4 Limericks for Kids
Here are 4 of our own limericks to enjoy with the kids. Print them out or put them up on the whiteboard / computer monitor to read together.
Poems for Kids
Introduced in the right way at the right time, poems can be magical for children. They can be clever, funny, thought-provoking, sad, full of history or looking to the future, inspirational ... in fact there is a world of poetry out there to explore.
Here you will find a curated collection of poems, classic and modern, that you can share with the kids, with the help of these poem printables. Some work well on the whiteboard; others need to be printed out. All have been chosen carefully. And we are adding to this collection all the time.
Arithmetic Poem Poster
The poem "Arithmetic" by Carl Sandburg was written many years ago but children will still find it funny now - especially those who love maths and hate maths! Here's a printable version.
Caterpillar by Christina Rossetti
This lovely poem is a perfect fit for children. It's simplicity, rhyme scheme and its tie-in with the butterfly life cycle provide plenty to think about.
Edward Lear Limericks Booklet
Print out 20 limericks from Edward Lear, complete with his original funny illustrations. The booklet prints onto A4 paper and folds into an A5 booklet. Staple in the middle.
Edward Lear Limericks Printables
Print out 20 of Edward Lear's limericks in A4 page or A5 booklet format, complete with his original illustrations. We've changed a word here or there if necessary, but on the whole these limericks should be ones to which the kids of today can relate.
Edward Lear Limericks Slideshow
This pdf slideshow has 20 of Edward Lear's limericks for you to put up on your computer screen or whiteboard and enjoy with the kids. We've chosen limericks that modern-day kids can understand and relate to, and changed a word here or there where necessary.
For Want of a Nail
This simple, anonymous poem - with its accessible, easy language - is an excellent one to provoke discussion about consequences. Children could use it as inspiration for their own poem. The printable below has been designed to look good on screens and whiteboards too.
Happiness
A. A. Milne was a childhood favourite, and I know many of his poems by heart as I used to read them to my younger brother by torchlight, after our parents had turned the lights out! This was one of my brother's favourites and it is perfect for a rainy day!
Hurt No Living Thing by Christina Rossetti
Here's a pretty printable version of this lovely, simple poem by Christina Rossetti: Hurt No Living Thing.
We have a comprehension activity to go with the poem.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud is William Wordsworth's most famous poem and is perhaps one of the well-known poems written in the English language. Wordsworth was inspired to write this lovely poem whilst walking by Ullswater lake on a stormy day with Dorothy, his sister.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud 2
This second printable version of Wordsworth's lovely poem, I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud, works well as a poster or on a whiteboard as well as a hand-out. In the background of the poem, a host of golden daffodils nod their heads...
Jabberwocky
Possibly one of the best poems to read aloud with the kids - and certainly one of my favourites - is Jabberwocky, from Alice through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. Here is a printable version of the poem so that you can all enjoy it together!
She Sells Seashells Poster
Here's a poster showing the full version of the old tongue twister "She sells seashells" ... which was apparently based on Mary Anning, the fossil hunter.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Robert Frost's lovely poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, is a popular poem with children and an excellent one to study. It's language and story are accessible on first reading. But, like the best poems, the more you read it, the more you read into it.
The Owl and the Pussycat Printable
Here is a printable version of Edward Lear's lovely poem, The Owl and the Pussycat - rumoured to be the favourite poem of all time, I believe!
The Owl and the Pussycat Slideshow
The owl and the pussycat went to see in a beautiful pea-green boat... who doesn't love the rhythm and silliness of Edward Lear's poem. This slideshow is paced at 30 seconds per slide but you can click to pause or speed up.
The Seedling
The Seedling, by Paul Laurence Dunbar, is an interesting poem about a seedling struggling to grow and survive - a lesson for children who are growing up, from one of the first African-American poets to gain national recognition. This poem was published in 1913.
The Seedling Slideshow
This poem, by the African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, was published in 1913. It's a little old-fashioned for today's tastes, but it talks about struggle, and growth, and perserverence in the face of adversity. You can put this up on a screen or print it.
The Tutor Poem Poster
This is such a funny old favourite poem of mine. When I saw these lovely animal flautists I remembered the poem and had to combine them! This is a fantastic poem for children to learn off by heart, because it is great fun to say out loud and always gets a good response.
The Tyger by William Blake - Printable
The Tyger by William Blake has been one of our favourite poems since childhood. As it was written in 1794 its language is a little difficult for children to understand these days, but it is worth persevering.
The Way Through the Woods
This lovely poem - The Way Through the Woods by Rudyard Kipling - is an excellent choice for children. It's lyrical rhythm and clever, exciting rhyme scheme helps it trip off the tongue if you read it aloud - making it a particularly good one for learning and reciting, too.
There is Freedom Poster
This lovely poem by the young Erin Hanson - known as EH - is one of my favourites. Print out this poster to share it, or put it up on your whiteboard.
To A Butterfly Poem Printable
William Wordsworth's poem, To A Butterfly, is a lovely one to read with the children. Here is a pretty printable version.
