I've learned a lot about poetry from this section of the textbook as well as the featured YouTube videos. Poetry is a form of writing, and it can be seen in many genres. Poetry can also be quite intimidating. That fact makes it especially important for us to understand what type of poetry kids enjoy so that we can encourage it and appeal to our audience when necessary.
Research has shown narrative poetry (poetry that really tells a story) is what kids like the most. They typically dislike free verse and haiku poetry, as it has less emphasis on rhythm and rhyme, and that's what children really associate poetry with! Kids really enjoy sound elements in poetry, such as alliteration, and just the sing-song rhyming pattern, which is emphasized by this research. Similar to the novels they enjoy, children really love relatable topics in poetry. I would argue that this is likely true for anyone, at least, it is for me! Kids also show a preference for contemporary poems, which goes hand in hand with it being relatable, as they utilize language that kids understand well. Children also really love poetry that affects imagery with sensory words that make you feel like you are there. For this reason, kids, particularly of elementary ages, tend to really love poems about animals, too.
It's vital to expose them to poetry often. However, don't feel the need to "dumb down" poetry for kids. Remember that some poems are very short and sweet, and it's so easy to incorporate poems into everyday teaching and enjoyment for kids! Also, repeated reading is important. Don't hesitate to read the same poem to them a few times!
I think it's really important to continually expose kids to poetry even if we feel uncomfortable with it and even if they don't like it. Poetry doesn't have to rhyme and there are no rules, surely, kids will love that!
Suggested poetry book for kids: If You're Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand poems about school
Note: I remember reading Many Luscious Lollipops when I was young!
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