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April is National Poetry Month, 30 days of celebrating the joy, expressiveness, and pure delight of poetry. Learn more about the National Poetry Month, get to know some of our most well-loved children's poets in our video interview series, browse the many online resources listed here, and visit your local library or bookstore to discover wonderful new books and anthologies.
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Slipping past the intellect: Poets on poetry
Listen in as three acclaimed children's writers explore the power and beauty of poetry. "There's always the 'Aha!' There's a catching of the breath that happens, and I hear it all the time from audiences when I read," says Nikki Grimes, author of It's Raining Laughter, 12 joyful poems about growing up.
Learning through poetry
- Using poetry to teach reading
Children are naturally drawn to humor, rhyme, and rhythm, and these are all found in poetry. Find out how to use poetry to motivate kids to read and as a tool to build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. - Introducing and reading poetry with English language learners
Poetry is so versatile, which makes it a great form to use in the ELL classroom. Poems can be used to introduce or practice new vocabulary, language structures, and rhyming devices. In addition, many ELLs come from cultural backgrounds rich with poetry and folktales. - Writing poetry with English language learners
Writing poetry is a great exercise for English language learners. It gives them a chance to experiment with language and vocabulary, and to freely share their ideas without the confinement of perfect grammar or firm structures. - Reading with Jack and Jill
There's a reason we learn nursery rhymes as young children. They help us develop an ear for our language. Rhyme and rhythm highlight the sounds and syllables in words. And understanding sounds and syllables helps kids learn to read! - Activities, lesson plans and more
Scholastic brings you a rich library of classroom resources, including an online poetry writing workshop with Jack Prelutsky, poetry contests, interviews with children's poets, booklists, poetry for preschoolers, and a place for kids to publish their verse online. - Online Poetry Classroom
Discussion forums, critical essays about poetry, lesson plans, biographies of poets, more than 2,000 poems, and links to other useful resources. - African American poetry
In partnership with James Madison University, Dr. Maya Angelou, and the Target Corporation, the Poetry Foundation has developed curriculum for teaching essential African American poetry to students of all ages. - PoetryTeachers.com
How to teach poetry, poetry theater, and poetry activities. - Poetry at home
"Learning to experience poetry does not require lectures or dissection." Children's literature blogger Susan Thomsen provides a helpful guide for how to get your kids reading and enjoying poetry. - Helping children find and enjoy the poetic side of life
Discover the types of poetry, instructional strategies, family poetry fun, and other resources. - Children's Poetry Archive
Poetry doesn't just live in books — it lives in the sound of the words and the voice of the poet. When poets read aloud, they breathe life into the poems. The Children's Poetry Archive is a place where everyone can listen to poetry. Listen to Roald Dahl, Allan Ahlberg, Langston Hughes and other poets read their work.
National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month is a month-long, national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets. The core mission is simple: to celebrate poetry in all its forms and to bring more public visibility to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage, and to the literature of poetry.
- 30 ways to celebrate
- Poem in Your Pocket Day: April 30
The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends on April 30, 2009
Bloggers in the kidlitosphere
…are sharing poetry and poets in exciting new ways during National Poetry Month 2009.
- 30 Poets/30 Days
30 Poets/30 Days publishes a brand new poem each day in April from top children's poets, including Jaime Adoff, Jon Scieszka, Marilyn Singer, Pat Mora, and many more. There are also daily poems from children. - Poetry Makers
The Miss Rumphius Effect blog features interviews with 36 poets, from Arnold Adoff to Jane Yolen, throughout the month of April. - School Poems
The Pencil Talk blog is collecting school poems written by children throughout April and posting one every day.
More online resources
- The Poetry Foundation
Find a poem, ways to use poetry in the classroom and at home, learning about our poet laureates, podcasts, blogs, and much more. - River of Words
A project that connects kids to their local environment and their imaginations through poetry and art. - Favorite Poem Project
Dedicated to celebrating and documenting poetry's role in Americans' lives, here you can watch or listen to people read poems that they love. - Magnetic Poetry
Kids can create virtual magnetic poems and read verse from their peers. - Poetry Idea Engine
This interactive game lets kids write haikus, free verse, limericks, and more. - Shel Silverstein
Visit this playful interactive website from the beloved poet. Games, puzzles, printables, e-cards, and ideas for parents and teachers. - Jack Prelutsky
If you love Children's Poet Laureate Jack Prelutsky and his inventive wordplay, you'll love this site. - Giggle Poetry
A site just for kids: hundreds of poems to read and rate!
