90 Poetry Writing Prompts for Kids

Introduction

Poetry is a magical way to express your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. For kids, it’s an opportunity to explore creativity, play with words, and share their unique voice. This guide is packed with fun and engaging poetry writing prompts to inspire young writers and make poetry enjoyable for everyone.

But first, what exactly is poetry? Poetry is a special type of writing where you use words in creative ways to express emotions, describe scenes, or tell stories. There are no strict rules—poetry can rhyme or not, follow a pattern or be totally free. It’s all about having fun and expressing yourself!

How to Use This Guide

This guide is designed for kids, parents, and teachers to explore together. You can pick prompts that spark your imagination or try them all. Whether you’re writing at home, in school, or outside in nature, here are a few tips:

• Find a quiet space where you feel comfortable writing.
• Don’t worry about being perfect. Poetry is about expressing yourself, not following strict rules.
• Try different styles and prompts. You might discover something new about yourself along the way!

Now, grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!

Poetry Prompts by Theme

Nature and Seasons

1. Write a poem about your favorite season. What colors, smells, and feelings come to mind?
2. Imagine you are a cloud floating in the sky. What do you see below? What adventures do you have?
3. Create a poem about the sounds of the forest. Think about birds, rustling leaves, or even the wind.

Emotions and Feelings

1. Write a poem about how happiness feels. What makes you smile?
2. Describe a time when you felt brave. What did it feel like in your heart?
3. Create a “color poem” about an emotion. For example, what does blue (calm) or red (excitement) feel like to you?

Imagination and Fantasy

1. If you could talk to animals, what would they say? Write a poem about your conversation.
2. Imagine a magical world only you know. What does it look like? Who lives there?
3. Write a poem about being a superhero. What are your powers? What adventures do you have?

Everyday Life

1. Write a poem about your morning routine. How do you wake up and start your day?
2. Describe your favorite food using all five senses. What does it look, smell, and taste like?
3. Create a poem about someone special, like your best friend or a family member. What makes them unique?

Silly and Fun Topics

1. Write a poem about a dancing potato. What moves does it have?
2. Imagine your pet could talk. What funny things would it say?
3. Create a rhyming poem about a day when everything went backward. What happens?

Types of Poems to Try

Acrostic Poems

Write a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word. For example, you could write an acrostic using your name or a favorite word like “SUMMER.”

Haiku

Haikus are short poems with three lines. The first line has 5 syllables, the second has 7, and the third has 5. Write a haiku about nature or something you love.

Rhyming Couplets

Create a poem where every two lines rhyme. For example:

The cat sat high upon the wall,
Watching leaves begin to fall.

Free Verse

In free verse, there are no rules! You don’t have to rhyme or count syllables. Just write what comes to mind.

Shape Poems

Write a poem in the shape of something. For example, you could write about a tree, and your poem could be shaped like its trunk and branches.

Writing Tips for Kids

• Use Your Senses: Think about what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.
• Be Playful: Try rhyming, alliteration (repeating the same sounds), or making up silly phrases.
• Have Fun: The most important thing about poetry is to enjoy the process of writing.

Poetry Activity Ideas

1. Poetry Treasure Hunt: Look around your house or outside and find objects that inspire you. Write a short poem about each one.
2. Poetry Collage: Cut out words and pictures from magazines and glue them together to create a unique poem.
3. Group Poem: Write a poem with friends or family, taking turns adding a line. See where the story goes!

Encouraging Kids to Share

Sharing your poetry can be exciting! Here are some ideas:

• Read your poem aloud to family and friends.
• Start a poetry journal or scrapbook where you can keep all your creations.
• Host a poetry night where everyone shares their work.

90 poetry writing prompts for kids

Nature-Inspired Prompts:

1. Describe the sound of rain on a roof.
2. Write a poem about a rainbow.
3. Imagine being a butterfly and write about your day.
4. Write a poem about a flower blooming.
5. What would a tree say if it could talk?
6. Describe the feeling of walking barefoot on grass.
7. Write about the colors of autumn leaves.
8. Imagine you’re a cloud—what would you see?
9. Write a poem about the ocean and its waves.
10. Describe the first snowfall of the year.

Animal Adventures:

11. Write a poem about your favorite animal.
12. If you were a bird, what would your song sound like?
13. Imagine being a lion and write about your roar.
14. Write about the secret life of squirrels.
15. Create a poem about a pet’s dream.
16. Write a funny poem about a clumsy elephant.
17. Imagine a day in the life of a penguin.
18. Write about an animal that lives underground.
19. Create a poem about an imaginary creature.
20. Write a poem about a cat’s curiosity.

Magical & Imaginative Prompts:

21. Write a poem about a dragon guarding treasure.
22. Imagine you found a magic wand—what happens?
23. Describe a castle hidden in the clouds.
24. Write about a secret door in your house.
25. Imagine a talking tree and its advice.
26. Write about a magical forest.
27. Create a poem about an invisible friend.
28. Describe the moon as if it were alive.
29. Write about flying through the stars.
30. Imagine you found a treasure chest.

Seasonal Fun:

31. Write about jumping into a pile of leaves.
32. Describe a summer day at the beach.
33. Write a winter poem about snowflakes.
34. Imagine spring as a person—what would they say?
35. Write about a sunny afternoon in the park.
36. Describe the feeling of drinking hot cocoa in winter.
37. Write a poem about a rainy day adventure.
38. Imagine autumn as a painter—what colors would they use?
39. Write about building a sandcastle in summer.
40. Create a poem about the smell of spring flowers.

Everyday Life:

41. Write a poem about your favorite snack.
42. Imagine your backpack could talk—what would it say?
43. Write about waking up in the morning.
44. Describe a family dinner in a funny way.
45. Write about your favorite toy or game.
46. Imagine a day where everything is upside down.
47. Write about the sounds in your neighborhood.
48. Describe what you see outside your window.
49. Write about a fun trip to the grocery store.
50. Imagine your shoes have magical powers.

Emotions and Feelings:

51. Write about what makes you laugh.
52. Describe what sadness feels like as a color.
53. Write a happy poem about a sunny day.
54. Imagine what bravery would say if it could talk.
55. Write about a time you felt proud.
56. Create a poem about being kind to others.
57. Write about a time you felt nervous but tried anyway.
58. Imagine joy as a bouncing ball—where does it go?
59. Write about how love feels in your heart.
60. Create a poem about overcoming fear.

Silly and Fun Prompts:

61. Write about a day when animals ruled the world.
62. Imagine a pizza that could talk—what would it say?
63. Create a poem about a silly monster.
64. Write about a cow that loves to dance.
65. Imagine if the sun and moon were best friends.
66. Write a poem about a world made of candy.
67. Describe a day where it rained spaghetti.
68. Imagine a fish riding a bicycle.
69. Write about a turtle who loves to race.
70. Create a poem about a pancake adventure.

Adventure and Exploration:

71. Write about exploring a hidden cave.
72. Imagine traveling to another planet—what do you see?
73. Write a poem about climbing a mountain.
74. Describe finding a mysterious map.
75. Write about a treasure hunt on a pirate ship.
76. Imagine discovering a secret garden.
77. Write about a magical book that comes to life.
78. Create a poem about flying in a hot air balloon.
79. Imagine going on a time-traveling adventure.
80. Write about diving deep into the ocean.

Dreamy & Reflective Prompts:

81. Write about the dream you had last night.
82. Imagine you’re a star in the night sky—what would you say?
83. Write about your favorite place to relax.
84. Describe a moment when you felt completely at peace.
85. Imagine your wishes floating like balloons—where do they go?
86. Write a poem about what you want to be when you grow up.
87. Describe your happiest memory.
88. Imagine the world from the perspective of a bird flying above.
89. Write a poem about what makes you unique.
90. Create a poem about what friendship means to you.

These prompts can be tailored for younger or older kids, depending on their creativity and writing skills. Encourage them to have fun and express themselves! Let me know if you’d like this in a different format or for specific use.

Conclusion

Poetry is a wonderful way to explore your imagination and share your thoughts. With these prompts and tips, you’re ready to write your own unique poems. Remember, there are no limits to what you can create. So, pick up your pen and start writing today!

Here’s one last prompt: Write a poem about your favorite part of this guide. Happy writing!

FAQs

What if I don’t know how to write poetry?

No problem! Poetry doesn’t have to be perfect. Start with a simple idea or feeling, and write what comes to mind. Use the prompts to guide you, and remember to have fun!

Does poetry have to rhyme?

Not at all! While rhyming can make poems playful and musical, free verse poetry doesn’t follow any rules about rhyme or rhythm. You can choose what feels best for you.

How long should my poem be?

There’s no set length for a poem. It can be as short as a single line or as long as a story. Focus on expressing your ideas rather than worrying about length.

What if I feel stuck?

Try a different prompt, take a break, or look for inspiration in your surroundings. Sometimes drawing a picture or listening to music can help spark ideas.

Can I share my poems with others?

Absolutely! Sharing your poems is a great way to celebrate your creativity. You can read them to friends and family, write them in a journal, or even display them as art. Sharing is optional, but it can be a lot of fun!