National Poetry Month is an ideal opportunity to strengthen parent engagement and partnership in the education of children. By joining forces, parents and teachers can inspire students to discover the beauty and wonder of poetry. Many people mistakenly believe that poetry is difficult to learn, teach, and appreciate. However, with the combined efforts of teachers and families, students can learn to love this captivating art form.
Here are four simple ways teachers can partner with families to celebrate National Poetry Month and foster a love of poetry among students:
Rhyming word games
Parents can engage their children in fun rhyming word games that build phonemic awareness and early reading skills. Start by choosing a word and taking turns with your child to come up with words that rhyme. This activity not only fosters an appreciation for the musicality of poetry but also helps young learners recognize and manipulate word sounds, which is essential for developing reading fluency.
Poetry-inspired art projects
Encourage your child’s creativity by combining poetry and art. Choose a simple, age-appropriate poem that captures your child’s interest, and read it together. Afterwards you can work together to create a visual representation of the poem using drawing, painting, or collage materials. This collaborative activity helps your child connect the words of the poem with images, reinforcing reading comprehension while also allowing them to express their understanding and interpretation of the poem.
Poetry puzzles
Create poetry puzzles to help your child practice reading and develop problem-solving skills. Choose a short, age-appropriate poem and print it out in large, easy-to-read font. Cut the poem into individual words or short phrases, and then have your child work to reassemble the poem by reading and matching the words. This hands-on activity encourages your child to engage with the text and practice their early reading skills in a fun, interactive way.
Poem of the week
Introduce your child to the joy of poetry by establishing a “Poem of the Week” tradition. Each week, select a new, age-appropriate poem to read with your child. Spend time discussing the poem, its meaning, and any new vocabulary words. Encourage your child to memorize the poem, and practice reciting it together throughout the week. This activity not only builds reading fluency and comprehension but also helps your child develop their memory and public speaking skills. By focusing on a single poem each week, your child can fully engage with the text and develop a deeper appreciation for poetry.
National Poetry Month is a perfect opportunity for teachers to join forces with families in promoting the beauty of poetry and nurturing students’ creative talents. By actively engaging families in their child’s poetry education, teachers can foster a supportive learning environment where students can reach their full potential. National Poetry Month is just one way to strengthen the vital home-to-school partnership that underpins student success.
