We Love Horses: Classic Poems for Kids
OverDrive Read Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Horses have been adored for centuries and this volume of poetry brings the graceful steed to the page. For horse-crazy children, adults who love horses, or a horse-themed education unit, this collection brings together the best horse poetry from the ages. Familiar favorites like “Paul Revere’s Ride” and “The Highwayman” are joined by poems from English literature’s finest including Lord Byron, William Blake and Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings do you think the horses in the poems might be experiencing?
Which poem about horses did you like the most, and why?
How do you think the author feels about horses? Can you find words in the poems that show his feelings?
If you could spend a day with one of the horses from the poems, what activities would you do together?
How are the horses similar to or different from other animals you know?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes described in the poems. Ask them to draw their favorite horse from the poems or to act out what a day with that horse might look like. Discuss the emotions conveyed through the words and rhythms of the poems, and relate them to emotions your child experiences. This helps in developing empathy and a deeper understanding of literature. Share your own thoughts and feelings about the poems to model thoughtful engagement and show that poetry can be a shared enjoyment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Through engaging poems about horses, children learn to understand and share the feelings of another being, fostering a sense of shared experience and care.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy learned from the poems in their interactions with pets and peers, leading to nurturing relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: D.H. Lawrence's vivid descriptions of horses and natural settings invite kids to appreciate the beauty and majesty of the natural world.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to observe, engage with, and protect the environment around them, whether it be in rural or urban settings.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The poems expose children to different historical and cultural perspectives about horses, highlighting their importance in various societies.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to respect and be curious about different cultures and histories, enhancing social studies learning and global awareness.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: The poetic format pushes children to explore language creatively and to express their thoughts and feelings in new ways.
Real-World Application: This fosters a love for reading and writing, encouraging them to experiment with their own creative writing or storytelling.