Exploring Poetry with Your Tinies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Poetry is a beautiful and enriching art form that can be introduced to children at any age—even as infants! Many parents assume poetry is best left for older kids, but the truth is, the earlier you start, the more naturally children will embrace it. Just like language, books, and even habits like exercising, poetry becomes second nature when woven into everyday life from a young age.

In this blog post, we’ll explore easy ways to introduce poetry to infants, toddlers and preschoolers, from recitation to movement and memorization. By making poetry an interactive and joyful experience, you can set the stage for a lifelong appreciation of verse.

The Power of Repetition

Young children thrive on repetition. If your little one loves hearing the same book, song, or rhyme over and over again, you're already witnessing the magic of repetition at work! This natural affinity can be leveraged to help children absorb and enjoy poetry. Memorization, though less emphasized in today’s digital age, builds cognitive skills and strengthens memory. Introducing poetry at an early age encourages children to develop a strong memory and an appreciation for language.

One of the simplest ways to integrate poetry into your child’s daily life is to recite it yourself. If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding an infant, try learning and reciting a short poem during feeding times. Babies love hearing their mothers' voice, and this is a wonderful way to expose them to rich language patterns early on. You could choose classic nursery rhymes or even more complex works like Rudyard Kipling’s If—any poem that resonates with you will work beautifully.

Bringing Poetry to Life with Hand Motions

Adding hand motions to poems makes them more engaging for little ones. Movement helps reinforce meaning and keeps children actively involved in the experience. Let’s take a look at how simple gestures can bring a poem to life.

Example 1: Lodged by Robert Frost

This short and expressive poem is perfect for hand motions:

Poem:

The rain to the wind said, “You push and I’ll pelt.”

They so smote the garden bed

That the flowers actually knelt

And lay lodged—though not dead.

I know how the flowers felt.

Hand Motions:

“The rain to the wind said” – Move fingers like falling rain.
“You push and I’ll pelt” – Push hands off to the right, then slam your right fist onto your flat left hand.
“They so smote” – Clap hands loudly.
“The flowers actually knelt” – Bring right hand op through your left hand that is in a circle like its growing up through a pot and open up your right finger like a growing flower. and then tack your right hand and pull it down to your right dramaticly on the word knelt. .
“Lay lodged—though not dead” – Rest hands on one cheek, as if sleeping. Shake your head on the words "not dead"
“I know how the flowers felt” – place both hands on your chest with a thoughtful expression and knod your head

Repeating this activity makes the poem more memorable and helps children connect emotionally to the words.

Example 2: A Minor Bird by Robert Frost

Poem:

I have wished a bird would fly away

And not sing by my house all day.

I have clapped my hands at him from the door,

When it seemed as if I could bear no more.

The fault must partly have been mine,

The bird was not to blame for his key.

And of course, there must be something wrong

In wanting to silence any song.

Hand Motions:

“A bird would fly away” – Flap hands like wings.
“Not sing by my house” – Make a roof shape with hands.
“Clapped my hands” – Clap dramatically.
“Bear no more” – Cover ears or shake head.
“The fault must partly have been mine” – Point to self.
“Wanting to silence any song” – Place a finger over lips as if shushing.

By incorporating hand motions, children engage with the rhythm and meaning of the poem in a fun and active way.

Example 3: Two Little Dickie Birds – A Classic Action Rhyme

This simple and engaging rhyme is perfect for toddlers, as it combines poetry, rhythm, and hand movements to enhance memorization and motor skills.

Hand Motions:

Two little Dickie birds sitting on a wall,(Hold up both index fingers like two birds.)
One named Peter, one named Paul.(Wiggle the left finger for Peter, then the right finger for Paul.)
Fly away, Peter! Fly away, Paul!(Hide each finger behind your back, one at a time.)
Come back, Peter! Come back, Paul!(Bring each finger back in front, one at a time.)

This playful poem teaches children about sequencing, object permanence, and rhythm, making it a wonderful addition to any poetry session!

Poetry in Motion: Singing and Moving with Verse

Toddlers and preschoolers learn best through movement, and poetry is no exception! Using body movement along with rhythmic poems and songs enhances their understanding, coordination, and joy in language. Classic nursery rhymes and action songs naturally blend poetry with physical engagement, making them excellent tools for early learning.

Example 1: London Bridge Is Falling Down

This well-loved song not only teaches rhyme and rhythm but also encourages gross motor skills as children move their bodies in sync with the words.

Activity:

Two children or adults form a bridge by holding hands up high.
As the song plays, children take turns walking under the bridge.
On the words "falling down," the bridge lowers, gently "catching" the child underneath. then bounce them back and forth till the end of the song.
Repeat the game with different movements, such as skipping or crawling under the bridge.

Example 2: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear

This delightful rhyme is perfect for reinforcing listening skills and following directions while engaging in movement. You quite literally just do what it says. This was used as a jump roping song when I was a child. But its fun and gets the wiggles out. Perfect for just before read aloud time or to break up reading time.

Activity:

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, reach up high,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the sky,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, bend down low,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch your toes,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, go to bed,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, rest your head,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn out the lights,

Teddy bear, teddy bear, say "good night".

Using Poetry in Everyday Life

One of the easiest ways to make poetry a natural part of your child’s routine is to incorporate it into daily activities. Here are some ideas:

Meal Times – Recite a short poem before or after eating.
Bedtime – End the night with a soothing poem instead of (or in addition to) a bedtime story.
Car Rides – Use poems to pass the time on long trips.
Waiting in Line – Keep a favorite poem handy to recite while waiting.
Outdoor Play – Choose poems about nature and recite them during walks or playtime.

Start Today

There are countless ways to make poetry an exciting part of your child’s life. Here are some fun ideas to explore poetry together:

Nursery Rhymes & Classic Children’s Poems – Start with simple rhymes like Mother Goose poems.
Memorization Challenges – Pick a poem to memorize while feeding your infant baby.
Hand Motions – Add hand motions to any poem you or your child enjoys and turn it into play.
Body Movement – Add full body movements to poetry to get kids active or get their wiggles out.
Poetry throughout the Day – Be ready to recite or read poetry throughout the day.

By making poetry interactive, engaging, and a part of daily life, you are giving your child a lifelong gift—a love for language, rhythm, and creative expression. Start today and watch the joy unfold!