Poetry for Children

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Poetry for Children

Forms of poetry:

Narrative Poetry- tells a story

Ballads

- Narrative poetry

- Often set to music

- Usually "ballad stanza" with 4 lines with 8 syllables each; lines 2 & 4 rhyme

Lyric poetry- describes feelings, etc.; language often has a musical quality

Limericks

- Lines 1, 2 and 5 rhyme. Lines 3 and 4 rhyme.

- Usually humorous

Free Verse

- Lacks rhyme and has less predictable rhythm

Concrete Poetry

- Words and phrases are arranged to capture and extend meaning by forming a picture

Haiku

- Japanese form of poetry

- 17 syllables in three lines: first line, 5 syllables; second line 7 syllables; third line, 5 syllables. Usually has a nature theme.

Cinquain

- First Line: 2 syllables

- Second Line: 4 syllables

- Third Line: 6 syllables

- Fourth Line: 8 syllables

- Fifth Line: 2 syllables

Sonnet

- 14 lines with 10 syllables each

- Italian form: abba abba cde cde

- English form: abab cdcd efef gg

Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children

National Council of Teachers of English (U.S.)

Established 1977. Currently awarded every three years (every year until 1982). Announced at the Spring Conference of NCTE.

1997 - Eloise Greenfield

1994 - Barbara Juster Esbensen

1991 - Valerie Worth

1988 - Arnold Adoff

1985 - Lillian Moore

1982 - John Ciardi

1981 - Eve Merriam

1980 - Myra Cohn Livingston

1979 - Karla Kuskin

1978 - Aileen Fisher

1977 - David McCord

Ideas for Teaching

1. Read poems in class that students will enjoy.

2. Try to find poems that each child can relate to. One very effective way is to match kids up with poems based on their personal interests. Here are some that work well:

 Kids who aren't exactly crazy about their brothers will enjoy "What My Parents Should Know about My Brother" by Bruce Lansky (Poetry Party).

 Kids with a dog love "Dumb Dog" by Shirlee Curlee Bingham (A Bad Case of the Giggles).

 Kids with a sibling they'd like to play dirty tricks on love "Sweet Dreams" by Joyce Armor (Kids Pick the Funniest Poems).

 Kids whose bedrooms are a mess will enjoy "Where My Clothes Are" by Bruce Lansky (Poetry Party).

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