The Power of Poetry: Celebrating World Poetry Day with Kids
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March 21 marks World Poetry Day—a day to celebrate the beauty of language, the art of expression, and the power of words to inspire, heal, and connect. Poetry is more than just rhymes and rhythm—it’s a way for children to explore their emotions, expand their vocabulary, and develop their creativity. This World Poetry Day, let's introduce young readers to the magic of poetry through engaging books and creative activities that spark their imaginations and encourage them to find their own voices.
For BIPOC families, poetry is a powerful tool to honor cultural traditions, share personal stories, and connect to the voices of the past. From the oral traditions of African griots to the rhythmic beats of spoken word poetry, poetry has long been a means of preserving history and expressing identity. By introducing children to diverse poets and encouraging them to create their own verses, we help them discover the power of language and the value of their unique perspectives.
🌟 Why Poetry Matters for Kids
Poetry offers more than just creative expression—it strengthens key developmental skills:
✅ Language Development: Poetry helps children understand the structure of language through rhythm, repetition, and rhyme.
✅ Emotional Awareness: Reading and writing poetry allows kids to express their feelings and make sense of complex emotions.
✅ Cultural Connection: Poetry introduces children to different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding.
✅ Confidence in Self-Expression: Crafting their own poems helps children find their voice and build confidence in sharing their thoughts.
✅ Critical Thinking: Analyzing and interpreting poetry strengthens problem-solving and comprehension skills.
📚 Poetry Books to Inspire Young Readers
Introduce your child to the magic of words with these beautifully written and illustrated poetry books by diverse authors:
🌸 For Early Readers
📖 Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by Susan Hood
A collection of poems celebrating the achievements of trailblazing women, paired with vibrant illustrations.
📖 Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield
This classic collection of poems celebrates the simple joys of childhood and family.
📖 Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman
Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change.
📖 Change Sings by Amanda Gorman
With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations that build to a dazzling crescendo by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.
🌙 For Middle Grade Readers
📖 Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Through a series of poems, Woodson reflects on her childhood in South Carolina and New York, exploring themes of race, identity, and belonging.
📖 Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes
Written in tanka (a Japanese poetic form), this story follows Garvey as he navigates his relationship with his father and discovers his passion for music.
📖 The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
A novel in verse about basketball, brotherhood, and growing up, told through the rhythmic and powerful language of poetry.
📖 One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes
Each poem is paired with one-of-a-kind art from today's most exciting African American illustrators--including Pat Cummings, Brian Pinkney, to create an emotional and thought-provoking book with timely themes for today's readers.
🌟 For Young Adults
📖 Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Written in verse, this powerful story follows two sisters from different worlds who discover their shared connection after a tragedy.
📖 Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Told in free verse, this gripping story unfolds over 60 seconds as a young boy faces a life-changing decision.
📖 The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
A coming-of-age story about Xiomara, a young girl who discovers her strength and voice through slam poetry.
✨ Fun Poetry Activities for Kids
Make poetry come alive with these engaging and creative activities that will inspire kids to write and share their own verses:
🎨 1. Create a “Poetry Wall”
Set up a blank wall or large poster where your child can add poems throughout the month. Encourage them to decorate it with drawings and inspiring quotes from their favorite poets.
📝 2. Write an “I Am” Poem
Have your child fill in the blanks:
I am…
I wonder…
I feel…
I hope…
This activity encourages self-reflection and creative expression while reinforcing language skills.
🎶 3. Poetry and Music Mashup
Encourage kids to set their poems to music or create a rhythmic chant. This can be especially fun for children who enjoy singing or playing instruments.
🌍 4. “Found Poetry”
Cut out words and phrases from old magazines or newspapers and let your child arrange them into a poem. This activity helps kids think creatively and experiment with language.
📚 5. Family Poetry Night
Host a family poetry night where everyone reads a favorite poem or shares one they’ve written. Light some candles, make it cozy, and celebrate the power of words together.
💬 Poems by BIPOC Authors to Share with Kids
Introduce your child to the rich voices of BIPOC poets who explore themes of identity, family, and resilience:
✨ Langston Hughes – “Dreams”
✨ Maya Angelou – “Still I Rise”
✨ Nikki Giovanni – “Ego Tripping”
✨ Joy Harjo – “Remember”
✨ Claudia Rankine – “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely”
Reading these works aloud and discussing them as a family helps children understand the historical and emotional depth of poetry.
🌈 How Poetry Builds Connection and Confidence
Poetry allows children to explore their feelings and share their experiences in a safe and creative way. When young readers see their thoughts and emotions reflected in poetry, it validates their experiences and gives them the confidence to express themselves.
For BIPOC children, seeing themselves represented in poetry—through both authorship and themes—creates a sense of belonging and pride. Whether they’re writing about their culture, personal experiences, or dreams for the future, poetry becomes a tool for both healing and empowerment.
📣 Celebrate World Poetry Day Together
This World Poetry Day, let’s give children the gift of words. Through reading and writing poetry, kids can develop a lifelong appreciation for language and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
👉 Explore our collection of poetry books for kids at 18 August Ave!
Let’s raise a generation of young poets who know the power of their voice. ❤️
