Learn to Write Poetry

When kids learn to write poetry, they need a certain amount of guidance and structure to help them along. It can be challenging for children to distinguish prose from poetry, so you'll need to have example poems on hand, along with written specifications of the poetry structure required. Follow these five easy steps to help your child write a first poem.

1. Select an Example Poem
   You will want to choose a poem that exemplifies the poem structure, such as a haiku or a limerick. Read the poem out loud to your child, then point out how the cadence and structure of the poem adheres to the restrictions placed on that particular form of poetry. If your child wants to write a haiku, post something like this:

   Haiku
   A poem structure
   Five then seven syllables
   Oh perfect poem

2. Post Poetry Structure Limits
   Make sure the child has the structure limits written out. For example, a haiku is comprised of a first line of five syllables, a second line of seven syllables and a third line of five syllables. Write out these rules and have them in a place where the child can refer to them.
3. Brainstorm a Topic
   Help your child come up with a topic. You may wish to list off a dozen or more topic suggestions until your child arrives at the topic that inspires.
4. Cluster Associated Words
   Encourage your child to do a cluster writing exercise, where your child writes down any free-association words that come to mind when thinking about the topic of the poem. Have your child cluster as many words as possible, opening his or her mind to descriptive words that are even vaguely associated with the topic at hand. Create groups of rhyming words as well, if the child is writing poetry that needs to rhyme.
5. Set Your Child Free to Write
   Encourage your child to use those cluster words, or words inspired by the page of cluster words, in poem form. Ask your child to check the poem's structure against the example poem.

It may take several tries for your child to write a first poem. You may need to experiment with different poetry styles to determine which structure works best for your child. Remember to stay positive, to limit poetry sessions to short periods of time and to keep trying when having your child try to learn to write poetry. It may help your child if you designate a special journal for poetry sessions.