Poetry for Preschoolers

The Magic of Simple Rhymes for Early Literacy

Mother Goose Treasury

There’s something magical about poetry for young children. The rhythm, the repetition, the silly sounds—it all comes together to make language fun and memorable. Before kids ever learn to read, they develop an ear for language, picking up patterns and sounds that will help them later on. Poetry, especially short rhymes, plays a huge role in this early learning process.

For preschoolers, poetry is all about the joy of words—clapping along to a rhyme, giggling at a funny phrase, or shouting out the next rhyming word before they even know how to spell it. That’s why simple rhymes are so valuable for early literacy. They make language playful and engaging while secretly building important reading skills.

How Rhymes Build Early Literacy

If you’ve ever spent time with a toddler, you’ve probably noticed how much they love repeating the same songs and stories over and over. That’s not just because they enjoy them (though they do); it’s also because repetition helps them learn. When kids hear rhyming words again and again, they start to recognize sound patterns. Without realizing it they are developing “phonemic awareness”—the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds in words—which is a crucial skill for learning to read.

Classic nursery rhymes have been doing this work for centuries. “Humpty Dumpty,” “Jack and Jill,” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” all follow predictable patterns that help young children hear the music in language.

Alligator Pie by Dennis Lee

But beyond the classics, there are so many wonderful modern poets writing for this age group. Dennis Lee’s books, like Alligator Pie and Jelly Belly, capture the same sense of playfulness with fresh, imaginative wordplay. Jack Prelutsky’s collections, including Ride a Purple Pelican and In Aunt Giraffe’s Green Garden, are filled with short, bouncy rhymes that are perfect for reading aloud.

I’ve written many simple rhymes for young children as well, which you can find on the Nursery Rhymes page of Poetry4kids.com. Many of these poems are designed to be short, easy to remember, and fun to say out loud—exactly the kind of verses that help little ones get comfortable with language—while others are parodies of well-known Mother Goose nursery rhymes.

Making Poetry Interactive

One of the best things about poetry for preschoolers is that it doesn’t have to be read in a traditional way. Unlike stories, which usually require sitting still and listening from beginning to end, poetry invites movement and participation. Kids can clap along with the beat, act out the words, or jump in when they hear a rhyme coming. A poem about hopping bunnies? Get them hopping. A rhyme about a buzzing bee? Time to buzz around the room. The more interactive it is, the more engaged they’ll be—and the more likely they are to remember the words.

Silly poetry is especially powerful for this age group. Preschoolers love nonsense words, funny sounds, and unexpected twists. A poem that turns familiar ideas upside down—like a cow that barks or a dog that meows—keeps them giggling while stretching their imagination. Dr. Seuss mastered this style, and it’s easy to see why his books have remained popular for generations. Rhyming silliness is just plain fun, and when kids are having fun, they’re learning without even realizing it.

Poetry and Music: A Perfect Pairing

Another great way to bring poetry into a preschooler’s world is through song. Most traditional children’s songs are built around rhyme and repetition, making them a natural extension of poetry. In fact, many nursery rhymes started as songs, and many songs work beautifully as spoken verse. If you ever feel like a poem isn’t grabbing their attention, try adding a melody to it. Even a simple tune can transform a short rhyme into something unforgettable.

Incorporating Poetry into Everyday Life

For parents, educators, and caregivers, the key to making poetry stick is to make it part of everyday life. Poems don’t have to be confined to story time or bedtime; they can show up anywhere. A silly rhyme while brushing teeth, a quick couplet about getting dressed, a chant while walking to the park—these little moments turn poetry into something familiar and natural. The more kids hear and play with rhymes, the more comfortable they’ll be with language.

The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman

For those looking to introduce more poetry into their preschooler’s routine, there’s no shortage of great books to start with. Along with Dennis Lee and Jack Prelutsky, Mary Ann Hoberman’s The Llama Who Had No Pajama and Julie Andrews’ Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies are fantastic choices. Shel Silverstein’s books can also work well, especially some of the shorter, simpler poems from Where the Sidewalk Ends.

At its heart, poetry for preschoolers is about making language a source of joy. When kids hear and repeat rhymes, they’re doing more than just having fun—they’re building a foundation for reading, writing, and creative thinking. The best part? They don’t even know they’re learning. To them, it’s just a game, a song, a funny phrase that makes them laugh. And that’s exactly what poetry should be—something that brings joy, sparks imagination, and makes the world of words a little more magical.

Kenn Nesbitt
Follow Kenn
Latest posts by Kenn Nesbitt (see all)