Poetry In Motion

Children love to move around and be active so why not take full advantage of this fact and make it into a game that everyone can participate in. This week we’ve chosen an activity that incorporates lots of movement and lots of reading. The first step is to pick a fun poem; perhaps your child has a favorite one or maybe you do! If not you can always use a Shel Silverstien poem; his are always silly and will have everyone laughing.




After you choose your poem pick one person in the family to be the reader and one or two to be the actors or actresses. The reader will slowly read the poem aloud while the others act out each sentence. Make sure they not only act it out but they also use facial expressions to convey emotions! You can also gather props from around the room that can be used in the performances. Make sure that the adults get in on the fun and be sure to be supportive and always applaud for good reading or good acting!


Here is an example of a great poem that your family could use:


One Inch Tall by Shel Silverstein


If you were only one inch tall, you'd ride a worm to school.
The teardrop of a crying ant would be your swimming pool.
A crumb of cake would be a feast
And last you seven days at least,
A flea would be a frightening beast
If you were one inch tall.


If you were only one inch tall, you'd walk beneath the door,
And it would take about a month to get down to the store.
A bit of fluff would be your bed,
You'd swing upon a spider's thread,
And wear a thimble on your head
If you were one inch tall.


You'd surf across the kitchen sink upon a stick of gum.
You couldn't hug your mama, you'd just have to hug her thumb.
You'd run from people's feet in fright,
To move a pen would take all night,


(This poem took fourteen years to write--
'Cause I'm just one inch tall).


I hope you enjoy this activity and have lots of laughs along the way!