Poems can develop and reinforce reading and writing skills. Reading them doesn’t have to be complicated. Writing them doesn’t need to be intimidating. There are benefits to using poetry for teaching and tips to help. With many poems available, relevant and interesting choices are possible.

What is a poem?

Benefits of Reading and Writing Poems

Why use poetry? Reading and writing poetry:

• Build an understanding of the rhyme, rhythm and sound of language
• Help build vocabulary
• Provide an opportunity for creativity and self-expression
• Encourage reflection and interpretation

Tips for Teaching

• 6 Tips for Teaching Poetry Writing to Teens
• Easy to Write Acrostic Poems
• Enriching our lives: poetry lessons for adult literacy teachers and tutors *
• Get lit: a 12-week course in literacy (and life) through poetry *
• List Poems
• Poetry: Resources for Listening, Reading and Writing
• Using Instagram to Teach Poetry

*Borrow from the Decoda Library!