Poems for Young Children
What’s inside...
This anthology features a beautifully illustrated collection of poems, showcasing a diverse range of works from classic poets like Roald Dahl and Lewis Carroll to new contemporary voices. The poems cover various themes and moods, all carefully selected to inspire and demonstrate the magic of poetry to children. It includes different types of poems such as limericks, nature poems, nonsense verse, and free verse, with contributions from renowned poets including William Shakespeare, Christina Rossetti, and Ogden Nash.
Age
2-6
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings do you experience when you read this poem?
Which poem is your favorite and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt something similar to what's described in the poem?
How do the images in the book make you feel as you read the poems?
If you could write your own poem, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions related to each poem, fostering a deeper emotional connection. Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss the themes and messages in the poems. Relate the situations in the poems to real-life experiences your child might have had, enhancing their comprehension. Invite your child to create their own poem, giving them a creative outlet to apply what they've learned. Acknowledge and praise your child's insights, boosting their confidence and interest in reading and discussing literature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness
Explanation: The poems in 'Poems for Young Children' often depict scenes where characters are rewarded for acts of kindness, portraying how positive actions can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by sharing their toys, helping their peers in school or offering support to family members at home, learning that kindness can foster better relationships and a happier environment.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Various poems narrate stories of characters who succeed after multiple attempts, illustrating the importance of persisting despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in tasks like learning to ride a bike or mastering a new skill at school, teaching them determination and the benefits of not giving up.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book includes poems that celebrate the beauty of nature and emphasize the need to take care of our environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and preserve their natural surroundings by engaging in activities like planting trees, recycling, or simply enjoying and observing the outdoors responsibly.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Hawthorn’s poems use whimsical language and fantastical scenarios to stoke the imagination, showing how creativity can lead to discovery and joy.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to engage in creative activities such as drawing, story writing, or imaginative play which can boost their cognitive and emotional development.
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: The collection often explores different emotions through its characters, teaching children to identify and articulate their feelings.
Real-World Application: This can help children in expressing their own emotions more clearly and managing them effectively in daily interactions with others.