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Clio has taught education courses at the college level and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction.
It can be intimidating to work on something as complex as poetry with young children, but kindergartners really benefit from engaging with poems. This lesson will give you some ideas about how and why you might use poetry with your kindergarten students.
Why Poetry?
Ms. Castle is an experienced kindergarten teacher whose students always love her and learn so much in her classroom. This year, one of Ms. Castle's professional development goals has been to incorporate more poetry into her practice with students. Her school principal asked her to explain her rationale for this goal, and Ms. Castle explained that poetry is a beautiful form of literature that can bring students together to discuss important themes while also providing them with a strong literacy foundation. Teaching students how to read and appreciate poetry sets them up well as literate individuals who understand the beauty and meaning of written language. Ms. Castle also reminds the principal that the concepts embedded in poetry, like rhyme, alliteration, personification, and imagery, are foundational to decoding, comprehension, and fluency--the backbones of good reading. Finally, she explains, poetry can be so much fun, and there is a tremendous amount of multi-cultural, interesting, and humorous poetry available for young children to enjoy.
• Lesson
Poetry and Read-Alouds
Ms. Castle begins her incorporation of poetry by using more poems during read-alouds, the times of day when she reads to her students while they listen and discuss. Ms. Castle chooses short and engaging poems for her read-alouds. When she reads poetry to children, she always reads the same poem at least twice. The first time, she asks them to simply listen. The second time, she asks them engaging questions such as:
• How is this poem different from a story?
• What exactly did you like and dislike about this poem?
• What do you think this poem was about?
• What special tricks did the poet use to make this poem beautiful or special?
Through reading poetry aloud, Ms. Castle teaches her students about the aesthetics, or inner beauty, of poetry. In contrast to listening to picture books, listening to poetry is often largely about the appreciation of beautiful language. This capacity for appreciation will serve Ms. Castle's kindergartners well as independent readers and writers.
Poetry and Shared Readings
Next, Ms. Castle begins incorporating poetry into her shared readings, or works that she and her class read aloud together. She projects poetry on her Smartboard or on a large chart paper that the whole class can see. Ms. Castle reads the poem out loud once with a pointer, then asks her class to join in for the next several readings. Shared reading of poetry is a great way for students to begin to get more familiar with conventions of written language and grow more fluent as oral readers. When her class reads a poem together in this way, Ms. Castle might have them do the following activities:
• Highlight or notice high-frequency words or particular spelling patterns in the poem
• Try reading the same poem multiple times using different voices or intonations
• Talk as a class about themes or ideas the poem evokes for them
Shared reading of poetry is significant in kindergarten as both a literacy activity and a way of building stronger community in the classroom. Before too long, Ms. Castle finds herself incorporating a new poem into shared reading every week! She gives students copies of their class poems to take home in a special poetry folder for practice.
Poetry and Writing
Once Ms. Castle's students are used to reading poetry, they start asking about how they can become poets themselves! Ms. Castle realizes that it is time to incorporate poetry into their writing periods as well. Many kindergartners, she learns, are natural poets. Young children use language creatively and are open to experimentation. Ms. Castle offers her students mentor texts, or poems they can reference for particular ideas about structure, language, and themes. She finds that her students enjoy writing poems about their families, nature, animals, themselves, and people they love or admire. In contrast to other genres, Ms. Castle avoids too much critique of her students' poetry. Poetry writing is a great time for kindergartners to express their feelings and ideas in written language without worrying too much about convention. After several weeks of writing poetry, Ms. Castle has each student choose three favorite poems to illustrate and publish in a class book. She hosts a party for families to celebrate their children's creative work.
Though it can be intimidating to work on poetry with young children, it can also be a wonderful way to combine early literacy skills with community building and appreciation of aesthetics, or the sense of beautiful language. Kindergarten teachers find great success and joy in reading poetry aloud to students during read-aloud periods where they come together as a community around a shared piece of oral literature, and incorporating poems frequently into shared readings, in which both teacher and students read aloud at the same time. Letting children write their own poetry is also a great way to help them express themselves.
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Teaching Poetry in Kindergarten
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“Untitled” by Michele Meleen
A fun little poem for preschool kids through kindergarten. I don’t know of a little kid who doesn’t love to count, do you?
How thankful am I
Let me count the ways
One thanks goes out to the turkey we eat
Two thanks for Mom and Dad
Three thanks for potatoes, stuffing, and corn
Four thanks to the desserts I had
Five thanks to my teachers for giving so much
Six thanks to the rooms in my house
Seven thanks for our ancestors
Eight thanks for spills that stayed off my blouse
Nine thanks to my friends who share
Ten thanks to Thanksgiving everywhere
“Funny Turkey”
This Thanksgiving poem for kids can be recited while doing a turkey craft, or, to be really meta, you can even have your child write this poem onto the turkey craft itself.
The Turkey is a funny bird, its head goes bobble-bobble.
And all he knows is just one word…and that is GOBBLE-GOBBLE
“Thanksgiving”
This sweet little verse would make a great pre-Thanksgiving meal “blessing” if you don’t do any traditional prayers or cheers before diving into the feast.
The year has turned its circle
The seasons come and go
The harvest is all gathered in
And chilly north winds blow
Orchards have shared their treasures
The fields their yellow grain
So open wide the doorway — Thanksgiving comes again!
“Johnny Appleseed” from Disney’s Melody Time
Baking an apple pie for Thanksgiving dinner with the kids this year? Perhaps you can all sing this song — sort of like when Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy sing the stuff the chicken song while stuffing the chicken when they were randomly wedding caterers on The Golden Girls.
Oh, the Lord is good to me
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need
The sun and the rain and the apple seed
The Lord is good to me
Johnny Appleseed!
Oh, and every seed I sow
Will grow into a tree
And someday there'll be apples there
For everyone in the world to share
Oh, the Lord is good to me
Johnny Appleseed!
Oh, the earth is good to me
And so I thank the earth
For giving me the things I need
The sun and the rain and the apple seed
The earth is good to me
Johnny Appleseed!
“Untitled”
This Thanksgiving poem is almost like it was written specifically for a turkey hand craft, am I right?
This isn’t just a turkey, as you can plainly see.
I made it with my hand, which is a part of me.
It comes with lots of love, especially to say.
I hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving Day!
“Untitled”
I think a sweet little early holiday gift could be teaching your littles to recite this Thanksgiving poem for kids when they arrive at Grandma’s for dinner. She’ll love it.
I like the taste of turkey any time throughout the year
But it never seems to taste as good as when Thanksgiving is here
Could it be it’s all the trimmings
That are cooked with it to eat
But I think it’s eating at Grandma’s house
That makes it such a treat
“Untitled” by Lisa Mularkey
Does your child love to play dress-up? Do they have a turkey costume? They can put on a show wearing said costume and reciting this Thanksgiving poem for kids. Or, they can make up hand motions to go along with it if there’s no turkey costume.
I’m a turkey, I’m a turkey
I’m a turkey big and strong
But to eat me for Thanksgiving is simply, simply wrong
Eat some chicken, eat some veggies, eat a slice of pumpkin pie
Is it really any wonder why I prefer the Fourth of July?
“Over the River and Through the Wood” by Lydia Maria Child
On the way to the grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving? Pull a page from the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving movie and sing this song all the way to the grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving. Though hopefully, you’re not all piled in the back of a station wagon with no seatbelts.
Over the river, and through the wood
To Grandmother's (Grandfather's) house we go
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow
Over the river, and through the woods
To Grandmother's (Grandfather's) house away
We would not stop for doll or top
For it's Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river, and through the woods
Oh, how the wind does blow
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go
Over the river, and through the woods
And straight through the barnyard gate
We seem to go extremely slow
It is so hard to wait
Over the river, and through the woods
When Grandmother (Grandfather) sees us come
She (he) will say/O, dear, the children are here
Bring a pie for everyone
Over the river, and through the woods
Now Grandmother's (Grandfather's) cap I spy
Hurrah for the fun/Is the pudding done
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!
“Untitled” by Michele Meleen
To be sang to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat, singing or reciting this simple little Thanksgiving poem for kids can be a fun way to “bless” the Thanksgiving meal as well.
Give, give, give them thanks
For sharing all their food
Yummy, yummy, yummy, yummy
Everyone we must include
Give, give, give them thanks
For being kind today
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you
For making Thanksgiving Day!
“5 Little Turkeys”
I remember reciting this Thanksgiving poem for kids when I was a kid in elementary school. My second grade teacher had those felt pictures of turkeys that she pulled off one by one. Since I don’t think they make that particular craft anymore, you can make this 5 Little Turkeys Craft from The Activity Mom featuring puppets on popsicle sticks and have the same effect.
5 little turkeys standing by door
One waddled off
And then there were 4
4 little turkeys under a tree
One waddled off
And then there were 3
3 little turkeys with nothing to do
One waddled off
And then there were 2
2 little turkeys in the noon sun
One waddled off
And then there was 1
One little turkey better run away
For soon will come; Thanksgiving day!
Probably not the best idea to recite this long poem right before digging into the feast — because that’s a good way to have cold macaroni and cheese on Thanksgiving, and who wants that? However, this Thanksgiving poem for kids can be recited at bedtime the night of Thanksgiving, or even the night before if you choose.
‘Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn’t sleep
Tried counting backward, tried counting sheep
The leftovers beckoned — the dark meat and white — but I fought the temptation with all of my might
Tossing and turning with anticipation…the thought of a snack became an infatuation
So to the kitchen I did race, flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge full of goodies galore
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes
Pickles, carrots, beans, and tomatoes
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round
‘Til all of the sudden, I rose off the ground
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie
But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees, “Happy eating to all, pass the cranberries, please!
“Thanksgiving Colors”
The perfect preschool poem for the younger kids learning their colors and learning about Thanksgiving.
Orange is a pumpkin
Yellow is the corn
Brown is the turkey
With stuffing to adorn
Red are the cranberries
Green are the beans
Five delicious colors
In a feast of my dreams
“I’m Thankful for Turkey” by Kenn Nesbitt
I’m thankful for turkey
I’m thankful for yams
I’m thankful for cranberries, biscuits, and hams
I’m thankful for pumpkins
I’m thankful for cheese
I’m thankful for gravy, potatoes, and peas
I’m thankful for stuffing
I’m nuts for the stuff
I’m thankful for eggnog and marshmallow fluff
I’m thankful for whipped cream and ice cream and pies
I’m thankful for dad’s double-chocolate surprise
I’m thankful, Thanksgiving, for good things to eat
But mostly I’m thankfuI still see my feet
Here's a collection of rhyming poems about school that were written for your enjoyment. You'll find poems that talk about the various stages of education, including verses about preschool, kindergarten, primary, middle, and high school.
One is about going back to school, while another one talks about the first day of school.
The verse that talks about the end of the school year is one of the more popular ones.
Hopefully, the funny one will make you laugh.
I think it's important for us to motivate and inspire our children to enjoy school by encouraging them to enjoy learning and helping them excel.
Kids should also have a positive attitude towards school, by realizing it's a fun place where they can socialize with friends, and also be active physically.
A Poem about School for Kids
Let's start off with a very general poem about school for kids. These verses may be shared with children of any age.
School
School is something,
we must all embrace.
Knowledge we need,
to seek out and chase.
Subjects and teaching styles,
are plentiful and vary.
Just like the backpacks,
we all need to carry.
Sports, clubs, and activities,
at every single turn.
So much to do,
study and learn.
To get the most from school,
we should consistently attend.
Around each corner,
there's always a friend.
Our favorite teachers,
are friendly and kind.
Their passion and job,
to expand every mind.
School is something,
we must all embrace.
Just remember to learn,
at your own pace.
By tree.cards
Just the like the last verse states, I strongly believe that children need to be allowed to learn at their own pace.
Personally, I think we test them way too much.
Instead, I think it would be more effective if we allowed them to collaborate more with their fellow classmates.
We should also help them focus on subjects that they are most passionate about.
I'm not saying they don't require a rounded education. They do. But we should allow them to focus the majority of their time on subjects that they truly enjoy.
This would allow them to specialize later on in their education and become great at what they love.
A Poem about Preschool
The next poem is about preschool. Preschool or nursery school education is very important to any child's early development. This poem may be shared with kids who are currently attending preschool, and is meant to motivate them.
Preschool is Fun
Preschool is very exciting,
and so much fun.
Play with your friends,
smile and run.
Preschool is a place,
where you learn so many things.
Your teacher will tell you,
why birds have wings.
Enjoy cool activities,
using arts and crafts.
Listen to stories,
and share some laughs.
At preschool you get to play,
all these very nice games.
It's really fun learning,
everyone's names.
Just look around,
and you will see so many toys,
Some friends are girls,
and some are boys.
Preschool is great,
have fun when you learn.
Remember to share,
and wait for your turn.
By tree.cards
If your child will be attending preschool soon, or has a hard time adjusting to it, maybe the above poem will help.
You could always print it out, read it to your child, and let him or her color it and decorate it.
Once the masterpiece is complete, you could put it up on their wall and read it prior to bedtime.
Hopefully, something like that will reassure your child that preschool is a happy and fun place to be.
Kindergarten School Poem
Now here's a kindergarten poem for those slightly older kids.
Kindergarten
If you made it to kindergarten,
you must be real smart.
You're a funny kid,
that understands art.
Now you're ready,
to learn a lot more.
About giraffes, elephants,
and lions that roar.
Asking questions,
is important and great.
If you wish to grow,
you should finish your plate.
Please remember to listen,
quietly and well.
For that magical,
school bell.
You'll learn about,
science and math.
And the importance of taking,
a regular bath.
Kindergarten is fun,
with friends and teachers.
Your imagination will create,
friendly creatures.
By tree.cards
Kids in kindergarten are prepared for the routine and demands of school life that begins in grade 1. They are taught how to socialize and collaborate with other kids. They're also introduced to math, science, grammar, and other subjects they will be expected to master in the coming years.
They're also encouraged to express and develop their creativity. That's something that kids at that age certainly do not lack.
Poem About Elementary School
Here's a poem for all you elementary school kids out there. Some of you may call it primary or grade school.
My School
I really like my school,
and just want to say,
That's where I spend,
most of my day.
Countless activities,
I get to do.
For arts and crafts,
I always use glue.
During math class,
I learn to add and subtract.
ten times ten equals one hundred,
that's an absolute fact.
One of my favorite classes,
is fun and called gym.
I can nearly touch,
that basketball rim.
I also enjoy learning,
difficult words to spell.
My ears are programmed,
for that school bell.
I really like my school,
and just want to say,
I'm always excited,
for the very next day.
By tree.cards
Attending elementary school is often a very exciting stage in a child's educational life. There are lots of ways that kids are engaged during this time. Participating in sports, school events, and learning to socialize with other kids help them gain skills that they'll use throughout their lives.
A Poem about Middle School
The next poem was written for kids who are attending middle school or junior high. This is usually between grade 6 or 7 and grade 9. But this may vary in different countries or states.
Understand
School is often,
a serious affair.
Your teacher expects you,
to sit straight in your chair.
During classes you don't fancy,
you may be sporting a frown.
Just be careful,
your grades may go down.
Education certainly begins,
with a positive attitude.
For this opportunity,
let's show some gratitude.
The trick is to enjoy,
subjects you find curious.
The ones you don't like,
are not injurious.
Remember to physically,
and mentally train.
It all begins,
with your beautiful brain.
Your classmates may need,
a helping hand.
You're a good student,
you understand.
By tree.cards
Sometimes the trick with kids in middle school is to try and motivate them. I think interactive activities and role-playing is a great way to engage kids that get bored easily at school.
I hope the above poem helps you connect with your middle school aged child.
Poem about High School
The next poem is about high school, also known as secondary school. It's meant to be funny, but you may be the judge of that.
Complex Condition
High school is certainly,
a complex condition.
It starts off,
as a simple audition.
Right from the hello,
you're instantly judged.
Followed by pressure,
and repeatedly nudged.
Plenty of homework,
to polish each skill.
Some of your friends,
just want you to chill.
Stick to your values,
you personally vowed.
With patience and time,
you'll locate your crowd.
Try to remember,
it's just a few years.
No point of spilling,
all of those tears.
High school is certainly,
a complex condition.
Keep it real,
and finish your mission.
By tree.cards
It's not always easy trying to fit in during your high school years. There are positive and negative influences that teens during those years. They are faced with decisions at every corner, and many of them may affect the rest of their lives.
Personally, I think it's important for teens to find a group of kids that share similar values. It's also a good idea to remain busy by signing up for extracurricular activities such as sports or after school clubs.
A Funny Poem about School
The following funny poem about school will apply to any school aged child.
Why We Need School
Please explain,
Why we need school.
Sitting in those desks,
is painful and cruel.
Teachers are there to,
instruct and teach.
Give me an iPad,
and I'll learn at the beach.
Why pay teachers,
let's be frugal.
I'll get my info,
I just have one more,
Let's get rid of,
exams and that test.
We're curious kids,
knowledge we seek.
Our education system,
we should definitely tweak.
That's my argument,
why we DON'T need school.
Let's make it a law,
or simply a rule.
By tree.cards
I hope you found that poem about school funny. If you're a student, print it out, and entertain your parents with it by reading it to them. I don't think you'll convince them but I'm sure you'll make them laugh.
Back to School Poem
The next one is a back to school poem. It's meant to inspire kids about starting a new school year. Feel free to use it as a form of encouragement. Hang it up on your kid's doors, and read it with them a few times prior to their first day back.
Back To School
Another wonderful school year,
is about to start.
You'll learn new things,
and become very smart.
You'll learn about,
the stars and the moon.
I know you can't wait,
it will happen real soon.
You'll meet new friends,
and have so much fun.
School will feel,
like a huge home run.
Your teachers will help,
you learn so much.
About the French,
British, and Dutch.
You'll also learn about,
Einstein's theory of relativity.
Trying science experiments,
will be an educational activity.
I just have one more,
back to school suggestion.
Remember to raise your hand,
when you have a question.
By tree.cards
That poem is intended to remind young children that going back to school will be fun. They may initially disagree after a wonderfully fun summer vacation. But as parents, we need to motivate them and encourage them to look forward to the upcoming school year.
First Day of School Poem
This first day of school poem may be shared with kids entering kindergarten or grade one.
First Day
This will be your very first,
day of school.
It will be fun.
It will be cool.
You'll learn a lot,
and also play.
With new friends,
each school day.
Remember to smile,
and remember to laugh.
You'll listen to stories,
about a yellow giraffe.
During recess you will,
get to play outside.
What's that game,
where you have to hide?
I know you'll enjoy,
your first day of school.
You're a good kid,
that's smart and cool.
By tree.cards
Many children are afraid of the first day of school. That's because it's a change in their environment and they may feel vulnerable and threatened. That's why we must comfort them and prepare them with positive thoughts prior to this day. The trick is to get them all excited about it.
End of School Poem
The final poem is an end of school poem that talks about the completion of the school year. Share it with any child in elementary or primary school.
End
This school year,
has come to an end.
Say goodbye to each,
teacher and friend.
You've clearly done,
a lot of work.
Summer vacation,
is your reward or perk.
Just remember,
to continue to read.
That will help,
your brain cells feed.
During the summer,
you'll get to relax.
Play outside,
and eat healthy snacks.
Remember to show,
your parents your grades.
Just be honest,
don't hide behind shades.
Your school year,
has reached its end.
Enjoy your summer,
I recommend.
By tree.cards
Most kids look forward to the end of the school year.
That's because they're filled with so much energy, they just want to spend the entire day playing and running around.
Now we've reached the end of the poems about school section.
I hope you found what you were looking for.