What to do with this activity?
Many of us learned poems off by heart when we were young. A poem learned in childhood can become a treasured memory later in life. Your child might enjoy learning a favourite poem off by heart.
Poetry is meant to be said aloud. Click here for a child-friendly list of poems compiled by the BBC that you can download as PDF pages. Scroll down on this article if you would like to know about the benefits of memorising poems, and for more poetry suggestions.
If you or your child are interested, you might like to watch the highlights of the annual Poetry Aloud Festival organised by Poetry Ireland. Your child's school might like to get involved.
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Why am I doing this?
Reading is like a muscle – the more your child practises it the stronger their ability to read becomes. Reading with your child, encouraging them and giving them space to read makes reading part of their everyday lives.
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How can I do more?
Talk to your child about which books they liked and what they think would be good to read next. Look out for other activities for your child’s age group in your local library.
Use magazines and newspapers for ideas, words and facts. Use the pictures as well as the words. Show your child different types of books - storybooks but also poetry and factual books for children, for example on nature, animals or insects. Encourage your child’s interest in reading about topics they enjoy, for example animals, music and football. Enjoying reading is the most important thing.
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