21 Must-Read Poems for Kids That They’ll Absolutely Love
Published:
April 7, 2025
Contributor:
Charis King
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Are you looking for poems for kids that will grab your child’s attention? Whether they’re in elementary, middle school or even high school, we’ve hand-picked poems for different ages to add to your lessons. We’ve even found a couple homeschoolers can related to that we’re sure they’ll love!
When is National Poetry Month?
April is designated as National Poetry Month and is a time to celebrate poets as well as this expressive and unique writing style. If you haven’t taken the time to study any poetry in your homeschool lessons this year, then April is the perfect time to do it.
How Can I Celebrate National Poetry Month?
There are a number of things that you can do to celebrate poetry this month. Here are a few ideas:
- Read a different poem each day. Intentionally choose different types of poems for kids such as a haiku, limerick, narrative, etc.
- Act out a poem. Poems that tell a story, describe an animal or are silly would be perfect to act out.
- Write a letter to a poet. If the author is still living have your child write a letter to them about a poem they liked. You never know, they might get a reply!
- Draw a picture of a poem. This is a great way to combine literature and art classes that your budding artists are sure to love.
- Write a poem. Kids of all ages can try their hand at writing a poem about any topic they’d like. The options are only limited by their imagination.
- Analyze poetry. Analyzing poetry is a great way to help boost vocabulary, reading comprehension and analytical skills in students of all ages.
Poems for Kids by Age
If you’re looking for poems for kids that you can easily add to your school lessons, then these poems will get you started. Each one includes the poem along with analysis worksheets to help your kids examine and reflect on each one. We’ve list these poems by the recommended age range from early learners to high school:
The Camel by Ogden Nash (© Estate of Ogden Nash)
Do your kids love animals? This silly small poem questions how many humps a camel has – one or two. Recommended for ages 5-8
The Little Plant by Kate L. Brown
This sweet poem shows how a plant grows when it gets care and attention. Recommended for ages 6-10
When the Teacher Gets Cross – Author Unknown
Are you looking for a poem that could actually be about homeschoolers? This funny poem describes how students react when their teacher gets mad. Recommended for ages 6-10
A Boy and His Stomach by Edgar Albert Guest
This silly poem describes a boy’s relationship with his stomach. It’s perfect for younger readers and can introduce them to the fun of poetry. Recommended for ages 7-10
Casey at the Bat by Phineas Thayer
Kids who love a story will enjoy this poem about a baseball team who hopes for a win as their star player, Casey, steps up to bat. Recommended for ages 8-12
Casey’s Revenge by James Wilson
If your kids loved the poem “Casey at the Bat” then they need to read this sequel. Find out what happens when Casey gets up to bat in another game. Recommended for ages 8-12
Mr. Finney’s Turnip – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Introduce your kids to Longfellow with one of his first poems, written when he was just 9 years old, about the story of a turnip that grew in a garden and ended up on the table. Recommended for ages 8-12
The Bluebird’s Song by Emily Huntington Miller
Looking for a poem to add to any spring lessons? This poem celebrates the joy of spring through the cheerful song of a bluebird. Recommended for ages 9-11
Johnny’s Hist’ry Lesson by Nixon Waterman
Here’s another humorous poem that kids are sure to relate to whether they are homeschooled or go to a traditional school. How much really can happen in 1492? Recommended for ages 9-14
The Landing of the Pilgrims by Emily Huntington Miller
Are you looking for a poem about the on Pilgrims? This one looks at their journey to America and highlights their courage, faith, and hope for a new life. Recommended for ages 12-14
Plain Bob and a Job by James W. Foley
The poem is about a man who looks for a job and finds pride in having one. It can be a great reminder for our teens that success and fulfillment often come from doing your best, no matter the job. Recommended for ages 12-14
The Flag Goes By by Henry Holcomb Bennett
This poem celebrates the American flag and reminds us of the the importance of honoring the flag and what it represents in times of peace and war. Recommended for ages 12-18
The Kid Has Gone to the Colors by W.M. Herschell
This poem reflects on the emotions of a family as they see their child enlist in the military. Recommended for ages 12-18
Mount Vernon’s Bells by M.B.C. Slade
Do your kids love George Washington? This poem honors his memory as it focuses on the bells at Mount Vernon. Recommended for ages 12-18
O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman
If your kids admire Abraham Lincoln then this is a definite poem to read and analyze as it mourns his death and remembers all he did to lead the US during the Civil War. (Currently available in our store) Recommended for ages 12-18
To-Day by Nixon Waterman
This poem encourages us to take action today rather than wait for tomorrow. Make the most of each day by doing good right now. Recommended for ages 12-18
Count that Day Lost by George Eliot
This poem us that a day well spent is one when we help others. It can be great for teens to think about how they can make their days meaningful. Recommended for Ages 14+
IF- by Rudyard Kipling
This poem teaches important lessons about handling challenges with strength, staying calm in tough situations, and being humble in success. Recommended for Ages 14+
Give Us Men by Josiah Gilbert Holland
This poem is looking for people to do what is right – even if it’s hard. It can encourage your high schooler to think about the type of person they want to be. Recommended for Ages 14+
Easter Poem for Teens
Are you looking for a poem your teens can analyze to help prepare their hearts for Easter?
Good Friday by Christina Rossetti
Are you looking to add Easter poetry into your homeschool lessons? This FREE poem analysis pack will allow your middle and high school students to think about this poem related to the author imagining herself seeing Jesus on the cross.
What’s Inside our Poetry Analysis Packs?
- Complete Poem Text with name of author
- Ponder It Pages Have your kids respond to questions about the poem.
- Rate It Pages – Students can practice their opinion writing skills when they explain why they did or did not like the poem.
- Draw it Page – Any budding artist can take the time to draw an image about the poem. This can be another way of reflection that encompasses art.
- Bonus Pages – Some poetry worksheet packs will have extras such as handwriting worksheets, tracing worksheets or coloring pages.
Final Thoughts
There are so many poems for kids available to explore and discuss. Our list is just a start so keep searching to find even more they’ll love!
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Charis King
Charis King is the owner & steward of Homeschool Giveaways, a wife whose husband lives in Heaven, and a mom of twin daughters currently attending college. She and her husband homeschooled their daughters with the belief that each person is a unique masterpiece of God – created with gifts, interests and talents. (Eph 2:10). Even though the season of homeschooling her own daughters ended a few years ago, Charis is grateful for the opportunity to support other families along their own unique homeschool journey.
