It can be tough to find the right collections, though.
What poems are most appropriate for kids?
What will they like the most?
How do I even get my hands on them right now?
Here are some of my favorite poetry picks for kids, with some help from theOffspring Facebook group.
She thought she could,
She said she would,
So she started right at the tail.
Do you recognize the opening lines of Melinda Mae?
But beware of this compilation: One parent from our group warns there can be some downsides to Silverstein.
She was crushed, but then decided it wasnt true.
Now We Are Sixby A.
Group member Tobey said her copy of the book has spanned generations.
There is something about Milnes writing that children really seem to connect and relate to.
Its simple and oddly sophisticated at the same time.
And then I eat it for him, cos his teeth are rather new.
She skips those or even uses them as a conversation-starter.
The savages arent a focal point in the poem, but, Tobey says, the reference startled her.
With Milne, however, the good far outweighs the bad.
His poems are really inspiring and silly and so easy for kids to relate to, she says.
Some are downright mindless, in a good way, and some are really empathetic of childhood experiences generally.
Goodnight, goodnight
to everyone
Jen calls Lees books silly and fun to read with beautiful, colorful illustrations.
He has several he will repeat often.
Rachel likes the illustrations and that the poems make her think differently about various aspects of childhood.
I cant splash puddles
In my shiny new shoes,
But I can be a tiger
Whenever I choose.
When Susanna Jones wears red
A queen from some time-dated Egyptian night
Walks once again.
Blow trumpets, Jesus!
Luckily, there are plenty of online resources that can help.
Borrow digitally
Many public libraries have digital borrowing options.
Your local library may have similar options.
YouTube
YouTube has a plethora of poetry options, ranging from highly produced performances to simple recitations.
Poet Valerie Bloom, for example, is known for her performances, like this one of Kisko Pop.
Bloom is energetic and fun, a natural at entertaining children.
Hundreds of picture books are available on the app, and the website says it adds more regularly.
Current titles include poems fromWhere the Sidewalk Endsand by Janet Wong and Lewis Carroll.
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