Friendly Poetry
Language Arts
Children will compile a list of the things they look for in a friend and use that information to create a simple poem.
What You Need
- crayons, markers, or colored pencils
What to Do
- On the board, brainstorm with children a list of characteristics that make a good friend. Then explain that these characteristics will be used to create a free-form class poem. You may want to write the following sample poem on the board to get the class started:
- Good Friends
- A good friend
- Plays with you,
- Laughs with you,
- Shares with you,
- Talks with you,
- Listens to you,
- And NEVER,
- NEVER,
- NEVER,
- Tells your secrets
- To anyone.
- Have children create their free-form class poem using some of the characteristics from the brainstorming list. Encourage children to illustrate their poems.
Teaching Options
- Display poems in a special section of your school or classroom and invite others to come and enjoy them.
- Set aside time for a class poetry reading, during which children can share their individual poems with one another, invited parents, and/or another class in your school.