Not only is April National Card and Letter Writing Month, it’s National Poetry Month too! In honor of the occasion, I’ve put together some poetry writing prompts for kids. These creative activities will help them have fun creating poems.
1. It’s the Little Things
Tiny things are all around you! Write a poem about something very small, such as a piece of lint, an M&M, a button, an ant, or a Lego brick. Your poem must be tiny too, containing only five lines.
2. Rhyme, Re-rhyme
Write out the words to a favorite song. It can be a pop song, silly song, camp song, or even a nursery rhyme. Next, rewrite the words to create a new rhyming song! If you need help thinking of words that rhyme, use the Rhyme Zone tool. Here’s an example:
DO YOUR EARS HANG LOW? (original)
Do your ears hang low?
Do they wobble to and fro?
Can you tie them in a knot?
Can you tie them in a bow?
Can you throw them over your shoulder
Like a continental soldier?
Do your ears hang low?
NAUGHTY DOGS (rewritten)
Do your dogs have fleas?
Do they hide your Dad’s car keys?
Do they chew your brother’s socks?
Will they steal your sister’s cheese?
Do they bury all their bones
And lick your ice cream cones?
Do they love to tease?
3. Ode to Orange
Write a poem to your favorite color. Include objects, places, or feelings that remind you of that color.
4. Poetry by the Numbers
Reach for the nearest book and open to a random page. Make a list of ten words that jump out at you. Write a poem using at least five of those words.
5. Alliteration All Around
Alliteration is a common poetic device. Alliteration happens when words that appear close together in a line or verse share the same beginning sound (usually a consonant. This poem gives an example of alliteration.
Lacy lilacs by the lake shore.
Larkspur blooms and lady’s slippers,
Scent of lavender and lemon,
Lingers long among the lilies.
How many words begin with the /l/sound?
Now write your own poem using alliteration. Your poem, like the example above, doesn’t have to rhyme.
Did your kids have fun with these? Click to discover more poetry activities, or check out our weekly prompts on Writing Prompt Wednesdays!
Photo credits: Tony Hisgett (buttons), woodleywonderworks (LEGO pieces), Courtesy of Creative Commons.
