Journal Ideas | Help Kids to Get Inspired by Poetry

Journal Ideas for Kids–

Journal writing about poetry is a fabulous technique to inspire new thoughts, feeling, ideas and experiences in kids and adults alike.

Time and again I’m astonished at the vast power of poetry to affect our moods, emotions and perspective on life. Poetry is an overlooked and under-valued journaling tool among most journal writers if you ask me.

I’d like to encourage parents and children (especially pre-teens and teen kids) to explore the creativity and new perspective that poetry can bring to journaling.

More About Poetry as a Journaling Technique

Today I came across the classic poem “Written in March” by William Wordsworth. In Minnesota (where I live) March is the time of year when we begin to transition from the cold depths of winter to the new warmth and life of spring.

When I read William’s words they inspired me to the depths of my soul and gave me a deep sense of reverence for the changing of seasons and how joyous it is to move from winter to spring. This experience then became my journaling topic for the day. That’s an amazing and inspired journal keeping tip that anyone can use.

Introducing Poetry to Kids Journaling

I want to invite you to share “Written in March” with your child (scroll down the page to read it). Explore his words together and create a journal entry (together) about your thoughts, feelings and reactions to his poem.

Look closely at the journal sample in the picture above. It is a fabulous example of creative journaling with words AND pictures.

I suggest that you and your child get creative with your journaling and incorporate new journaling techniques such as writing and drawing or coloring as well as shared, co-created journal entires. The possibilities for new journal crating ideas are endless!

WRITTEN IN MARCH

WHILE RESTING ON THE BRIDGE AT THE FOOT OF BROTHER’S WATER

The cock is crowing,

The stream is flowing,

The small birds twitter,

The lake doth glitter,

The green field sleeps in the sun;

The oldest and youngest

Are at work with the strongest;

The cattle are grazing,

Their heads never raising;

There are forty feeding like one!

Like an army defeated

The snow hath retreated,

And now doth fare ill

On the top of the bare hill;

The ploughboy is whooping–anon–anon:

There’s joy in the mountains;

There’s life in the fountains;

Small clouds are sailing,

Blue sky prevailing;

The rain is over and gone!

~ William Wordsworth, 1801

Isn’t it amazing a poem that is over 200 years old is still so relevant to our lives today? I guess what they say is true: The more things change, the more they stay the same. This gives me a deep sense of security. What does it do for you?

Final Thoughts on Kids, Journaling and Poems

As with journaling, there are no right or wrong interpretations of poetry. Rather, it’s all about creative expression of thoughts and feelings in the way that works best for the individual.

Explore, share, and discuss what poetry means to you and your child. Respect each and every idea that comes up and CELEBRATE the many insights and ideas you are sure to uncover together.

I invite parents everywhere to savor the experience of exploring poetry with your child. It’s just one among many fabulous journaling ideas and tips you’ll find here on JournalBuddies.com. You are invited, also, to share your journaling experiences by leaving your comments below.

Happy journaling…

Jill Schoenberg,
Author of Journal Buddies

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Journal Buddies builds creative writing skills in boys and girls.

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Journal Ideas | Help Kids to Get Inspired by Poetry