Unleash the Magic of Poetry in Your Elementary Classroom.
5 Simple Strategies You Need to Try
Imagine this: you walk into your classroom on a sunny Monday morning, coffee in hand, ready to tackle another week. As you glance at the chalkboard, you see a little note left by one of your students: “Roses are red, violets are blue. I love school because of you!” Instantly, your heart melts, and you remember the magic that poetry can bring into the lives of children.

Welcome to “Unleash the Magic of Poetry in Your Classroom: 5 Simple Strategies You Need to Try!” Whether you’re a seasoned poetry enthusiast or a hesitant newbie, these tips will transform your poetry lessons from ordinary to extraordinary, helping you create moments of joy, laughter, and inspiration in your classroom.
Every teacher has the power to ignite a passion for learning within their classrooms and in the hearts of their students. You know that poetry is more than simple rhymes that make you giggle (although sweet notes from students are what keeps your heart happy). Poetry is the magic of feelings and emotions put into words. You can spark your students’ imaginations with the power of the feeling, rhyme, and rhythm of poetry.
As Robert Frost once said, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” You, the teacher, are the key to unlocking this world for your students.
Why You Should Teach Poetry in the Elementary Classroom
Do you have poetry standards in your curriculum? Do you need help finding the time to fit it into your day? Or you don’t particularly like poetry or see the need for it? Are many of your students struggling and performing below grade level? Plus, you know the need for more critical instructional practices.
I see you! But what if there was a way to easily insert your poetry lessons into your day, use them as part of your reading lessons, and give your students valuable reading, writing, and speaking opportunities?

As an educator, you know the value of engaging your students’ minds and hearts. Poetry offers a unique opportunity to do just that. It allows students to explore language in a creative and less intimidating way, helping them develop critical thinking and literacy skills. Your enthusiasm and willingness to embrace poetry can transform it from a scary and dry subject into an enjoyable experience for your students.
Your Strategies for Teaching Poetry in the Elementary Classroom
Spread your poetry lessons year-round, allowing students to hear, visualize, read, write, and recite different poems. Spend time allowing them to discuss and analyze various forms of poetry and allowing them to write their own. Don’t try to pack all the lessons into a few weeks, but instead plan poetry experiences throughout the school year to give your students time to come to understand and appreciate this literary art form.
1. Start by introducing your students to a variety of poems.
Your passion for poetry can be contagious—share poems that create emotion and speak to you, and your excitement will spark their interest. Create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and interpretations. Your encouragement can make all the difference, helping students feel confident in their ability to understand and create poetry.
A fun way to introduce poetry to students is to have them complete a poetry scavenger hunt (here’s mine) and spend a little time each day during the first couple weeks of school working together, looking through poetry books and websites to find various poems that fit into different categories, like “find a poem about a holiday, or find a poem that makes you laugh.” You can create a list of eight to ten categories ahead of time and then allow your students to work together to search out and find poems that fit. Take a few minutes at the end of the day during the week to have your students share their favorite poems they discovered.
Try blackout poetry, where students create poems by blacking out words in an existing text or found poetry, compiling words and phrases from different sources to create a new piece. Collaborative poems, where the whole class contributes lines, can foster a sense of community and creativity.
2. One powerful way to integrate poetry into your routine is by starting with a “Poem of the Month.”
Choose a poem to read and discuss with your class. Go over terminology they may need to become more familiar with. Read aloud, demonstrate reading with expression, and pay attention to the poem’s rhythm.
Encourage students to reflect on its themes and language, and perhaps write a response or a related piece. Your selection of poems and the discussions you lead will guide your students in exploring poetry.
Spend a few minutes each day practicing reading the selected poem as a choral read for your classroom. Or bouncing back and forth between sides of the room as they echo read or team read different sections. Have fun and bring energy into these few short minutes each day. Your students will love these sessions, and they are a perfect way to lead into an ELA block, as part of your morning routine, or during odd blocks during the day when you have a few minutes of downtime.
Send copies of the poem home so students can practice reading and reciting poetry at home to families. After a few weeks of practice, have students recite poetry in the classroom. Other students can listen and give feedback on this vital public speaking skill. (Check out this Read and Write Poetry Resource).

3. Complete Visualization Activities.
Poetry is imagery. Give your students first-hand experience by completing a visualizing lesson a few times a year.
Choose a poem with a lot of imagery and read it aloud to your students. Depending on the poems you select, you may need to clarify a few words or phrases.
Allow students to listen to the poem and then draw and color the image that comes to their mind as they listen. It is fun to do this activity without speaking or sharing ideas until everyone can draw, then share and compare the results. Post the poem and their drawings for future reference. (These seasonal poem resources have a visualizing lesson with each season: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
4. Keep Poetry Draft Books.
An excellent way for students to experience poetry is to teach them about the different forms of poetry and allow them the opportunity to create such poems for themselves. Students can keep their poems in a poetry draft book to collect their thoughts and experiment with different words and expressions until they publish some of their favorite pieces and share them with their classmates and families. (These seasonal poem resources used together will introduce the students to nine different poem forms and help guide them into creating poetry for each season: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).
5. Organize poetry performances.
A beautiful activity near the end of the year is to hold a Poetry Café performance where your students recite different poems for their parents and families. Keep it lively and entertaining. Select a variety of performances of original pieces, choral performances of class favorites, and even partner poems where the audience is invited to participate. Increase the magic by having classroom-published poetry pieces hanging all about the room. Visitors can read, admire, and even leave constructive comments.
Whether it’s a simple reading in class or a full-fledged poetry slam, allowing students to share their work can boost their confidence and presentation skills. Your support and encouragement will help them feel proud of their achievements.
As a teacher, you have the power to transform your classroom into a vibrant, creative space where both you and your students can thrive. Embrace the world of poetry and watch your students’ love for language blossoms. The rewards are immense, from improved literacy skills to a deeper appreciation for the beauty of words. Remember, you have a wealth of resources at your disposal, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make poetry a beloved part of your teaching toolkit!
