Children's poetry

1. Poetry in Early Years Education
What’s Poetry? Literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by
the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature. Children's
poetry is poetry written for, appropriate for, or enjoyed by children. Children's poetry is one of the
oldest art forms, rooted in early oral tradition, folk poetry, and nursery rhymes.
The following are the reasons for using poetry in Early Years Education:
1. They provide enjoyment
2. Expands children’s knowledge about the world around them
3. Encourages an appreciation for language use and expands vocabulary
4. Helps children to identify with people and situations
5. Expresses moods familiar to children
6. Gives insights into children and their feelings

2. Criteria for Selecting Poetry
1.Poems that are lively, with exciting meters and
rhythms, are most likely to appeal to young children.
2.Poems for young children should emphasize the sounds
of language and encourage play with words.
3.Sharply cut visual images and words used in fresh
novel manners allow children to expand their
imaginations and see or hear the world in a new way.

3. Cont’
4. Poems for young children should tell simple
stories and introduce stirring scenes of action.
5. The poems selected should be written down to
children's supposed level.
6. The most effective poems allow children to
interpret, to feel, and to put themselves into the
poems. They encourage children to extend
comparisons, images, and findings.

4. Cont’
7. The subject matter should delight children, say
something to them, enhance their egos, strike happy
recollections, tickle their funny bones, or encourage them
to explore.
8. Poems should be good enough to stand up under
repeated readings. Repetition in poetry is always
satisfying.