Is writing poetry difficult? Where do you start? How do you come up with a poem idea? Writing poetry doesn't have to be difficult, especially for kids whose creative spirits love to be unleashed! Nevertheless, poetry prompts are very helpful for those writers staring at a blank page and trying to decide how to begin! These poem ideas include a variety of poetry forms and topics, and are good writing prompts for kids (and adults!).
Although April is National Poetry Month (and I always make a big deal of it), anytime of the year is a good time to learn how to write poetry.
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How to Begin
Before you sit down to write your first line of a poem, you must first learn how to read poetry! If you haven't already done so, complete this easy Poetry Reading Challenge that will introduce kids to different poetry forms and have them eager to created their very own poem.
Next, laugh yourself silly while completing in this Poetry Writing Challenge in which kids learn to write poetry the easy way.
Finally, use the poem ideas and prompts in this article to start experimenting with form and language.
Coming Up with Good Poem Ideas
Lots of new poets wonder how they can get ideas for poem. The good news is that poetry ideas don't have to be complicated. When kids harness their creativity and start to brainstorm about topics they are interested in, writer's block will fade away!
When young writers explore different types of poetry like the ones below, they will practice their writing skills as well as learn about the essential characteristics of poetry such as rhyme and rhythm, meter, figurative language and metaphor, form and mood.
Poem Starters
Sometimes writing the first line that grabs the attention of the reader is the hardest. When you have a little guidance about what form your poem will take, it gets easier. These poem starters and prompts are excellent jumping off points!
Write a spine poem using the books on your shelves.
Try writing a color poem. This is a good easy poem writing idea for younger kids and helps them learn about creating images and emotions with words. (via The Measured Mom)
Young poets will love experimenting by looking at things from a new perspective when they write a "never" poem. This particular version of the Never Poem harnesses the power of alliteration. Plus, kids love it when they can be silly. (via The Write Shop)
Some poetry writing ideas can be more challenging than others, but don't shy away. You'll be surprised how your kids rise to the occasion. Write a reverso poem (via Mama Smiles, inspired by Marilyn Singer's Mirror Mirror)
One of the most commonly assigned school poems is a haiku! How to write haiku, an article by Bob Raczka, poet and author of one of my favorite haiku books, GUYKU: A Year of Haiku for Boys. (via Imagination Soup)
Creative poem ideas can take many forms. What about a puzzling rhyme? Try writing a riddle poem. (via Imagination Soup)
Ditch the pen and paper and compose poetry using magnetic words. We have a set of really big magnetic poetry words and the boys love them. Having a limited selection of words to chose from helps take the pressure off writing.
Write a concrete poem. Concrete poems are poems (rhyming or free verse) in which the words on the page take on a shape that relates to the imagery in the poem's meaning (via Poetry 4 Kids)
MORE: Concrete Poetry Books for Kids
Need a poem starter kids will love? Give them a topic they boosts self-esteem. Write an "I'm so smart" poem. I think my kid might like this idea a little too much.
Write an acrostic poem. Acrostics are often the first poems kids learn how to write in school. (This post also teaches about similes.)
Write a limerick to make everyone laugh! A limerick uses a very specific AABBA rhyme scheme, convey a humorous and whimsical mood, and frequently veer into the realm of nonsense poetry! (via Power Poetry)
MORE: Funny Poetry Books for Kids
Focus on imagery and write a poem using the 5 senses. This is another excellent easy poem idea for kids. (via This Reading Mama)
Create a rhyme using word families. This is an great idea for kids still learning how to read and are working on learning the parts of speech like adjectives and adverbs. (via This Reading Mama)
Not all poems have to rhyme. A diamante poem has seven lines. The shape of the poem is a diamond, with the first and last lines containing a single word. Learn how to write a diamante poem. (via Write Shop)
MORE: Children's Poets Your Kids Should Know
Poetry books for inspiration:
Need more convincing that writing poems is fun?
Kim Kautzer says
Thank you for linking to our "Never" Poem!
Erica MomandKiddo says
My pleasure! It's a wonderful idea.
Disha Jha says
You can give IDEAS ABOUT ON WHAT TOPICS CAN WE WRITE A POEM ON but this article kinda helped , but I expected something else .