April is Poetry Month and April 30th is Put a Poem in your pocket. Elementary poetry books are so much fun. Let’s build the fun now so that when your students are in high school and they have to annotate a poem that makes no sense because it was written in 1840, they might have a fighting chance to be interested.
Here are 5 of my favorite poetry picture books that I use in my classroom during the month of April. If you want other options too, here is my poetry book list. With all of these great books, check out this Poetry Freebie that I made for my own classroom and want to share with you, too!
No More Poems
This is a delightful picture book that plays with the themes of childhood and creativity. Through whimsical verses and engaging illustrations, it encourages young readers to embrace their imagination and the joy of self-expression. No More Poems celebrates the power of storytelling in a fun and accessible way.
How to Use in Classroom:
- No More Poems is a competitor in my teacher-loved March Madness tournament. Read aloud the picture book vs. another poetry book and vote on which one students loved more!
- Have students create a collage using words and phrases from the book. They can cut out words from magazines or newspapers to illustrate their poems or themes from the story.
Animals in Pants
Animals in Pants is a playful picture book that features a variety of animals wearing silly pants. With vibrant illustrations and catchy rhymes, it invites young readers to enjoy the humorous antics of these dressed-up creatures. This charming story sparks joy and creativity, making it perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom!
How to Use in Classroom:
- Use the book to explore rhyming words and patterns, encouraging students to come up with their own rhymes and create a class poem about animals.
- Brain Break Idea: Create a movement game where students mimic the animals in the book, discussing how each animal moves and how their pants might affect their actions.
Dirt on my Shirt
Dirt on My Shirt is a humorous picture book that celebrates the joys of childhood and outdoor play. Through playful rhymes and lively illustrations, it tells the story of a boy who embraces messiness and adventure, encouraging kids to enjoy their experiences, even when they get dirty.
How to Use in Classroom: Reflect on the main character from the read aloud. Ask students to write about what they think he learned from his adventures. Character reflections are a meaningful way to analyze elements of fiction and poetry.
Poems Aloud
This is a lively collection that encourages children to explore poetry through performance. With accessible verses on various topics, Coelho inspires young readers to express themselves creatively and share their voices, fostering a love for spoken word and connection through language.
How to Use in Classroom: Who doesn’t love a little reader’s theater? Encourage students to choose their favorite poem and perform it aloud. This helps build confidence and highlights the importance of expression in poetry.
Wet Cement
Wet Cement is a playful picture book that introduces young readers to the art of poetry. Through imaginative verses and vibrant illustrations, Raczka explores various poetic forms, encouraging children to experiment with language and embrace their creativity.
How to Use in Classroom:
- Set up different stations around the classroom, each focusing on a specific poetic technique (e.g., similes, metaphors, rhyme). Have students rotate through the stations, creating short poems at each one.
- Get digital! Use digital tools or apps for students to create multimedia presentations of their poems, incorporating images, sounds, and animations that enhance their poetic expression.
If you loved this book list, you might also love to read about Poetry Month or find additional read aloud options perfect for April.
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