry at School
When a child starts school, the teacher builds on the vocabulary fostered at home. Children are then introduced to a wider range of poetry — ballads, lyric poetry, humorous verse and more.
Poetry can be described as a form of language with a concentrated and often sparse choice of words that convey emotion through tone, punctuation and imagery. Poetry can be very powerful.
Poems can have several meanings and may need to be read a few times to get the deeper meaning. Reading it aloud can add to the understanding and pleasure.
Children can learn a lot about life and people through poetry. Poems can challenge their personal views and give them a broader perspective on the world around them.
While children sometimes find poetry hard going, most of us remember a poem we learned by heart at school, even if it was many years ago — lines like “miles to go before I sleep” from Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” tend to stay with us.
Types of Poetry
Let’s take a look at some of the different types of poetry available:
#### Lyric Poetry
The most common type of poetry, lyric poetry is a short poem expressing the poet’s personal thoughts or feelings. Sonnets, elegies and odes are forms of lyric poetry.
The Poolbeg Book of Irish Poetry for Children is a wonderful collection which includes some of our best-loved Irish poets, including Patrick Pearse, W. B. Yeats, Seamus Heaney and Patrick Kavanagh.
#### Concrete Poetry
This is where the layout of the poem tells you something about it — for example, a poem about a dog where the words are shaped like a dog.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech is one of our favourite books; it has all the essential elements. It’s a story told in poems, and as the story unfolds we find it’s humorous, surprising, sad, engaging and imaginative.
#### Metaphysical Poetry
These are original, striking, witty images drawn from all kinds of sources. Haikus, lyrical poems and limericks are good examples.
#### Narrative Poetry
This type of poetry tells stories, and there are two main types: epics and ballads. Check out these great examples of narrative poetry. Roald Dahl’s poems, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, are fun narrative poems to share with your child.
Some Good Poetry Books To Get Started With
You can view the full range of poetry books on Tara Book Co here. But here are some picks by age to get you started.
Nursery Rhymes for ages 0–4
A Sailor Went to Sea, Sea, Sea by Sarah Webb
Nursery Rhymes illustrated by Margaret Tarrant
Humorous, ages 4–8
Jelly Boots Smelly Boots by Michael Rosen
Watch Out for Sprouts by Simon Bartram
Poetry Collections for ages 8–12
The Poolbeg Book of Irish Poetry for Children
The Owl and the Pussycat Anthology
Will You Be My Friend? by Gabriel Fitzmaurice
Poetry for Older Children, ages 12+
Related: 20 Tips to Support a Reluctant Reader and What To Do if Your Child is an Avid Reader
Tara Book Company is based in Kilcolgan, Co. Galway.
They are highly committed to fostering and encouraging a love of reading in children, and to supporting and promoting Irish authors and publishers.
Visit them online at www.tarabookco.ie.
Over to you now — what was your favourite poem as a child? Any thoughts on poetry for kids? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is poetry important for children?
Poetry helps children develop language, listening and imagination skills from a very young age, starting with nursery rhymes. As children grow, poetry introduces them to new vocabulary, emotional expression and different ways of seeing the world.
What age should children start reading poetry?
Children can enjoy poetry from birth through nursery rhymes and simple rhyming songs. More structured poetry, including humorous verse and narrative poems, tends to suit children from around age four, with more complex forms like sonnets and lyric poetry introduced through primary and secondary school.
What are the main types of poetry for kids?
Common types include lyric poetry (short poems expressing feelings, such as sonnets and odes), concrete poetry (where the layout reflects the subject), metaphysical poetry (witty, image-rich forms like haikus and limericks), and narrative poetry (poems that tell a story, such as epics and ballads).
How can I encourage my child to enjoy poetry?
Start with nursery rhymes and encourage your child to join in — clapping, dancing or saying rhymes together. As they grow, reading poems aloud, picking books matched to their age and interests, and talking about what a poem might mean can all help build enjoyment.
Related Articles
- 20 Tips to Support a Reluctant Reader
- What To Do if Your Child is an Avid Reader
- Fun Ways to Build a Love of Reading at Home
Keep the Ideas Coming
Loved this? Save this article for the next time you’re picking out a book, and browse our other reading and family life ideas for more ways to keep the whole family reading, playing and learning together.
Want more like this delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly ideas, recipes and parenting tips.
