Introducing kids to poetry

Our elementary school does something called Mystery Reader where the parents come in and read to the classroom. You send in clues which the teacher reads to the class then you pop in and see if your child guessed it was you.

Is it sad that my kids didn’t know I liked tacos? Or loved playing sports? Well, now they do.

Monday I popped into Natalie’s fourth grade class for the second time this year. I had Ryan and Miss Piper in tow.

Ryan hiding under the chair in the front office so Natalie doesn’t see him on her way in from recess…

They just started figurative language so I thought it’d be fun to read them a poem before I got to the story. I picked an easy one from Emily Dickinson.

Then read them a fictional children’s book about a mouse who goes to live in Emily’s room. It gives insight about her life, her personality, and the like. They liked the story much more than the poem! If you’re in need of a good mystery reader book – this one is cute and held their attention. It’s a great way to introduce kids to one of America’s most notable poets.