Poetry? Depending on the age of the student, the word might draw a blank look, an unhappy expression, or a dark scowl! If we do this right, from the beginning, we can grow our children into poetry. But it is never too late. Take advantage of these 4 ways to incorporate poetry into your homeschool day.
And here is a tip: Keep it matter-of-fact. Choose interesting and age-appropriate poetry.
1. Start young.
Young children naturally love the rhythms and word patterns of poetry — nursery rhymes, and books with phrases that repeat over and over again. And they love it! Begin with nursery rhymes and simple poems.
This is also a good time to have your children begin memorizing a poem or two.
Books for Younger Readers
Poems and Prayers for the Very Young by Martha Alexander
Poetry for the youngest includes favorites by Christina Rossetti, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Robert Browning, and many others. Perfect for quiet-time reading.
Nursery Rhymes
Several very good options in the public domain:
- The Real Mother Goose illustrated by Blanche Fisher Wright
- Mother Goose illustrated by Kate Greenaway
- The Little Mother Goose illustrated by Jessie Wilcox Smith
A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
Perennial children’s favorite. Read our full review.
Winnie-the-Pooh
Pooh always waxes eloquent to the delight of the young and the old. Besides those poems scattered throughout the Winnie-the-Pooh series of books, his collection of poems can be found in When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six.
2. Work through a poetry anthology.
Each day during family read-aloud, read just one poem as an appetizer before the main course.
If possible, group the poems by poet. There is a familiarity that develops this way.
Poetry Anthologies
Favorite Poems Old and New selected by Helen Farris
Copyrighted in 1957, this collection of poems has been a long-time favorite on homeschool shelves. Contains over 700 poems grouped by interest (family, play, pets, humor, patriotic poems, etc.). The index of authors in the back makes it easy to group the poems for reading by poet.
A Year of Beautiful Thoughts {Free eBook}
Scripture verse, illustrative story or quote, and related poem for each day of the year.
Three Years With the Poets
Collection of poems to be memorized arranged by calendar year. Wonderful collection — and already laid out for you!
Required Poems for Reading and Memorizing
Forget the “required” part — simply enjoy this free little gem. Poems are arranged by author.
Poems Every Child Should Know edited by Mary E. Burt
Poems selected for their value. “Children should build for their future—and get, while they are children, what only the fresh imagination of the child can assimilate.” In the public domain.
3. Include poems on your reading list.
Add several well-known poems to your reading list. Keep it simple.
After reading a poem your student can simply narrate what he read. Discussions will likely follow!
Poems to Add to a Reading List
The Pied Piper of Hamelin {Free eBook & Go-Alongs}
Famous poem from the 13th century.
Online Poetry Anthology
Our own growing collection.
4. Study the works of one poet at a time.
The older student can cover one poem each day from a book of poetry by a particular poet.
Keep in mind the age-appropriateness of the poems you select. Nothing will turn off a young person quicker than a sonnet read too early!
At some point, you may want to incorporate poetry study. But first, simply have fun sharing poems you enjoy with your children.
Poets to Study
Free History Studies: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow is a great start!
Edward Lear
Think limerick.
Additional Resources
Graded Poetry Readers Series
Free series that takes the child from Mother Goose and Edward Lear to Homer and Herbert.
Poems of American History {Free eBook}
Useful when studying history.
Our Holidays in Poetry {Free eBook}
Or go the holiday route.
Poetry
Other poetry resources.
You must be logged in to post a comment.