Poetry Activities and Games for Children

As National Poetry Month approaches, it is time to plan how you will celebrate the month with your children. Below is a list of ten ideas which may be appropriate or fun to try. Of course, some of the activities will work better with specific age groups:

1- For the very young child (newborn to toddler), it is always fun to listen to soundtracks or songs. Many nursery rhymes are now available and recorded poetry is great for any age as well as easy to save on an mp3 player. Older children love using their headphones to close out the rest of the world.

2- DVD's with poetry performances or readings to scenic slide presentations are also a favorite with children of all ages.

3- Reading poetry to your child each day can be a wonderful bonding experience.

4- Visits to the local library or children's museum for poetry readings, to check out books, or to attend a poetry fair are great outings for children and their parents.

5- For preschoolers and elementary age children, it is fun to post rhyming words on brightly colored paper throughout your house. As they learn the rhyming pair, they can earn stickers or move forward on a game board. Have prizes throughout the month and/or a big finale prize at the end of the month.

6- Visit websites for children that offer poetry, activities and contests. Work with your children on writing poems and help them submit to a contest.

7- Compile a book of your child's poetry. Clip pictures from magazines or print from a computer to illustrate the book. You can also submit online to many photography sites to have a professional looking book prepared.

8- With older children, discuss different types of poetry (limericks, haiku, etc.). Also study poems by famous poets. Involve your child in choosing a topic or area they are interested in. Search for poems on that subject matter.

9- For high school children, help them to enter their poetry in a contest. Research the best options prior to submission. There are often scholarship opportunities available to high school children that can actually help with their college tuition.

10- Encourage creativity through language, imagery, dramatic play, and music. Bring words alive through as many types of media as you can, to instill a love of language in your child. Check your community calendars for special events in your area. Get involved and enjoy National Poetry Month.

However you choose to celebrate National Poetry Month with your children, remember to open your senses to all possibilities. Reinforce your child's efforts by posting their work on the refrigerator, bulletin board, blog, or even frame it and hang on your wall. Encourage your child to explore their emotions and feelings about the poetry you read and create together.