Teaching children to write poetry can be done if the steps are broken down. Children learn best when it is simple and easily accomplished. Basically all you need to do is show children how to rhyme words and then put them together. Here are 6 methods.
1. List of words. On the chalk board or on a piece of paper at home write down some words that rhyme. An example would be: night, kite, fight, scare, snare, mare, mile, smile etc. Help the kids arrange a couple of these words in a sentence.
2. Recite to them. Write some sentences you come up with or select some of the children's and recite them. This way they can hear the words rhyming. Make the sentences fun.
3. The Bible. The Bible is the most widely read book in the world. It is written in prose and parts of it are quite beautiful. You can read parts of the Bible a loud and discuss why it is considered poetry. As an exercise you can have the children try to imitate some of the verses.
4. Poems about familiar things. Poetry is an expression of feelings and emotions. Help the kids by getting them to express thoughts and ideas about people and things they are very familiar with. Encourage them to be expressive.
5. Rhyming games. Rhyming games are another method for teaching children to write poetry. Nursery rhymes are some of the first poetry we learn. You can also teach rhythmic patterns by having the children stomp their feet and clap their hands along with the poem. Naturally this is loud but very effective.
6. Music. Older children in particular will become interested in poetry more readily when they learn that all music is based on rhythmic patterns. The lyrics are like poetry and if written down and read sound like poetry.
Writing poetry is a fun activity and the kids will enjoy it. You need to start with simple rhyming schemes so the students can build confidence. You can use the Bible, games and music to further their understanding.
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