ABSTRACT
All poems have distinctive patterns and forms. Shape and thin poems, for example, have to be seen on the page or screen to be appreciated; they can amuse, surprise and encourage children to experiment with their own poetry writing. Thin poems can be like lists and younger children find the form familiar and enjoy the simpler ones. Acrostics are often included in general collections of poetry for children. Children aged about six years and over are ready to experience the huge treasure store of rhyming poetry, and poetry with a lyrical rhythmic quality, available in single collections and anthologies. Poems with rhythm and rhyme come alive when children listen to them read aloud or read them aloud themselves. Sustaining rhyme and rhythm can be difficult for children. The important thing is to make sure that children appreciate that there is no point in struggling with this just for the sake of it.
