March 21st marks World Poetry Day, a celebration of the rhythmic beauty of language. But poetry is more than just an art form—it’s a powerful tool for developing essential reading skills! At Read Revive, we believe poetry should be accessible to all learners, especially those who need extra support with reading.
Why Poetry is a Game-Changer for Readers
Boosts Phonological Awareness – Poems with rhyme and rhythm help children recognize sounds, syllables, and word patterns. This is crucial for early reading development.
Improves Fluency & Expression – Reading poetry aloud encourages pace, tone, and intonation, helping struggling readers gain confidence.
Expands Vocabulary – Poetic language exposes children to new words in a fun and memorable way.
Enhances Comprehension – Short yet meaningful, poems encourage learners to infer meaning and think critically.
Poetry Activities for SEND and Struggling Readers
Echo Reading – Read a poem aloud, then have the child repeat each line with expression.
Blackout Poetry – Let children create their own poems by blacking out words in old texts.
Act it Out – Turn poetry into a performance to engage learners who thrive on movement.
Illustrated Poems – Have students draw what they visualise while listening to a poem.
Top Poetry Books for Developing Readers
Oi Frog! by Kes Gray – A fun rhyming book with engaging wordplay.
Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl – A brilliant choice for children who love humor!
A Great Big Cuddle by Michael Rosen – Perfect for early readers with simple, playful language.
Poetry isn’t just for literature lessons—it’s a stepping stone to stronger reading skills! At Read Revive, we incorporate poetry into our intervention strategies to support SEND learners and struggling readers.
What’s your child’s favourite poem? Let us know in the comments!
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