As a caregiver or parent of a neurodivergent child, you’re always on the lookout for creative ways to engage and support your child’s learning journey. Enter the magical world of poetry! In this listicle, we’ll introduce you to 7 carefully selected poems for kids that cater to their unique thinking and learning styles. These poems not only entertain but also help develop language skills, emotional expression, and social understanding. So, without further ado, let’s explore these captivating verses that will resonate with your child and create lasting memories.
Table of Contents
1. “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is a classic poem that sparks imagination and curiosity in kids. The poem encourages children to explore the world beyond the boundaries of their everyday lives, making it a perfect fit for neurodivergent kids who thrive on discovering new perspectives.
Key Themes: Imagination, exploration, and curiosity
2. “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear
Edward Lear’s “The Owl and the Pussycat” is a delightful nonsense poem that tells the story of two unlikely companions embarking on a whimsical adventure. The poem’s playful language and rhyming structure make it a great choice for kids with thinking and learning differences, as it helps develop their language skills and fosters a love for reading.
Key Themes: Friendship, adventure, and creativity
“Which language games will help my kid the fastest?” 👇
Goally’s tablet has some of the top language learning games & apps that help kids learn their first 50 words, practice finger dexterity & fine motor skills, AND communicate with AAC.
3. “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll
“Jabberwocky” is a famous poem from Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking-Glass.” Its nonsensical words and vivid imagery captivate the minds of children, especially those who are neurodivergent. The poem’s unique language encourages kids to think outside the box and embrace their creativity.
Key Themes: Imagination, creativity, and bravery
4. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost
Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” is a serene and contemplative poem that teaches kids the importance of appreciating the beauty of nature. The poem’s soothing rhythm and descriptive language make it an excellent choice for kids with functional needs, as it helps them develop their sensory awareness and emotional understanding.
Read more: Intellectual Development in Kids
Key Themes: Nature, mindfulness, and reflection
5. “The Rainbow” by Christina Rossetti
“The Rainbow” by Christina Rossetti is a colorful and uplifting poem that celebrates the beauty of rainbows and the joy they bring. The poem’s simple language and vivid imagery make it accessible for kids with thinking and learning differences, while its positive message encourages them to find happiness in the world around them.
Key Themes: Nature, happiness, and optimism
Read more: What is the Best Learning Tablet for 2 Year Old?
6. “The Tyger” by William Blake
William Blake’s “The Tyger” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the dual nature of creation and destruction. The poem’s rich imagery and rhythmic structure make it an engaging read for neurodivergent kids. It helps them develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.
Key Themes: Creation, destruction, and duality
7. “A Light in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein
Another gem from Shel Silverstein, “A Light in the Attic,” is a poem that encourages kids to embrace their curiosity and seek out knowledge. The poem’s playful tone and engaging language make it an excellent choice for kids with support needs, as it fosters a love for learning and promotes intellectual growth.
Key Themes: Curiosity, knowledge, and imagination
Goally | Apps To Support Child Development
Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.
Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.
As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.
Unlocking the Joy of Poetry for Your Child
There you go – seven fascinating poems tailored to meet the distinctive learning methods of neurodivergent children. These verses offer not only entertainment but also facilitate the development of crucial language abilities, emotional articulation, and social comprehension. By exposing your child to the magical realm of poetry, you’re helping cultivate their inventive flair, inquisitiveness, and enthusiasm for knowledge. Treat your child to these charming poems and observe as they broaden their horizons through the mastery of language.
This post was originally published on 05/02/2023. It was updated on 12/20/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
