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A list of 16 poetry books for kids, along with teacher resource books and information about how to teach poetry in the classroom and build a love of poetry in children.
Finding the right poetry books are necessary when teaching kids about poetry. Books help develop their own love of poetry by giving them a chance to discover their passions. As a result, this will help them on their own journey to becoming a poet in your classroom.
Sharing Poetry Books with Kids
First, you’ll want to start by sharing examples of popular poems. Reading poems aloud is a great way to hook them! There are so many fun poetry books available for children, which can inspire kids and motivate them to their own poetry writing.
If you’re looking to add titles to your library, here are some poetry books that you should definitely have. Share a few books from the list below so kids can develop a love of poetry early on.
If you want to lead kids into writing their own poems, use the recommended teaching resources that will teach kids about the different types of poems and how to write them.
Recommended Poetry Books for Kids
1. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein – This poetry book is a must-have for any classroom or home. Shel Silverstein is a beloved author who writes poems that delight and inspire kids. Kids will love using this book as inspiration when writing their own poetry.
2. Rainy Day Poems by James McDonald – This poetry book follows Sami and Thomas Lamb on their crazy adventures. Each adventure is written in rhyme and includes a fun illustration that will keep kids engaged and having fun.
3. Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl – If you have kids that love Roald Dahl books, then you’ll definitely need his book of poetry in your classroom or home library. In this book, Roald Dahl writes about classical fairytales but with a twist.
4. A Bad Case of the Giggles by Bruce Lansky – This book of poems will encourage giggle and lots of fun as its read. It includes humorous poems from many different authors, giving kids the chance to see different writing styles.
5. Feel the Beat by Marilyn Singer – This fantastic book of poetry is very unique. The author wrote each poem about a different style of dance, and the rhythm of each poem actually mimics that dance! There are so many dances represented, from salsa to hip-hop and everything in between.
6. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles by Jack Prelutsky – If you’re looking for a fun book of poems to share with kids, then this is the book for you. Jack Prelutsky is a master of rhythm and rhyme, so each of his poems is fun and interesting for kids to read.
7. The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman – The book of poems is a great read for kids. The topics written about in these poems are relevant and interesting to kids, making it a must-have for any bookshelf.
8. Kids Pick the Funniest Poems by Bruce Lansky – Here’s a collection of poetry that’s actually chosen by kids! Each poem will have your students giggling, helping to get them excited about writing their own poems.
9. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – This poem tells a beautiful story of love and friendship. Kids will be drawn to the kindness that’s demonstrated throughout the story.
10. Once, I Laughed My Socks Off by Steve Attewell – Kids will laugh their own socks off with this hilarious book of poems. There are so many different poems in this book, from midnight snacks to Melvin the naughty teddy bear.
Teacher Resources: Poetry Books for Kids’ Learning
In addition to having poetry books for your students to read, you’ll also need to have teaching resources that will help you teach them about poetry. These resources should include lessons, activities, and examples of poems so that your students can understand how to write their own poems. Here is a list of teaching resources that will help.
1. Poetry Lessons to Meet the Common Core State Standards (Grades K-5) – This lesson book includes different activities that will help your students understand poetry, as well as learn how to write it themselves.
2. Quick Poetry Activities (Grades 2-5) – This poetry book will teach kids how to write different poetry forms. This includes portrait poems, painting poems, sense poems and more!
3. A Poem for Every Day (Grades 3-5) – You can use this poetry book as a read aloud, giving kids the chance to hear a poem each day. You’ll also find teaching tips and activities that will help to enhance a child’s learning.
4. Poetry Projects with Pizzazz (Grades 3-6) – Writing poetry is fun when you use these poetry projects in your classroom or home. So, this resource helps kids discover unique ways to write poems, such as making a puzzle poem or pop-up poem. You’ll love watching a child’s creative side come out!
5. Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out (Grades 5-7) – You’ll be able to use this teaching resource to help kids understand more about poetry, including tips and tricks for their own writing. Also, you’ll find interviews with poets, and examples of writing for inspiration.
6. How to Write Poetry (All Ages) – If you’re ready to teach kids how to write poetry, you can use this teaching resource. With it, you’ll be able to help kids with their creative writing as they learn how to write their very own poetry.
Poetry Resources for the Classroom
Poetry Mega Bundle with 3 Complete Resources
Find essential resources for the K-3 classroom with the Poetry Mega Bundle. It includes 3 complete resources to will encourage a love of poetry in your classroom!
See the three poetry resources in action!
FREE Resources for Teaching Poetry
Poem of the Week Pack
This FREE Poem of the Week resource includes 2 original poems and 1 nursery rhyme to add to your collection of poems. There are 6 differentiated activities included, as well as sentence strips and a bulletin board banner. Your students will be reading and writing poetry all week long!
Click the image below to get the resource.
Social-Emotional Learning Poem & Activities
This FREE empathy poetry pack includes an original poem and engaging activities. The poem and activities will help you teach the concept of empathy and build important reading skills at the same time.
Click the image below to get the resource.
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FREE Poetry Email Series
Sign up for the poetry email series filled with tips to get you started, strategies for success, and tons of FREE poems and poetry writing tutorials you can access right away. Everything you need to have fun and build reading skills with poetry!
