In keeping with National Poetry Month, I’d like a few simple steps to help you and/or your kids get started writing poems.
- Review: It’s important to remember that poems come in many sizes, shapes and structures. Thanks to Betsy Hubbard, from Two Writing Teachers, for sharing a chart that will help you remember and review poetry with your kids. Simple formats are a great way to get started. Remember acrostic poems, haiku poems, cinquains, diamonte poems and the like. If you forget, just Google “poetic structures” for a wealth of information and samples. Also, keep in mind that poems do not need to rhyme.
2. Find an idea: Hope these jog your brain Poetry hides everywhere! What are you thinking? What are you feeling? What are you remembering? What’s happening in your life, your family, your neighborhood or your country?
Take a walk, whip up something in the kitchen, clean a room, play a game – any activity is fodder for a new poem. Sensory images will bring life to whatever you create.
Think of one word from a category and build from there. Here are some examples: Pets, Colors, Sports, Holidays, Famous People
3. Brainstorm Ideas Make a list of words or phrases associated with your topic. Can you categorize them or create any figurative language? eg. Initial sounds, smilies, personification
4. Choose a structure you would like to try and draft your poem
5. Read & Revise (until you are please with your finished product)
6. Publish Encourage your kids to write or type their finished poem in a creative, careful manner and share it with others. A finished poem is cause for celebration and affirming a child’s efforts will entice them to write more.
BOOK SUGGESTIONS: Since it’s always a good idea to read in the genre you want to write, here are some wonderful poetry books to peruse. Check out this link for great ideas. https://bookriot.com/2019/04/05/poetry-books-for-kids/
Read, write, relax, stay happy and well. Let me know if you would like me to share your child’s poem on this blog.
Nurturing Literacy 