The Trick to Making Kids Like Poetry

Feb 11, 1999 - © Arden Davidson

Why do so many kids like rap music? Because of the rhythm. Why do so many kids like comic strips? Because of the humor. And why do so many kids groan and feign stomach illness when the word "poetry" is mentioned? Honestly, because most of it lacks the rhythm and humor that kids need to find it entertaining.

Reading about "dew on the early morning grass", or "a lone daisy in a distant meadow" never did it for me (as a kid or an adult). Now, Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham" - that was entertainment! Luckily kids can still enjoy the genius works of Dr. Seuss today at http://www.randomhouse.com/Seussville.

And speaking of geniuses at entertaining children, Shel Silverstein can certainly not be overlooked. From the classic "Where the Sidewalk Ends" to Mr. Silverstein's newest collection of children's poetry, "Falling Up", both humor and rhythm are used brilliantly to entertain and educate kids of all ages. To purchase his books, visit http://www.onestop.net/kidsvillage/shel

Of course, lesser known children's poetry writers have just as much to offer kids. For example, Arden Davidson's "A Pocketful of Rhymes" at http://members.aol.com/Bvsangl/pocket.ht... teaches kids to learn about life, self-esteem and the rewards of individuality, through laughter. Another funny kids poetry site is "Grandpa Tucker's Rhymes and Tales" at http://www.night.net/tucker.

So don't fret if your children or students don't yet appreciate poetry. Kids CAN love poetry...and they can learn from it. But first, they have to enjoy it.

The copyright of the article The Trick to Making Kids Like Poetry in Children's Poetry is owned by Arden Davidson. Permission to republish The Trick to Making Kids Like Poetry in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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