One of the reasons Dr. Seuss gained in popularity, and continues to be one of the best tools we have to teach literacy, is the rhythmic nature of those stories. Rhyme is impactful as an aide in learning and retaining skills early on, so I thought it would be cool to get you thinking about poetry as another tool for developing writing. 

I was reminded last week that I have an entire journal full of poems that I’d written as a kid. All in my free time, mostly for fun, and sometimes (though I didn’t know it) as medicine for my young soul. Whether rhyming, sonnet, haiku, narrative, free verse, or other; using poetry to develop writing skills, and encourage a new hobby can be effective, and fun!

I would recommend starting with brainstorming. If you need some guidance, I discussed this step, in detail, in a previous post here: A Love For Writing Part II.

Let’s say my topic is: Vacation. Seems appropriate, right? Aren’t we all just dying to go somewhere, be ANYWHERE, right now?!

So, my brainstorm is as follows:

VACATION

• Beach

• Sun

• Vacation home

• Breeze

• Light

• Relax

• Comfortable

• Fun

• Laughing

• Family

• Friends

Your turn. What’s on your list?

My brainstorm might only make sense in my own head as one thought led to another. But I can take those thoughts, and create a poem to express them.

Let’s start with a rhyming poem. I should also note this is a great way to work on that skill!

“AWAY

I dream of summer
For long, hot days
For hours sitting in a hammock,
While the sun catches my gaze.

I dream of the sounds
Of waves crashing for miles
Of kids playing in the distance
Their laughter makes my heart smile

I dream of the light
The moon and stars guide my way
As I take my nightly stroll
My favorite part of each day

I dream of vacation
Of relaxation and rest
Of joyful days with loved ones
No schedule. No stress.”

And done! It took me about 20 minutes to write, but I already had an idea, based on my brainstorm, of what I wanted to say. Most of my time was spent tweaking the stanzas so my rhythm was consistent. But don’t worry so much about that! Focus on the language.

***For some students, you may have to choose some words with rhyming patterns beforehand, so that they have an idea of where to go.

A quick example!

Ok, let’s try another. A haiku. It should follow a pattern based on syllables (5-7-5). I love doing this with kids who are working on counting syllables.

I’ll use my same brainstorm.

“Not in the winter
I’ll wait for summer to come
Vacation needs sun.”

A whole poem, in 3 short lines! Did you count the syllables? I bet you just went back to do it! Haha! Good! When you finish, grab your kiddo and choose a style. 

Have some poetry fun!

Happy writing!

Tia