Pick one or more of the following activities to complement your Poetry Teatime:

For the Littles

Personification Poetry

Today, we're going to learn how to write personification poetry! In this type of poetry, we pretend that our toys or even things like stars and trees can talk, think, and feel. It's like when we play and make believe that our toys are real characters going on exciting journeys. So, when we write this type of poem, we get to tell stories about our toys as if they were real people having their own adventures.

Just like A.A. Milne wrote about Winnie the Pooh and his friends having adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood, you're going to write your very own poem about your toys or stuffed animals. Imagine they're going on their own adventures. What would they do? Where would they go?

Use the worksheet below to help you.

Step 1: Pick Your Toy Friend

Choose one of your toys or stuffed animals to write about. It could be a teddy bear, a superhero action figure, or even a magical unicorn. Think about what makes this toy special to you.

Step 2: Imagine an Adventure

Now, let's dream up a big adventure for your toy. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• A trip to the moon
• A day at the beach
• A journey through a jungle
• A visit to a candy land

Step 3: Give Your Toy a Personality

Think about what kind of personality your toy has. Is it brave, funny, shy, or maybe a bit clumsy? This will help you decide what happens on their adventure.

Step 4: Start Your Poem

It's time to write your poem! Here's a simple way to begin:

• First line: Introduce your toy by name and what they are. For example, "Teddy the brave bear" or "Luna the magical unicorn."
• Next few lines: Describe the adventure. What do they see? Who do they meet? What fun things happen?
• Last line: How does your toy feel at the end of the adventure? Happy, tired, excited for the next one?

Step 5: Draw a Picture (Optional)

After you write your poem, you can draw a picture of your toy on their adventure. Use your colors to bring the story to life!

Step 6: Share Your Poem

Once you are done, we'll have a show and tell. You can share your poem and show us your beautiful drawings in the comments. It'll be like Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood but with our own toys!

Remember:

There's no right or wrong way to write your poem. The most important thing is to have fun and use your imagination. I can't wait to hear about all the amazing adventures your toys have been on!

For the Olders

Reflective Poem

Today we're going to dig deep into our memories for this type of poetry. Reflective poetry focuses on your personal experiences and your emotions surrounding those experiences.

Use the worksheet below to help you write your poem.

Step 1: Get Inspired

Think about the poems we just read by A.A. Milne, especially the parts that capture the essence of childhood. Think about the images, emotions, and stories he tells. What memories or feelings do these poems bring up for you?

Step 2: Reflect on Your Childhood

Take a moment to think back on your own childhood. What memories stick out? Maybe it's a day at the park, a birthday party, or just a quiet moment that means a lot to you. It could be anything that makes you feel nostalgic, happy, sad, or anywhere in between.

Step 3: Start Writing

Now, it's your turn to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and write your own poem. Don't worry about making it perfect or using fancy language. Just focus on expressing that memory or feeling you've chosen. Here are a few tips:

• Use sensory details to bring your memory to life. What did you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel?
• Play with different poetic devices like similes, metaphors, or alliteration if you feel like it.
• Let your emotions guide you. If your memory makes you happy, let that joy shine through your words. If it’s more bittersweet, that’s okay too.

Step 4: Share Your Poem

Once you're happy with your poem, share it with family or friends. Read it aloud so you can hear anything you might want to change.

Step 5: Revise and Reflect

Based on the feedback you get and your own reflections, you might want to tweak your poem a bit. This is your chance to dig deeper, add more details, or refine your expressions.

Bonus: Publish Your Work

If you're feeling brave, why not share your poem with us in the comments?

This project isn't just about writing; it's about connecting with your past, expressing yourself, and understanding yourself through poetry.

For PreReaders

For your youngest poetry fans, use the poetry activity sheet below.

• Let them choose their favorite toy.
• Help them to write a few words about their toy.
• Color their new poems.