Possible Poetic Forms

Once children are immersed in poetry, they often begin to notice poems can take many different forms. They enjoy seeing the innovative ways the poets have crafted poems. Poems can rhyme or not, be completely free-flowing, or follow a specific form. Adults can introduce children to the various forms and techniques in context, by using interesting examples from excellent poetry. Here are some of those forms.

The list begins:

1. Acrostic poem (first letter of each line adds up to spell a word)

2. Autograph rhyme (e.g., U R 2 sweet 2 B 4 got 10)

3. Biopoem (11 line auto/biographical poem)

4. Blessing/prayer poem (list poem beginning with “May” or “Let”)

5. Beat poetry (poetry that is experimental, informal, spontaneous)

For more details, get your copy of The Poetry Teacher’s Book of Lists.

And if you already have the book and would like to offer additions, corrections, or other input, please do so in the COMMENTS area. Thanks!