Category: News

Nature Haiku in Storyworks 3

I’m excited to share a few of my haiku that I wrote for Scholastic Storyworks 3, a multi-genre classroom magazine for Grade 3. These short, vivid poems capture playful scenes from nature—a dragonfly dodging a frog’s tongue, a bug’s zigzagging flight, and the peaceful murkiness of a turtle’s pond.

The incredibly detailed illustrations by Andy Elkerton bring each haiku to life, making the connection between poetry and nature even more tangible for young readers. Students can explore the beauty of haiku and even try writing their own by focusing on the small wonders of the natural world.

Nature Haikus by Kenn Nesbitt

Poetic Performances: Enhancing Public Speaking Skills in Elementary Classrooms

Today I’d like to explore a topic that’s close to my heart: using poetry performances to boost public speaking skills in elementary classrooms. As someone who’s had the joy of performing poetry for countless young audiences, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this combination can be. So, let’s dive into the world of poetic performances and discover how they can help our young learners become confident, articulate speakers!

Poetic Performances

The Power of Poetry Performance

There’s something magical that happens when a child stands up and recites a poem. It’s not just about memorizing words—it’s about bringing those words to life, conveying emotion, and connecting with an audience. This process can be transformative, helping children develop crucial skills that extend far beyond the realm of poetry.

Benefits of Poetry Recitation

  1. Confidence Building: Standing in front of peers and delivering a poem helps children build self-confidence. Each successful recitation is a small victory that contributes to a child’s overall self-esteem.
  2. Vocal Skills: Reciting poetry helps children develop clarity of speech, proper enunciation, and effective use of volume and tone.
  3. Body Language: Through poetry performance, children learn the importance of eye contact, posture, and gestures in communication.
  4. Memorization: The process of memorizing poems exercises the brain and improves overall memory skills.
  5. Emotional Intelligence: Interpreting and conveying the emotions in a poem helps children better understand and express their own feelings.
  6. Literary Appreciation: Performing poetry deepens a child’s understanding and appreciation of language and literature.
  7. Overcoming Stage Fright: Regular poetry recitations can help children become more comfortable with public speaking, reducing anxiety over time.

Implementing Poetry Performances in the Classroom

Now, you might be wondering, “This sounds great, but how do I actually make it happen in my classroom?” Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Start Small: Begin with short, simple poems and gradually increase complexity as students gain confidence.
  2. Group Recitations: Have the whole class or select groups of students recite poems together before asking for individual volunteers. This can help ease anxiety for more hesitant students. Take a look at the Poetry Theater section of the Activities page on this website for ways that two or three students can perform poems together.
  3. Themed Poetry Days: Organize special days where students perform poems related to a specific theme, such as animals, friends and family, or holidays.
  4. Poetry Parties and Slams: Plan an open-mic poetry party. Or for older students, organize friendly poetry slam competitions where they can perform their own poems or favorite works by other poets.
  5. Cross-Curricular Connections: Incorporate poems related to topics in other subjects, like science or history, to reinforce learning across the curriculum.
  6. Record Performances: Use video to record students’ performances. This allows them to see their progress over time and can be a wonderful keepsake for families.

Tips for Successful Poetry Recitations

To help your students make the most of their poetry performances, I’ve written an article called “How to Recite a Poem Like an Expert.” It’s full of tips and tricks that can help turn a good recitation into a great one. Here are a few key points:

  1. Understand the Poem: Encourage students to really think about what the poem means. Understanding leads to better interpretation and delivery.
  2. Practice, Practice, Practice: Regular practice is key to a confident performance.
  3. Speak Clearly and Slowly: Remind students that it’s not a race. Clear enunciation is more important than speed.
  4. Use Appropriate Emotion: Help students identify the emotions in the poem and express them through their voice and facial expressions.
  5. Make Eye Contact: Teach students to look at their audience, not just the floor or the ceiling.
  6. Use Natural Gestures: Encourage students to use hand movements and body language that feel natural and enhance the poem’s meaning.

Overcoming Challenges

Of course, implementing poetry performances isn’t without its challenges. Some students may be shy or resistant to the idea of public speaking. Here are some ways to address these issues:

  1. Create a Supportive Environment: Foster a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe to take risks and make mistakes.
  2. Offer Choices: Allow students to choose poems they connect with personally. This can increase their motivation to perform.
  3. Provide Alternatives: For extremely anxious students, consider allowing them to record their recitations or perform for a smaller group initially.
  4. Celebrate Effort: Focus on improvement and effort rather than perfection. Every step towards confident public speaking should be celebrated.

The Long-Term Impact

The skills developed through poetry performances extend far beyond the elementary classroom. By helping students become confident public speakers at a young age, we’re setting them up for success in high school, college, and their future careers. Plus, we’re instilling a love for language and literature that can last a lifetime.

Integrating poetry performances into elementary classrooms is a powerful way to develop public speaking skills, boost confidence, and foster a love for language. It’s not just about creating good speakers—it’s about empowering children to find their voices and share them with the world.

So, I encourage you to bring the joy of poetry performance into your classrooms. Start small, be patient, and watch as your students blossom into confident, articulate speakers. Who knows? You might just be nurturing the next great orator or poet laureate!

Remember, every great speaker started with a single word, and every confident performance began with a shaky first step. Here’s to the power of poetry and the amazing potential it can unlock in our young learners!

Kenn Nesbitt
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Introducing Printable Poetry Activity Worksheets for Your Classroom

I’m thrilled to announce an exciting new feature that I have been working on all summer, and that I believe you are going to love. I have just launched a comprehensive collection of downloadable activity worksheets, designed to complement the poems on this website and enhance your students’ learning experience.

My Koala's Not a Doctor Poetry Worksheet

I know firsthand the challenges of engaging young minds with poetry. I know that’s not always easy to make verse come alive in the classroom or to help students see the relevance of poetic language in their daily lives. That’s why I’ve created these worksheets—to bridge the gap between the joy of reading poetry and the practical skills your students need to develop.

This new worksheet collection is organized to cater to different grade levels and learning objectives. I currently have an initial collection of 80 unique activity worksheets and am adding new ones daily, with plans to expand to hundreds more in the near future. In addition to being organized by grade level, these resources are divided into 12 categories, each focusing on a specific skill set or learning approach:

  1. Context Clues: These worksheets help students decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words, a crucial skill for expanding vocabulary and comprehension.
  2. Creative Writing Prompts: Inspire your students’ imagination and boost their writing skills with prompts that build on the themes of the poems.
  3. Decoding: Challenge your students with fun decoding activities that make learning about language structure engaging.
  4. Draw and Describe: Combine visual arts with writing to help students express their understanding of poems in multiple ways.
  5. Fill-in-the-Blanks: Enhance vocabulary and reinforce understanding of context and rhyme schemes with these interactive exercises.
  6. Matching Actions to Results: Develop critical thinking skills by having students connect actions with their consequences in the context of the poems.
  7. Reading Comprehension: Ensure your students grasp the main ideas and details of each poem with targeted questions.
  8. Reading Response: Encourage personal engagement with poetry through guided response activities.
  9. Rhyming: Help students recognize and create rhymes, a fundamental aspect of poetic structure.
  10. Sequence of Events: Boost narrative understanding by having students arrange poem events in chronological order.
  11. Spelling: Reinforce spelling skills within the context of playful and memorable verses.
  12. Word Search Puzzles: Make vocabulary practice fun with themed word searches based on poems.

These worksheets are more than just busywork—they’re carefully crafted tools designed to deepen your students’ appreciation for poetry while simultaneously developing crucial language arts skills. Each worksheet is tied to a specific poem on the website, allowing for a seamless integration of reading and activity.

I understand the time constraints you face as educators. That’s why I’ve made these resources easily accessible. Poetry4kids members can download worksheets directly from individual poem pages or browse the complete collection through two convenient pages:

This organization allows you to quickly find the perfect worksheet for your lesson plan, whether you’re looking to target a specific skill or need grade-appropriate material.

It does take me a fair amount of time to create these worksheets (and many hours of programming to make this new feature available on the website), but I’m committed to making them as accessible as possible to educators like you. You can become a member for as little as $1/month through my page on Buymeacoffee.com.

And membership comes with many additional benefits. For much less than the cost of a single cup of coffee, you’ll get:

  • Access to all premium pages on Poetry4kids, including poems by grade level, poetic technique, subject, and length
  • Zero advertising on the website
  • Free eBooks for Kindle and other ereaders
  • Private, members-only email and direct messaging
  • Additional benefits for higher membership tiers, including early access to all poems and posts, free audiobooks, and even free online author visits from yours truly

Your membership not only gives you access to all these valuable resources but also supports the continued creation of new poems, writing lessons, activity worksheets, and more. It’s a win-win situation—you get top-notch teaching materials, and I get to keep creating content that educates and entertains your students.

As a fellow educator (albeit in a different capacity), I’m excited to see how you’ll use these worksheets in your classrooms. Will you use them to introduce new poems? As follow-up activities to reinforce learning? Or perhaps as fun homework assignments? The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear about the creative ways you incorporate them into your teaching.

Remember, poetry isn’t just about rhymes and rhythms—it’s a gateway to improving reading comprehension, expanding vocabulary, fostering creativity, enhancing literacy and fluency, and developing critical thinking skills. With these worksheets, you have a powerful new tool to make poetry an integral and enjoyable part of your language arts curriculum.

So, when you are ready to embark on this poetic journey with your students, join met at Poetry4kids.com, become a member on Buymeacoffee.com, and let’s work together to inspire the next generation of readers, writers, poetry lovers, and life-long learners. After all, who knows? The next great American poet might be sitting in your classroom right now, just waiting for the right poem and activity to spark their passion for words.

Happy teaching, and may your classrooms always be filled with the music of verse!

Kenn Nesbitt
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The Math-Poetry Connection: Using Verses to Boost Numeracy Skills

Today I’m excited to dive into a topic that might surprise some of you: the powerful connection between math and poetry. Now, I know some of you might be thinking – “Math and poetry? That’s like oil and water!” But bear with me, because these two subjects have more in common than you might think, and combining them can lead to some pretty amazing results in the classroom.

The Math-Poetry Connection

The Unexpected Harmony of Numbers and Words

At first glance, math and poetry seem to be on opposite ends of the academic spectrum. One deals with cold, hard numbers, while the other plays with the fluid beauty of language. But when you look closer, you’ll find that both math and poetry rely on patterns, structure, and precise use of symbols to convey meaning. Both require creative thinking and problem-solving skills. And both can be incredibly fun when approached with the right attitude!

How Poetry Can Enhance Math Learning

  1. Rhythm and Counting: The rhythmic nature of poetry, especially when read aloud, can help reinforce counting skills. Think about nursery rhymes like “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” – they’re not just fun to recite, they’re sneakily teaching math concepts!
  2. Pattern Recognition: Many poetic forms, like haiku or limericks, follow specific patterns. Recognizing and creating these patterns exercises the same part of the brain used in mathematical thinking.
  3. Problem-Solving: Writing poetry often involves fitting the right words into a specific structure, much like solving a puzzle. This kind of creative problem-solving is directly applicable to math.
  4. Memorization: Rhyme and rhythm make information easier to remember. That’s why so many of us learned the multiplication tables or the value of pi through little songs or rhymes.
  5. Visualization: Both poetry and math often require students to visualize abstract concepts. A well-crafted math poem can help students “see” mathematical ideas in a new way.

Practical Ideas for the Classroom

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How can poetry actually be used to boost math skills in the classroom? Here are some ideas:

  1. Math Concept Poems: Have students write poems about mathematical concepts. For example, a haiku about shapes or an acrostic about fractions. This not only reinforces the math concept but also helps students explain it in their own words.
  2. Number Rhymes: Rhymes to help remember number facts. For instance, I here’s a little nursery rhyme I wrote called “One, Two, Three, Go Climb a Tree“:
    “One, two, three, go climb a tree.
    Four, five six, collect some sticks.
    Seven, eight, nine, come down a vine.
    Count to ten, go up again.
  3. Shape Poetry: Combine geometry and poetry by having students write poems in the shape of what they’re describing. A poem about triangles written in a triangular shape, or a poem about a square written in a square shape. Here’s an example of one of mine:
    I Took a Walk Around the Block by Kenn Nesbitt
  4. Math Story Problems in Verse: Present math problems in poetic form. For example:
    “Two rabbits hopped into the garden,
    Then three more joined their friends.
    How many rabbits munch on carrots,
    Before the party ends?”
  5. Multiplication Rhymes: Create rhymes for multiplication facts. Like:
    “5, 6, 7, 8 is hard to forget.
    Isn’t that great?
    56 is 7 times 8″
  6. Mnemonic poems: Help students remember the order of things (e.g., the planets, metric prefixes, colors of the spectrum, etc.) with catchy rhymes, like this poem I wrote about the colors of the rainbow:
    “Red and Orange, Yellow too.
    Gorgeous Green, and brilliant Blue.
    Indigo, and Violet fly
    rainbow banners in the sky.
  7. Pi Day Poetry: Celebrate Pi Day (March 14) with pi-themed poetry. Challenge students to write a poem where the number of letters in each word, or the number of words on each line, corresponds to the digits of pi (3.14159…).

Books That Blend Math and Poetry

There are some fantastic books out there that beautifully combine mathematics and poetry. Here are a few standouts:

  • The 14 Fibs of Gregory K. by Greg Pincus: This delightful middle-grade novel interweaves math and poetry throughout the story of Gregory, a boy who loves writing poetry but struggles with math.
  • Mathematickles! by Betsy Franco: This innovative book presents math concepts through a series of clever and engaging poem-puzzles that encourage readers to think about math in new ways.
  • Edgar Allan Poe’s Pie: Math Puzzlers in Classic Poems by J. Patrick Lewis: In this clever collection, Lewis takes famous poems and reimagines them as math riddles, creating a unique blend of poetry appreciation and mathematical problem-solving.

These books can serve as excellent resources for teachers looking to integrate math and poetry in their classrooms, as well as for parents wanting to explore this connection with their children at home.

The Bigger Picture

By integrating poetry into math lessons (and vice versa), we’re doing more than just making these subjects more enjoyable. We’re helping students see the interconnectedness of different areas of knowledge. We’re fostering creativity and critical thinking. And perhaps most importantly, we’re showing students that math, like poetry, can be a form of self-expression and a way to describe the world around us.

Moreover, this interdisciplinary approach can be particularly helpful for students who struggle with traditional math instruction. By approaching mathematical concepts through the familiar and often less intimidating realm of language arts, we can help these students build confidence and develop a more positive attitude towards math.

I encourage educators to embrace the math-poetry connection in their classrooms. Experiment with these ideas, and don’t be afraid to come up with your own. You might be surprised at how well students respond when you blend the precision of mathematics with the creativity of poetry.

Remember, at the heart of both math and poetry is the joy of discovery—the thrill of finding patterns, solving puzzles, and expressing ideas in new and exciting ways. By bringing these two worlds together, we can help students experience that joy and develop skills that will serve them well in all areas of life.

May your classrooms be filled with the music of numbers and the poetry of mathematics!

Kenn Nesbitt
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Double Scoop: Two Ice Cream Poems for a Hot Day

Where I live, the summer heat is above 90˚ F (32˚ C) these days, which means it’s the perfect time to cool down with a little poetry and ice cream!

I’m thrilled to share a pair of my poems, “Ice Cream Float” and “Ice Cream Flowed,” featured in Scholastic Storyworks 3, a multi-genre classroom magazine for Grade 3. These poems offer two metaphorical perspectives on an ice cream cone, exploring both its delightful and messy sides.

The talented Jomike Tejido brought these metaphors to life with his vibrant illustrations. Teachers and students can dive into the figurative language and compare the poems’ different moods and imagery. Grab a cone and enjoy the read!

Double Scoop: Ice Cream Poems by Kenn Nesbitt

Ice Cream Float

My ice cream is a big balloon.
It carries me away
through clouds of creamy coolness on
this scorching summer day.
It’s frosty and refreshing.
It floats me to the moon.
To beat the heat, I love this treat…
my ice cream cone balloon.

Ice Cream Flowed

My ice cream is a ball of mud,
a scoop of icky, sticky crud.
The sludge is dripping down my hand,
my arm, my pants, my feet, the sand.
I can’t quite lick it fast enough
to stop this flood of mucky stuff.
I scream! Instead of cold and round,
it’s now a puddle on the ground.

— Kenn Nesbitt

Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Multicultural Poetry: Broadening Horizons in the Elementary Classroom

As a children’s poet, I’ve always believed in the power of poetry to open minds and hearts. Today, I want to talk to you, our dedicated elementary school teachers, about the incredible impact of multicultural poetry in your classrooms. By introducing your students to diverse voices and experiences through poetry, you’re not just teaching language arts—you’re broadening horizons and fostering empathy and understanding.

Multicultural Poetry: Broadening Horizons in the Elementary Classroom

The Importance of Diverse Voices

In our increasingly interconnected world, it’s crucial that children are exposed to a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Multicultural poetry offers a unique window into different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. It allows students to see themselves reflected in literature and to gain insights into lives different from their own.

Poetry, with its concise yet powerful format, is particularly well-suited for introducing multicultural themes. It can capture complex cultural concepts in accessible, memorable ways, making it perfect for young learners.

Spotlight on Multicultural Poets

Let’s take a moment to celebrate some of the incredible poets who are enriching children’s literature with their diverse voices:

  1. Jacqueline Woodson: A former Young People’s Poet Laureate, Woodson’s poetry often explores themes of identity, family, and African American experiences. Her book Brown Girl Dreaming is a masterpiece of memoir in verse.
  2. Margarita Engle: Another former Young People’s Poet Laureate, Engle’s work often draws on her Cuban-American heritage. Her poems beautifully blend history, culture, and personal narrative.
  3. Naomi Shihab Nye: With her Palestinian-American background, Nye brings a unique perspective to children’s poetry. Her work often touches on themes of peace, connection, and finding beauty in everyday life.
  4. Elizabeth Acevedo: Though known more for her young adult novels in verse, Acevedo’s work is a powerful representation of Afro-Latinx experiences and is increasingly finding its way into upper elementary classrooms.
  5. Nikki Grimes: An award-winning poet and author, Grimes’ work often centers on African American experiences and has a musical quality that appeals to young readers.
  6. Kwame Alexander: Alexander’s poetry, often infused with themes of sports and music, resonates strongly with many young readers, particularly boys who might be reluctant to engage with poetry.

Practical Ideas for Your Classroom

Here are some ways you can incorporate multicultural poetry into your teaching:

  1. Poem of the Week: Feature a poem by a different multicultural poet each week. Discuss not just the content, but also the cultural context of the poem.
  2. Cultural Celebration Days: Use poetry as part of your celebrations of different cultural heritage months or international days.
  3. Poet Studies: Dedicate a unit to studying the life and work of a multicultural poet. This can be a great way to integrate social studies and language arts.
  4. Poetry Pen Pals: Partner with a classroom in another country or region to share culturally significant poems.
  5. Multilingual Poetry: Share bilingual poetry collections, such as those by Pat Mora and Francisco X. Alarcón. If you have ESL students, encourage them to share poems in their native languages, then work together to translate them into English.
  6. Poetry and Art: Have students create artwork inspired by multicultural poems, encouraging them to research and incorporate culturally significant visual elements.

Benefits Beyond Diversity

While broadening cultural horizons is a crucial benefit of multicultural poetry, it’s far from the only one. This approach also:

  1. Enhances Vocabulary: Students encounter words and concepts from other cultures, expanding their linguistic repertoire.
  2. Improves Comprehension: Grappling with diverse perspectives enhances students’ overall reading comprehension skills.
  3. Fosters Empathy: By seeing the world through others’ eyes, students develop greater empathy and understanding.
  4. Encourages Creativity: Exposure to diverse poetic styles can inspire students in their own creative writing.
  5. Builds Confidence: Students from diverse backgrounds feel validated when they see their cultures represented in the curriculum.

A Personal Note

In more than 25 years of visiting schools and interacting with young readers, I’ve seen firsthand the power of diverse voices in poetry. While my own background might not be as diverse as some of the poets I’ve mentioned, I believe strongly in the importance of amplifying diverse voices and experiences in children’s poetry. I encourage you to explore the works of these talented multicultural poets and to bring their words into your classrooms.

Multicultural poetry is more than just a teaching tool—it’s a bridge to understanding, a window to the world, and a mirror for diverse students to see themselves reflected in literature. By incorporating these diverse voices into your curriculum, you’re not just teaching poetry—you’re shaping open-minded, empathetic global citizens.

So, dear teachers, I encourage you to dive into the rich world of multicultural poetry. Share these diverse voices with your students, and watch as their horizons broaden, their empathy grows, and their love for poetry blossoms.

Remember, in the words of Jacqueline Woodson, “Even the silence has a story to tell you. Just listen. Listen.” Let’s listen to the diverse voices in poetry and help our students do the same.

Kenn Nesbitt
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Poetry Mad Libs: A Playful Twist on Classic Verses

Hello, fellow poetry enthusiasts and creative educators! Kenn Nesbitt here, and today I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite classroom activities that never fails to get kids giggling and engaged with poetry: Poetry Mad Libs!

Poetry Mad Lib Classroom Activity

What are Poetry Mad Libs?

Just like the classic Mad Libs game, Poetry Mad Libs involve taking a well-known poem and removing key words, replacing them with blank spaces. Students then fill in these blanks with their own words, often resulting in hilarious and unexpected new versions of familiar verses.

Why Poetry Mad Libs?

This activity is a fantastic way to:

  • Introduce children to classic poems in a fun, low-pressure way
  • Teach parts of speech in a practical, engaging context
  • Encourage creativity and wordplay
  • Demonstrate how word choice affects meaning in poetry
  • Create a fun, collaborative classroom atmosphere

How to Create Poetry Mad Libs

1. Choose a well-known children’s poem such as one of the Classic poems on Poetry4kids.
2. Remove key words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs) and replace them with blanks.
3. Label each blank with the appropriate part of speech.
4. Have students fill in the blanks without seeing the original poem.
5. Read aloud both the original and the new “Mad Lib” versions.

Let’s try it out with some beloved children’s poems!

Example 1: “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear

Original first stanza:

The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat,
They took some honey, and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.

Mad Lib version:

The (noun) and the (noun) went to (place)
In a (adjective) (color) (noun),
They took some (food), and plenty of (plural noun),
Wrapped up in a (number)-pound (noun).

Example 2: “The Crocodile” by Lewis Carroll

Original first stanza:

How doth the little crocodile
Improve his shining tail,
And pour the waters of the Nile
On every golden scale!

Mad Lib version:

How doth the (adjective) (animal)
Improve his (adjective) (body part),
And pour the (plural noun) of the (place)
On every (adjective) (noun)!

Example 3: “Sick” by Shel Silverstein

Original first few lines:

“I cannot go to school today,”
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
“I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.”

Mad Lib version:

“I cannot go to (place) today,”
Said little (name) (name) (name).
“I have the (plural noun) and the (plural noun),
A (noun), a (noun) and (color) (plural noun).”

Tips for Success

  1. Choose poems with vivid, concrete language that’s easy to replace.
  2. Start with shorter poems for younger students and work up to longer ones.
  3. Encourage silly and creative answers – the funnier, the better!
  4. After the activity, discuss how the new words changed the poem’s meaning or mood.
  5. Consider having students illustrate their Mad Lib versions for extra fun.

This activity never fails to fill the room with laughter. There’s something magical about giving kids permission to be silly with words that ignites their love for language. Imagine a class turning “The Owl and the Pussycat” into “The Banana and the Toaster” who sailed in a “stinky purple bathtub” and you’ll get an idea of how much fun this activity can be.

Poetry Mad Libs are a fantastic way to inject fun into your poetry lessons while sneakily teaching important language concepts. It’s a reminder that poetry doesn’t have to be serious all the time—sometimes, the best way to appreciate the beauty of carefully chosen words is to replace them with delightfully absurd alternatives!

So, dear teachers and poetry lovers, I encourage you to give Poetry Mad Libs a try in your classrooms or at home. You’ll be amazed at the creativity it unleashes and the joy it brings to poetry exploration. Happy Mad Libbing!

Kenn Nesbitt
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Enhancing ESL Fluency Through Children’s Poetry

As a children’s poet, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how poetry can transform the learning experience for young readers. Today, I’d like to share some insights with you, the dedicated ESL/ELL/ELA/EFL/ENL/ESOL teachers (which I will refer to using the shorthand “ESL” in this article), on how poetry—especially humorous and rhyming verses—can be a powerful tool in your classrooms to help students achieve English fluency.

Enhancing ESL Fluency Through Children's Poetry

The Role of Poetry in Language Learning

Poetry provides a number of important benefits for ESL students:

  1. Rhythm and Rhyme: The natural cadence of poetry helps students internalize English rhythms, while rhyming words and other forms of repetition enhance memorization.
  2. Repetition: Many poems use repetitive phrases or structures, reinforcing vocabulary and sentence patterns effectively.
  3. Concise Language: Poems are often brief, making them less daunting for ESL students than longer texts.
  4. Cultural Exposure: Poetry can introduce students to English-language customs, idioms, and cultural references in an accessible manner.

While these benefits apply to all types of poetry, humorous and rhyming poems offer additional advantages that make them particularly suitable for beginning ESL learners.

The Special Appeal of Funny Poems

In my years of writing for children, I’ve found that humorous poetry has a special way of capturing students’ attention and keeping them engaged. When learning is enjoyable, it doesn’t feel like a chore. Moreover, humor creates positive emotions, which are linked to improved memory retention. Students are more likely to remember words and phrases that amused them.

Many humorous poems play with language creatively, helping students understand the flexibility of English and encouraging linguistic experimentation. Additionally, humor helps create a relaxed classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes—a crucial factor in language learning.

Notable Poets for Children’s ESL Instruction

There are several poets whose work I believe can be especially effective in ESL classrooms:

Dr. Seuss: His books, such as The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, use simple vocabulary in creative, rhythmic ways that ESL students can easily grasp.

Shel Silverstein: Collections like Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic are full of surprising twists that delight children while teaching them about language structure and idioms.

Jack Prelutsky: Prelutsky was the first U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate and his work, including It’s Raining Pigs and Noodles, introduces new vocabulary in entertaining contexts.

And if I may, I’d like to mention my own work. In books like A Festival for Frogs, I often use everyday situations, especially ones relevant to kids, as a starting point for imaginative adventures, helping students connect language to their own experiences.

Practical Applications in the ESL Classroom

Based on feedback from teachers who’ve used my poems and those of other children’s poets, here are some strategies for incorporating poetry into ESL instruction:

  1. Daily Read-Alouds: Begin each day with a poem. This helps students connect written words with their sounds and meanings. Feel free to use poems from my other website PoetryMinute.org, which has 180 short poems, one for every day of the school year, from many different contemporary children’s poets.
  2. Vocabulary Exercises: Remove words from a poem and have students fill in the blanks, promoting vocabulary development and understanding of context clues. Many of the poems on Poetry4kids include fill-in-the-blank and find-the-rhyme student worksheets. Soon I plan to organize these by worksheet type and reading level for members of the website.
  3. Recitation Practice: Have students memorize and recite short poems to improve pronunciation, intonation, and public speaking skills. For more on this, read my lesson on “How to Recite a Poem Like an Expert.”
  4. Visual Comprehension: Ask students to illustrate poems, aiding comprehension and catering to visual learners.
  5. Creative Writing: Encourage students to write their own poems in English, practicing vocabulary, sentence structure, and creativity simultaneously. You will find dozens of simple poetry-writing lessons here.
  6. Thematic Integration: Choose poems that relate to other subjects being taught, reinforcing cross-curricular learning.
  7. Sequencing Exercises: Cut up poems into individual lines or stanzas and have students reconstruct them, developing logical thinking skills alongside language abilities.

Beyond Humorous and Rhyming Poetry

While humorous and rhyming poetry provides an excellent starting point, it’s important to gradually introduce other forms of poetry as students progress. Haiku can teach conciseness and imagery. Free verse can demonstrate the flexibility of language. Narrative poems can improve storytelling skills and comprehension of longer texts.

Each form of poetry offers unique benefits, and a well-rounded ESL curriculum should incorporate a variety of poetic styles over time. However, beginning with engaging, accessible forms like humorous and rhyming poetry can help establish a strong foundation and a positive attitude toward English learning.

Long-Term Impact

From my interactions with teachers and students, I’ve seen how integrating poetry into the ESL curriculum does more than help teach language; it fosters a lasting appreciation for English. Students who associate the language with enjoyment are more likely to engage with English content outside the classroom.

Furthermore, the skills developed through poetry—understanding rhythm, recognizing patterns, appreciating wordplay—transfer to other areas of language learning. Over time, students should see improvements in overall fluency, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

While all forms of poetry can contribute to language acquisition, humorous and rhyming poems offer an especially effective starting point for young ESL learners. By beginning with these engaging forms and gradually introducing other poetic styles, you can create a rich, varied language learning experience for your students.

From Dr. Seuss’s whimsical rhymes to more complex poetic forms, there’s a wealth of material waiting to be explored in your ESL classrooms. By harnessing the power of poetry, you can help your students not just learn English, but truly connect with the language, setting the stage for lifelong learning and appreciation.

As a poet, nothing brings me more joy than knowing my work, along with that of my fellow children’s poets, can play a part in this wonderful journey of language discovery. Keep up the fantastic work, ESL teachers!

Kenn Nesbitt
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Sensory Poetry Lesson Plan: Bringing Poems to Life Through the Five Senses

Today, we’re going to explore how focusing on one sense at a time can help create vivid, memorable poems that really come alive for the reader.

Sensory Poetry Lesson Plan

Lesson Objective

Students will learn to write descriptive poems focusing on each of the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Materials Needed

  • Paper and pencils
  • Optional: objects related to different senses (e.g., textured items, scented items, pictures, audio clips, taste-safe food items)

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 minutes):

Explain that poetry isn’t just about rhyming words – it’s about creating experiences for the reader. One powerful way to do this is by focusing on sensory details.

Sensory Warm-up (10 minutes):

  • Have students close their eyes and focus on what they can hear. Ask them to jot down a few words describing the sounds.
  • Repeat this exercise for smell (what can they smell in the classroom?), touch (what textures can they feel?), and sight (have them open their eyes and describe what they see).
  • For taste, you can either have students imagine their favorite food or, if possible, provide a simple snack for them to taste and describe.

Examples of Sensory Poems (10 minutes):

Share examples of poems that focus strongly on one sense. Here’s a simple example for each:

Sight

“The sun, a golden disc,
Paints the sky in pastel hues,
Clouds like cotton candy
Float in seas of blue.”

 

Sound

“Leaves rustle and whisper,
Wind chimes sing their song,
A dog’s distant barking
Echoes all day long.”

 

Smell

“Fresh bread from the bakery,
Cinnamon and spice,
Coffee brewing slowly,
Oh, doesn’t that smell nice?”

 

Taste

“Tangy lemon zest,
Sweet honey on my tongue,
Spicy pepper flakes,
Flavors have just begun.”

 

Touch

“Soft fur of a kitten,
Rough bark on a tree,
Cool water on my skin,
So many things to feel and see.”

Writing Time (20 minutes)

  • Assign each student a sense (or let them choose).
  • Instruct them to write a short poem (4-8 lines) focusing primarily on their assigned sense.
  • Encourage them to use specific, concrete details rather than general descriptions.

Sharing and Feedback (10 minutes)

Have volunteers read their poems aloud. Ask the class to guess which sense the poem is focusing on (it should be obvious from the descriptive language used).

Extension Activity

For homework or extra class time, challenge students to write a poem that incorporates all five senses.

Tips for Success

  • Encourage students to use similes and metaphors to make their sensory descriptions more vivid.
  • Remind them that while the focus is on one sense, they can still mention others if it enhances the poem.
  • For younger students, you might want to provide a simple template or structure for their poems.

A Personal Note

I’ve found that sensory poems are a great way to help kids connect with the world around them and express their experiences in creative ways. They are also a terrific precursor to introducing the concept of imagery, which can help students improve their poems and stories by evoking the senses in their writing.

Sensory poetry is a fantastic tool for developing descriptive language skills and encouraging keen observation. By focusing on one sense at a time, students can create rich, evocative poems that really resonate with readers. Remember, the goal is to make the reader feel like they’re experiencing the poem, not just reading it.

Happy writing, everyone!

Kenn Nesbitt
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The Power of Rhythm: How Poetic Meter Enhances Memory and Recall

As a children’s poet, I’ve long been fascinated by the magic that happens when we combine words with rhythm. There’s something almost musical about the way a well-crafted poem can stick in our minds, sometimes for years after we first hear it. Today, I’d like to explore with you, the dedicated elementary school teachers, how the rhythmic language in poetry can significantly boost memory and recall in your students.

The Power of Rhythm: How Poetic Meter Enhances Memory and Recall

The Science Behind Poetic Rhythm

You might have noticed how easily your students pick up catchy advertising jingles or remember lyrics to their favorite songs. This isn’t just coincidence – there’s solid science behind it. Our brains are wired to recognize and remember patterns, and the meter (the rhythm) in poetry provides just that: a predictable, pleasing pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Research has shown that information presented in a rhythmic format is more easily encoded in our long-term memory. This is because rhythm helps to organize information into chunks, making it easier for our brains to process and store. When we encounter rhythmic language, our brains actually synchronize with the beat, creating a stronger neural imprint of the words.

Types of Poetic Meter and Their Effects

Different types of poetic meter can have varying effects on the mood of a poem, as well as on memory and recall. While the names of these meters might be challenging to remember, the concept of each one should be simple enough.

  1. Iambic Meter: This is the most common meter in English poetry, with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed one (da-DUM). It closely mimics natural speech patterns, making it particularly effective for memorization. Shakespeare’s sonnets, for example, are written in iambic pentameter. (Penta means five so, “iambic pentameter” simply means five “iambs” or five “da-DUMs.”) Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham, on the other hand, was written in iambic tetrameter (tetra means four, so four iambs per line), resulting in “I do not like green eggs and ham / I do not like them Sam I am.”
  2. Trochaic Meter: The reverse of iambic, with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed one (DUM-da). This creates a strong, marching rhythm that can be very memorable. Think of the opening lines of William Blake’s The Tyger: “Tyger! Tyger! burning bright / In the forests of the night” or Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven: “Once upon a midnight dreary / while I pondered weak and weary.”
  3. Anapestic Meter: Two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed one (da-da-DUM). This creates a rolling, galloping rhythm that children often find engaging. Dr. Seuss was a master of anapestic meter, using it in many of his books, including The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax.
  4. Dactylic Meter: A stressed syllable followed by two unstressed ones (DUM-da-da). While less common in English poetry, it can create a rhythmic, waltz-like feel that aids memory. One famous example is Tennyson’s The Charge of the Light Brigade.

If you’ like to learn more about these different meters in poetry, I recommend you have a look at my series of simple lessons on Rhythm in Poetry.

Practical Applications in the Classroom

So, how can you harness the power of poetic rhythm to enhance your students’ learning and memory? Here are some ideas:

  1. Start with Nursery Rhymes: For younger students or those just beginning to learn English, nursery rhymes are an excellent starting point. Their strong rhythms and simple vocabulary make them easy to remember. Dr. Seuss’ “Beginner Books,” such as  Hop on Pop, and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish are also a great place to start for preschool students as well as beginning readers.
  2. Use Poetry for Key Concepts: When teaching important information in any subject, try to find or create simple rhymes that encapsulate the main points. For example, “In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” is a classic example from history.
  3. Encourage Rhythm in Writing: When students are writing their own poems, encourage them to pay attention to the rhythm. Even if they’re not following a strict meter, the act of considering rhythm can help them internalize the language better.
  4. Clap it Out: Have students clap or tap along with the rhythm of a poem as they recite it. This physical action reinforces the rhythmic pattern and can aid in memorization.
  5. Rap it Out: Once students have learned to clap along with the beats in a poem, have them try rapping poems; reciting poems aloud and emphasizing the stressed syllables.
  6. Create Musical Connections: Many poems can be set to simple tunes. In fact, many of my poems already are. Try turning important information into singable rhymes for even stronger memory encoding.
  7. Use Rhythm for Vocabulary: When introducing new vocabulary, try presenting the words in rhythmic sentences or short poems. The rhythm will help students remember not just the words, but also their context and usage. If you are looking for poems containing specific vocabulary words, try using the Search menu on this website. There are nearly 1000 poems on Poetry4kids, so you are likely to find something suitable.
  8. Play with Tempo: Experiment with reciting poems at different speeds. Sometimes, slowing down can help students internalize the rhythm better, while speeding up can make it more fun and challenging.

Beyond Memory: Other Benefits of Rhythmic Language

While improved memory and recall are significant benefits of rhythmic poetry, they’re not the only ones. Regular exposure to poetic rhythm can also:

  1. Enhance Phonological Awareness: The ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language, a crucial skill for reading development.
  2. Improve Fluency: As students become more familiar with the rhythms of English, their overall reading fluency often improves. Additionally, they will be absorbing new vocabulary in a way that seems more like play than work.
  3. Boost Confidence: Successfully memorizing and reciting a poem can be a great confidence booster, especially for students who might struggle in other areas.
  4. Develop Public Speaking Skills: Reciting rhythmic poetry helps students become more comfortable with public speaking and develops their sense of timing and pacing. Reciting humorous poetry can also elicit applause, smiles, and other positive feedback from their classmates, making public speaking more fun and less intimidating.
  5. Foster Creativity: Understanding and playing with rhythm can spark creativity in students’ own writing.

A Personal Note

In my years of writing for children, I’ve seen firsthand how rhythm can make poetry stick. I often receive letters from adults who still remember poems they learned in elementary school, sometimes decades ago. This long-term retention is a testament to the power of rhythmic language.

One of my favorite examples is a poem I wrote called “My Dog Does My Homework.” It uses a simple, bouncy rhythm that children seem to pick up almost instantly. Teachers have told me that students often memorize it without even trying, simply because the rhythm makes it fun to repeat.

The Power of Fun

As we’ve explored, the rhythmic language of poetry is far more than just a pleasing aesthetic choice – it’s a powerful tool for enhancing memory and recall. By incorporating more rhythmic poetry into your lessons, you’re not just teaching language or subject matter; you’re providing your students with a mnemonic device that can serve them well beyond their school years.

Remember, poetry doesn’t have to be complex or difficult to be effective. Simple rhymes, clear rhythms, and engaging topics can go a long way in helping information stick. So don’t be afraid to get rhythmic in your classroom – your students’ memories will thank you!

Keep up the fantastic work, teachers. You’re not just educating minds; you’re creating the rhythms that will echo in your students’ memories for years to come. Thank you for all you do!

Kenn Nesbitt
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