Here is a list of 16 poetry books for kids, teacher resource books, and information about how to teach poetry in the classroom and build a love of poetry in children.
Sharing Poetry Books with Kids
Finding the right poetry books is necessary when teaching kids about poetry. Books help develop their 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 poets in your classroom.
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 and motivate them to write poetry.
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 encourage kids to write their own poems, use the recommended teaching resources, which will teach them 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 who love Roald Dahl’s 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 with a twist.
4. A Bad Case of the Giggles by Bruce Lansky – This book of poems will encourage giggles and lots of fun as it’s read. It includes humorous poems from many authors, allowing kids 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 dance style, and the rhythm of each poem actually mimics that dance! So many dances are represented, from salsa to hip-hop and everything in between.
More Poetry Books to Share
6. It’s Raining Pigs & Noodles by Jack Prelutsky – If you’re looking for a fun book of poems to share with kids, this book is for you. Jack Prelutsky is a master of rhythm and rhyme, so each poem 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 teaching resources to 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 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 to help your students understand poetry and 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 – 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 Activity Mats Bundle for K-2
Try the Poetry Mats Year-Long Bundle by Proud to be Primary. It includes differentiated, versatile, and fun poems and poetry activities for the whole school year – 50 poems and activities in one bundle!
These poem of the week worksheets require no prep, so you can grab and add quickly to your morning work, literacy centers, or small group lessons. Try them for National Poetry Month, or use them all year long!
Through repeated, shared reading experiences for ten months, kids will gain fluency and confidence. Poetry Mats are sure to become your students’ favorite poetry activities!
FREE Resource 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, 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.
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