Poetry is a wonderful part of the curriculum and can appeal to children in a different way than prose. It is so important for children to be able to tune into, and enjoy, the use of enjoy rhyme. Nursery rhymes are often an early introduction to rhyme and children naturally join in when they become familiar with them. Unfortunately, many children do not seem to hear them often enough as toddlers and can be at a distinct disadvantage because of this. Early Years teachers are very aware of this and know how important it is to read all kinds of books, nursery rhymes and poems as often as possible and get children to hear, join in and repeat the rhymes.

Poetry can also appeal to children who may not yet be too keen on reading longer books. Poems are often much shorter, which makes them less daunting for less able readers. Choosing funny poems and ones related to a topic children enjoy can be encouraging.

Poetry also often has a very definite structure, which can be very helpful for children who struggle to come up with a lot of ideas. To be able to choose from a list of words or change a limited number can give children an immediate sense of achievement.

Children love the repetition of listening to favourite books, and it is the same with poetry. We can really take advantage of this by getting children to learn and perform poems.