Here are some terms your child may learn:
Meter. Meter refers to the rhythm of a poem. Some words are pronounced with more emphasis. Use a line from Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss to illustrate meter: “I DO not LIKE green EGGS and HAM.” Every other word is emphasized.
Stanza. Poems are divided into groups of lines. Each group is called a stanza. Count the stanzas in a poem with your child.
Free verse. This type of poetry does not include words that rhyme. Try reading the Newbery Medal Book Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse with your child.
Sonnet. A sonnet is a poem with 14 lines. Read a sonnet by Shakespeare with your child.
Ask your child’s teacher or your librarian to recommend books and recordings of poems to share with your child.
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