Poetry has a special place in children’s reading. Unlike a long novel, a poem can be read in a few minutes, enjoyed aloud, revisited several times or simply dipped into at random. That makes poetry wonderfully accessible: children who may feel daunted by a lengthy book can find an immediate way in through rhythm, humour, rhyme, repetition, illustration or a subject that feels familiar.

Poetry can also make language memorable. Hearing and reading poems exposes children to rich vocabulary, unusual sentence structures, wordplay, rhyme and rhythm. These experiences help develop essential literacy skills, from understanding how words work to reading with expression and noticing how writers create meaning. Reading poems aloud is particularly valuable: it builds confidence with language and gives children the opportunity to hear the music and patterns of words.

Perhaps most importantly, poetry can help children understand feelings and experiences beyond their own. A poem might put words to an emotion a child has struggled to explain, or introduce them to the life of someone from a completely different background. Inclusive poetry collections can help children see their own lives reflected while also encountering unfamiliar perspectives — an important foundation for empathy.

For adults, the key is not to make every poem a lesson. Give children permission to laugh at a silly poem, puzzle over a strange one, perform a favourite or skip past one that doesn't appeal. Regular, enjoyable exposure helps make poetry feel like something to live with rather than something to analyse.

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