How to Write a Narrative Poem for Kids
Narrative poems tell stories. They are typically longer than other types
of poems, sometimes several pages or even 20 to 30 pages long. Narrative
children's poems usually rhyme and feature exciting plot lines and unusual
characters. Creating an engaging, fanciful narrative poem for kids
requires writing with wonder, delight and, above all, a limitless
imagination. Young readers will appreciate your originality and the time
you put into developing distinctive characters and an engaging plot.
o
1
Read as many storybooks with rhyming text as possible.
Start with the works of Dr. Seuss, whose books, for the
most part, are long narrative poems written for children.
Read books with simple plots and characters, such as "The
Cat and the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham," to help
familiarize yourself with the genre and spark ideas for
narrative poems of your own.
o
2
Develop your characters. At the core of engaging children's
narratives lie strong, likable characters with whom young
readers can identify. Time-tested children's characters
include animals, other children, dinosaurs, athletes and
monsters or unusual creatures, as well as dolls, robots and
toys that come to life. Write down your characters' names,
likes and dislikes, physical descriptions and unusual or
defining characteristics.
3
Make a short outline of your plot, to which you'll refer as you
write your poem. If your poem is for toddlers or
preschoolers, keep your plot very simple. Older children will
enjoy more twists, turns and action. Try to recall the types
of stories you read and enjoyed as a child, and create
conflicts that the protagonist(s) must surmount.
o
4
Choose a rhyme scheme--your pattern of rhyming lines--for
the poem. You can use rhyming couplets, or every other line
can rhyme. Other rhyme schemes include "abba," in which the
first and fourth lines and the second and third lines rhyme,
and "abcb," in which the second and fourth lines rhyme.
Whichever scheme you choose, be consistent from start to
finish.
o
5
Write your poem. Include dialogue, which will engage children
and give your characters life and personality. Use as many
specific, descriptive words as possible. Don't worry that
young readers may not understand complex words; often they
can figure out meaning from context. Avoid using words that
are vague or overused, including "good," "bad," "great" or
"beautiful." Consult a thesaurus and a rhyming dictionary,
both of which you can find at most bookstores or online.