Home
Popular Collections
Poems For Elementary Students (Grades 3-6)

Poems For Elementary Students (Grades 3-6)

Published: October 2017

Using poetry is a great way to convey important messages to children in an engaging way. Many poems in this collection can read like fables, giving children a lesson to think about at the end. These poems are great to use with elementary students to teach skills such as critical thinking, communication, and fluency. They also feature poetry techniques such as rhyming schemes and descriptive language. In addition to educational benefits, poetry also encourages creativity and self-expression. Some of these poems have been written by famous poets such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Edgar Guest, and A.A. Milne. This collection includes fun forms such as concrete poems, ABC poems, and limericks that are perfect for elementary students.

42 Poems To Use With Students In Grades 3-6

Poetry Collections By Grade Level

Are you looking for poems for teaching?

Explore these Collections

Fossils
- By Colin West
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2021 with permission of the Author.
This lighthearted poem titled "Fossils" explores the humorous idea of what colors extinct prehistoric animals could have been. The speaker playfully ponders whether the Pterodactyls, Brontosaurus, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Archaeopteryx, and Woolly Mammoth were sporting bright colors like purple, puce, or shocking pink. The poem highlights the fun and imaginative nature of pondering about the unknown and the whimsical world of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures.

Dino Dilemma: Deciphering The Colors Of Ancient Animals

in Poems for Kids

O, its bones may be colossal,
But the trouble with a fossil
Is that it doesn’t give a clue
As to the creature’s actual hue.

O, its bones may be colossal,
But the trouble with a fossil
Is that it doesn’t give a clue
As to the creature’s actual hue.

Those Pterodactyl things that flew,
Were they red or green or blue?
And that Brontosaurus fellow,
Did he come in mauve and yellow?

As for those Stegosaurus types,
Maybe they had snazzy stripes?
And was Tyrannosaurus Rex
Perhaps adorned with spots or checks?

And was old Archaeopteryx
Just one colour, or a mix?
And Woolly Mammoth, what d’you think,
Purple, puce or shocking pink?

More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

I just love the poem. I had been feeling a bit low, and then I read your poem and the world felt like a brighter place. Thank you.

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (1)
Wise Words
- By Sue Hardy-Dawson
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2022 with permission of the Author.
The Magic Of Books

in Poems for Kids

A book is not a window
nor is it a magical key
a book’s not a path
through a mountain

A book is not a window
nor is it a magical key
a book’s not a path
through a mountain
or a forest of enchanted trees

A book is not a doorway
nor is it a phase of the moon
it’s not made by
an ancient magician
or the shake of a shaman’s rune

A book is not a monster
nor can it be your friend
it’s no place to keep
hopes or secrets
for you may not find them again

A book is not a phantom
nor a thing only you can see
it’s not a spell
to make laughter
you can’t enter and leave your grief

A book is not a journey
nor is it a prayer or a wish
the old man said
to the wide-eyed child
who just smiled and said ‘Oh but it is...’

More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

The child knows best... A book's a story waiting to be read Taking one to where their feet never tread Be it fact or fiction whatever's told It's a mystery about to unfold.

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (1)

Message From Nature
- By Kshma Lal
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2020 with permission of the Author.
I am a finance professional. I used to write poems/stories in school and started writing poems again about a year back when I couldn't find anything suitable for my son to recite at his school. This is one of the recent poems I've written about some learnings from nature ... in simple language for 6-7-year-olds to understand and recite.

Lessons Learned From Nature Poem

in Inspiring Poems for Kids

The mountains tell me, hold your head high.
Whatever be the problem, look it in the eye.

The rivers tell me, don't look behind.

The mountains tell me, hold your head high.
Whatever be the problem, look it in the eye.

The rivers tell me, don't look behind.
March on ahead, till your goal you find.

The sea tells me, have depth of character.
The waves call out, don't forget your laughter!

The trees tell me, do good to one and all.
Let go of the past, like I let my leaves fall.

The sun tells me, you must go on shining.
In every dark cloud, be the silver lining.

Have a look at nature, and you will see,
There's so much to learn, just like me!
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

No Stories yet, You can be the first!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)
Best Birthday Ever!
- By Zorian Alexis
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2019 with permission of the Author.
This is an ABC poem about getting the perfect birthday gift after asking for it for many years.

ABC Poem About The Perfect Birthday Gift

in Animal Poems for Kids

"Amazing!" was all I could say
Because I finally got my puppy today.
Chocolate brown with soulful eyes,
Definitely the perfect birthday surprise.

"Amazing!" was all I could say
Because I finally got my puppy today.
Chocolate brown with soulful eyes,
Definitely the perfect birthday surprise.
Every year I had asked for one.
Finally my mom hit a home run.
Getting me this perfect gift
Has given me such a joyful lift.
I will forever cherish my little boy
Just like I did my favorite stuffed toy.
Keeping him oh so near to me,
Loving him oh so tenderly,
Making him a promise that I will never break:
Nothing will harm him while I'm awake.
Our bond has already begun to grow,
Pure love that all pet owners know.
Quietly he is sleeping in my arms,
Rendering me helpless to all of his charms.
Staring at my little bundle of joy,
Thinking of the perfect name for my boy.
Undecided, I've come up with a few
Various possibilities what should I do.
Winchester or perhaps Chester for short.
Xander or maybe a bold name like Cort.
You deserve the perfect name.
Zorian means happy, and I hope you are the same.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

No Stories yet, You can be the first!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)

Travel For Fun
- By Santhini Govindan
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2021 with permission of the Author.
in Poems for Kids

I want to travel around the world for fun,
And see different lands, one by one.
But I would not like to travel by aeroplane, train, or by car -
I would like to have a magic carpet that will take me afar.

I want to travel around the world for fun,
And see different lands, one by one.
But I would not like to travel by aeroplane, train, or by car -
I would like to have a magic carpet that will take me afar.

I will keep the carpet under my bed, rolled upright,
So it will be easy to reach, when I want to take flight.
I won’t need to get a passport, or buy a ticket when I want to fly,
I’ll just sit on my magic carpet, and wave everyone good-bye!

I’ll cross rivers and valleys, and the snowy Himalayas so tall,
And fly to faraway China to see the Great Wall.
Then I’ll float to Egypt, and visit the great Nile,
And see the pyramids, and the Sphinx’s mysterious smile.

I’ll travel to the African jungles where wild animals roam,
And visit European cities like London, Paris, and Rome
But on my magic carpet, before I eagerly set out,
There’s something that I’m a little worried about.

I keep thinking of it, again and again –
What will happen if my magic carpet gets caught in the rain?
I’m sure that soaking wet carpets can’t fly far away -
So, to travel for fun, I must find another way!

More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

No Stories yet, You can be the first!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)
Dreambeast
- By Mark Bird
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2021 with permission of the Author.
in Inspiring Poems for Kids

If you have a dream
that won’t go away
that gnaws at your toes
with each waking day.

If you have a dream
that won’t go away
that gnaws at your toes
with each waking day.

That sings beneath notes
and swirls between stars.
From lines in great books
it thrashes and gnarls.

From cinema screens
it leaps along light
and twists your insides
and stalks you at night.

Then give it attention.
Tame that wild dream.
It’s there for a reason
yet to be seen.

A beast of the future
only you own.
Don't let it escape
into the unknown.

Train it with care
and boost its esteem.
Spotlight it brightly
so it can be seen.

Or dreams can turn nasty
tire and groan.
Diminishing creatures
if left all alone.

The beast never dies
just shrinks and goes cold.
A lone, solemn dream
growing weary and old.

So feed it with strength
Believe that it’s real
Nurture with love
And trust how it feels

Fight the dream-bruisers
wish-batterers too
and splatterers of hope
who'll be waiting for you.

Feel the roar rumble.
Hear every shout.
It’s your beast of a dream
just dying to get out.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

This poem has touched my heart and motivates me to chase my dreams. The overall impression gives in-depth insights about the writer's journey that sheer hard work and resolute nature will...

Read complete story

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (2)
The Littlest Christmas Tree
- By Amy Peterson
- Published by Family Friend Poems April 2009 with permission of the Author.
Hello everyone. I was raised in Wisconsin among many cold winters and driven to writing by two great, wonderful parents whose imagination left all of their children wide-eyed with excitement during the holidays. I was told by my father that the pines talk when the wind blows....and if you listen...you can hear them. I hope this story will leave your family with an adventure into the woods to hear the pines talking.

A Christmas Story For Children

in Christmas Poems

The littlest Christmas tree
lived in a meadow of green
among a family
of tall evergreens.

The littlest Christmas tree
lived in a meadow of green
among a family
of tall evergreens.
He learned how to whisper
the evergreen song
with the slightest of wind
that came gently along.

He watched as the birds
made a home out of twigs
and couldn't wait till
he, too, was big.
For all of the trees
offered a home,
the maple, the pine, and the oak,
who's so strong.

"I hate being little,"
the little tree said,
"I can't even turn colors
like the maple turns red.
I can't help the animals
like the mighty old oak.
He shelters them all
in his wide mighty cloak."

The older tree said,
"Why, little tree, you don't know?
The story of a mighty king
from the land with no snow?"
Little tree questioned,
"A land with no snow?"
"Yes!" said old tree,
"A very old story,
from so long ago."

"A star appeared,
giving great light
over a manger
on long winter's night.
A baby was born,
a king of all kings,
and with him comes love
over all things."

"He lived in a country
all covered in sand,
and laid down his life
to save all of man."

Little tree thought of the gift
given by him,
then the big tree said with the
happiest grin,
"We're not just trees,
but a reminder of that day.
There's a much bigger part
of a role that we play!"

"For on Christmas Eve,
my life I'll lay down,
in exchange for a happier,
loving ground.
And as I stand dying,
they'll adorn me in trim.
This all will be done
in memory of him."

"Among a warm fire,
with family and friends,
in the sweet songs of Christmas,
I'll find my great end.
Then ever so gently,
He'll come down to see
and take me to heaven,
Jesus and me."

"So you see, little tree,
we are not like the oak
who shelters all things
beneath his great cloak.
Nor are we like the maple
in fall,
whose colors leave many
standing in awe."

"The gift that we give
is ourselves, limb for limb,
the greatest of honor,
in memory of him."

The little tree bowed
his head down and cried
and thought of the king
who willingly died.
For what kind of gift
can anyone give
than to lay down your life
when you wanted to live?

A swelling of pride
came over the tree.
Can all of this happen
Because of just me?
Can I really bring honor?
By adorning a home?
By reminding mankind
that he's never alone?

With this thought, little tree
began singing with glee.
Happy and proud
to be a true Christmas tree.

You can still hear them singing
even the smallest in height,
singing of Christmas
and that one holy night.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

This poem touched my heart and the story of your beautiful parents behind it... I have only come across it searching online. I will most certainly be reading up on all your other inspiring...

Read complete story

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (7)
If I Were A Hero
- By Shayan Das
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2019 with permission of the Author.
This poem depicts the desire of a child to be a hero. He wishes to do something good for the world like his favorite fictional heroes (here, Avengers). To him, his happiness would be in its zenith if he could be like them. The poem is strictly penned in ABC form. Please read it aloud, keeping the flow and rhythm in order to enjoy more. Hope you will like the poem and the mode in which it is crafted.

ABC Poem About A Child's Wish To Be A Superhero

in Poems for Kids

Above huge hills if ever I could rise,
Beyond the gravity as Iron Man flies.
Climbing and hanging if towers I could touch,
Dashing as the Spider-Man, if fingers were such.

Above huge hills if ever I could rise,
Beyond the gravity as Iron Man flies.
Climbing and hanging if towers I could touch,
Dashing as the Spider-Man, if fingers were such.
Ever I would be happy and ever I would dance,
Falling and rising in heroic romance.

Grasping high hills if ever I could rise,
Huge, tough and rigid, if Hulk were my size.
If ever my sharpened nails were ever so tough,
Judging and fighting as Mr X-Man: rough,
Kiddy would be happy and kiddy would dance,
Loving and singing in heroic romance.

Mighty huge hills if I could win all heights,
Noting all evilness as Mr. Batman fights.
Owning all powers if this world I could guide,
Powers like a Power Man if Thor were my side.
Quickly I would be happy and quickly I would dance,
Running and flying in heroic romance.

Super like a Superman if super were my punch.
Tough, hard and titanic if evils I could crunch.
Unique like the Avengers if I could have some powers,
Valiant as a mighty king if I could bring just flowers.
Winning like a gallant Prince if I could live in pride,
X-treme in my extreme parts if God were my side.
Yes, I would be happy and surely take all chance,
Zeal for my pleasures would bloom in heroic dance.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

As a young child, I dreamt of being Superman. For me, other superhero could match him. I'm retired, but if I were still teaching, this would be an ideal fun poem with plenty to discuss in the...

Read complete story

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (2)
They Should Have Made Me Inside Out
- By Mark Bird
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 16, 2022 with permission of the Author.
Look Beyond Appearance Poem

in Inspiring Poems for Kids

My face is plain
My eyes are wrong
My brain is big
My heart is strong

My face is plain
My eyes are wrong
My brain is big
My heart is strong
They should have made me inside out

My hair's not cool
My clothes are cheap
My mind is sharp
My dreams are deep
They should have made me inside out

My smile is weak
My lips are thin
My hope is huge
Beneath my skin
They should have made me inside out
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

No Stories yet, You can be the first!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)
The Dolly
- By Jeanette Cheal
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2017 with permission of the Author.
I love writing poetry for children. I love to see their faces light up when I read my poetry to them. The dolly I wrote about had a great response from both young and old. My father read it before anyone, and he sat and cried. He thought it was lovely.

in Inspiring Poems for Kids

The dolly sat upon the shelf
in the toy maker's shop all by herself.
The dolly only had one eye,
so all the children passed her by.

The dolly sat upon the shelf
in the toy maker's shop all by herself.
The dolly only had one eye,
so all the children passed her by.

They scoffed at the dolly;
they weren't very kind
Then a child came in
with a dolly in mind.

Her mother led her around the shop.
At the shelf with the dolly her mother did stop.

The child reached out and felt for the dolly.
The toy maker shouted, "Dear child, I'm so sorry,
this dolly is blind; she only has one eye.
I've a dolly right here you might like to buy."

"No, this is the one," the child said to her mother.
"If I can't have her, I don't want any other."
So off dolly went with the child who was kind,
and just like the dolly, this child was blind.

More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

Wow what a beautiful poem with an even greater message! Representation matters! Our differences make us unique!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (3)
I Will Soar
- By Annette R. Hershey
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2018 with permission of the Author.
If kids are encouraged to believe in themselves, they will have confidence to make it. I believe they should be taught respect for others and oneself, honesty, kindness, tolerance, and manners to flourish. Be true to yourself, spread happiness, and live generously. Soar! My poem uses symbolism.

Believe In Yourself, You Can Soar!

in Inspiring Poems for Kids

If I were a birdie,
I'd head up to the sky.
I'd spread my wings like sunshine.
I know I could fly mighty high!

If I were a birdie,
I'd head up to the sky.
I'd spread my wings like sunshine.
I know I could fly mighty high!

If I were a birdie,
My feathers would be bright.
Every color would be striking.
I'd soar and reach new heights.

If I were a birdie,
I'd sing a lovely song.
Everyone would stop and listen;
They would begin to sing along.

If I were a birdie,
I'd follow all my dreams.
Small streams to vast oceans,
Under golden bright sunbeams.

If I were a birdie,
I'd flit about from tree to tree
With many different flocks of birdies.
We would be free to be free.

If I were a birdie,
I'd head up to the sky.
I'd spread my wings like sunshine.
I know I could fly mighty high!
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

I love this poem! Very inspiring message! We all can do whatever we set our minds to.

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (2)
Life Doesn't Frighten Me
- By Maya Angelou
Famous Poem

Maya Angelou, an inspirational American poet, crafted a poem from a child’s perspective about all the frightening things in her world. Although this poem showcases many things that frighten a child, the greater theme in this poem is that no matter the obstacles we face in life, we can overcome them. The repetition of “life doesn’t frighten me at all” reinforces that theme.

in Famous Children Poems

Shadows on the wall
Noises down the hall
Life doesn't frighten me at all

Shadows on the wall
Noises down the hall
Life doesn't frighten me at all

Bad dogs barking loud
Big ghosts in a cloud
Life doesn't frighten me at all

Mean old Mother Goose
Lions on the loose
They don't frighten me at all

Dragons breathing flame
On my counterpane
That doesn't frighten me at all.

I go boo
Make them shoo
I make fun
Way they run
I won't cry
So they fly
I just smile
They go wild

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Tough guys fight
All alone at night
Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Panthers in the park
Strangers in the dark
No, they don't frighten me at all.

That new classroom where
Boys all pull my hair
(Kissy little girls
With their hair in curls)
They don't frighten me at all.

Don't show me frogs and snakes
And listen for my scream,
If I'm afraid at all
It's only in my dreams.

I've got a magic charm
That I keep up my sleeve
I can walk the ocean floor
And never have to breathe.

Life doesn't frighten me at all
Not at all
Not at all.

Life doesn't frighten me at all.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

I think this is a really good poem because it teaches kids not to give up and hide in the shadows and actually express themselves.

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (4)
Always Love Your Pet, No Matter How Old They Get
- By Lesley M. Patterson
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2018 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this poem because animals are very special to me. I am an animal advocate. Our family has 4 of our own little fur-babies. my dog (Kali) and 3 cats (The Haunt, Schiz, and Dudette). All of our pets are older (from 5-14 years old) All but the two brother kitties were rescued animals. I have a deep love for my animals, and I wanted to write this poem especially for children because they need to be taught to always be loving and kind to their pets, no matter how old they get.

in Animal Poems for Kids

Pets are people, too, just like me and you.
They need food in their tummies and lots of beefy yummies.

They are little, but their hearts are BIG.

Pets are people, too, just like me and you.
They need food in their tummies and lots of beefy yummies.

They are little, but their hearts are BIG.
They like to go outside, get fresh air, and dig.

From big to small, they give their all,
And you can play with them with a toy or with a ball.

To the special bond between human and pet,
always by your side, forever, I'll bet.

Your faithful pet depends on you
and all the special things for them that you do.

Pets help teach us nature's true compassion.
They do not withhold love, nor with it do they ration.

And with our pets, I have no doubt,
that we are lucky not to have to live without.

A furry friend that's always happy to see you,
from life's ups and downs and all that people do.

It's quite a sight for sore eyes to behold,
because that bond is as special as gold.

Always show them love and good measure,
and reap each day a true friend to treasure.

Children, remember to be good to your pet
Be loving to them, no matter how old they get.

Never abandon them or leave them out in the cold or heat,
and you'll have a pet that's super neat!

Always treat them with kindness and love,
for they are truly a gift from above!

Be understanding and patient with them, because they will be for you.
And never, ever forget this, my friend, for pets are people, too.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

This poem delivers a right message about the relationship between man and nature. These pets teach us love, compassion, and empathy without expectation. But one bitter reality l must admit...

Read complete story

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (1)
Summer Camp Souvenirs
- By Richard Thomas
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2019 with permission of the Author.
An exaggerated description of the perils of attending summer camp as a boy. I wrote this over forty years ago for my students. After all the years, it remains my personal favorite.

A Humorous Tale Of Attending Summer Camp

in Funny Poems for Kids

When I got home from camp today,
My parents almost died.
They asked me how I got this way,
And here's what I replied:

When I got home from camp today,
My parents almost died.
They asked me how I got this way,
And here's what I replied:

This little cast from heel to hip
Is nothing much at all.
Some broken shingles made me slip
From off the dining hall.

The poison ivy's not too bad.
It missed my back and chest.
Of course, I guess I oughta add
Mosquitoes got the rest.

I tried to eat some hick'ry nuts
And cracked a tooth or two.
And all these bruises, scabs, and cuts?
I haven't got a clue.

I got the lump that's on my head
From diving in the lake.
I should've watched for rocks instead
Of grabbing for the snake.

That leaves this bandage on my chin
And these three finger sprains,
Along with lots of sunburned skin
And sniffles from the rains.

I also got a muscle cramp
And very nearly drowned.
It's some terrific summer camp,
The coolest one around.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

It is really a beautiful poem which blends childhood imagination, narration, and joyful experiences. "It is some terrific summer camp, The coolest one around."

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (1)
The Sugar-Plum Tree
- By Eugene Field
Famous Poem

“The Sugar-Plum Tree” is a perfect “bedtime story” for children about sweet treats that make up an imaginary town. Eugene Field (1850-1895) wrote “Funny Fancies,” a humorous column for the St. Louis Journal. He also became known as the “Poet of Childhood” because of his children’s poetry.

in Famous Children Poems

Have you ever heard of the Sugar-Plum Tree?
'Tis a marvel of great renown!
It blooms on the shore of the Lollypop sea
In the garden of Shut-Eye Town;

Have you ever heard of the Sugar-Plum Tree?
'Tis a marvel of great renown!
It blooms on the shore of the Lollypop sea
In the garden of Shut-Eye Town;
The fruit that it bears is so wondrously sweet
(As those who have tasted it say)
That good little children have only to eat
Of that fruit to be happy next day.

When you've got to the tree, you would have a hard time
To capture the fruit which I sing;
The tree is so tall that no person could climb
To the boughs where the sugar-plums swing!
But up in that tree sits a chocolate cat,
And a gingerbread dog prowls below -
And this is the way you contrive to get at
Those sugar-plums tempting you so:

You say but the word to that gingerbread dog
And he barks with such terrible zest
That the chocolate cat is at once all agog,
As her swelling proportions attest.
And the chocolate cat goes cavorting around
From this leafy limb unto that,
And the sugar-plums tumble, of course, to the ground -
Hurrah for that chocolate cat!

There are marshmallows, gumdrops, and peppermint canes,
With stripings of scarlet or gold,
And you carry away of the treasure that rains,
As much as your apron can hold!
So come, little child, cuddle closer to me
In your dainty white nightcap and gown,
And I'll rock you away to that Sugar-Plum Tree
In the garden of Shut-Eye Town.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

No Stories yet, You can be the first!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)
A View Of A Cat
- By Stephanie
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2009 with permission of the Author.
Hi I'm Steph. I love writing poems and stories. I feel like I can create a new world whenever I write. I love cats, that's what made me write this cute little concrete poem.

Concrete Poem

in Pet Friend Poems

I
sleep on
your bed, making
it my own, and

I
sleep on
your bed, making
it my own, and
and when you are
away, I'm at home
all alone. I walk
around the food
bowl, sniffing out
what's there, and if
there's nothing good, I
I look at you and stare. I
curl up near the fire place
warming up my paws, I
pounce upon the scratch
post, sharpening my claws.
I see a mouse in front
staring straight at me, I
run and try to catch it
but it runs away from
thee. You see I am so
cute, so gorgeous with my
fur, when
you
stroke
my
head
I
close my
eyes
and purr.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

My son, age 9, loves all things cat. He's currently taking a drama class and has to read a poem. This is the one he chose. I just hope he can make it through the poem without giggling. He...

Read complete story

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (2)
The Blade And The Ax
- By Abimbola T. Alabi
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2019 with permission of the Author.
I wrote this for leisure. It's a bit of an allegory. If children can find it amusing and derive one or two lessons from it, that will make it more worthwhile. Thanks and hope you enjoy reading.

Respecting One Another

in Inspiring Poems for Kids

On a bench, in Joe's little shed,
lying not too far apart,
were his ax and his switchblade,
having a quiet heart-to-heart.

On a bench, in Joe's little shed,
lying not too far apart,
were his ax and his switchblade,
having a quiet heart-to-heart.

"How small and weak you look,"
said the ax to the blade.
"You will never be able to do
those deeds for which I'm made."

"For it's me that Joe will use
to cut the boughs of trees.
You should see me at work sometime,
how I split a log with ease."

"A great help you are around
performing these hefty tasks,
but stuff I do for Joe, you can't,"
replied the blade to the ax.

"Would he ever count on you
to cut or strip a wire bare?
Try slicing open packages too.
I'd love to see just how you'd fare."

"We're designed in unique ways;
you're not superior as you claim."
The mighty ax and the nifty blade
needed by Joe all the same.

In the end, they both agreed
about their weaknesses and strengths.
Neither of them, they could see,
was truly a hundred percent.

From then on, they became pals,
got along and learned to relax.
Never again was there pride or strife
between the blade and the ax.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

The conversation between a blade and an ax is interesting, and it teaches a lesson. Nobody should be proud because of one's usefulness; everybody is needed but in a different way!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (2)
Summer Fun
- By Kathy Murphy
- Published by Family Friend Poems July 2019 with permission of the Author.
After being cooped up in school for so long, children are eager to experience the joys of summer. Freedom has arrived! The cell doors have been unlocked! There is so much fun to pack into three short months. Ready, set, go!

The Joy Of Summertime For Children

in Poems for Kids

The warmth of the sun,
Faces all aglow.
It's time for summer fun
As the happy faces show.

The warmth of the sun,
Faces all aglow.
It's time for summer fun
As the happy faces show.

Ring around the rosies,
Watermelon rinds,
Imagination soaring
From these perfect little minds.

No more stuffy classrooms,
They're living fancy free.
Summertime is finally here,
They realize joyfully.

Only good things lay ahead.
Fun-filled days galore.
Playgrounds, parks, and sprinklers,
Gathering seashells by the shore.

Building castles in the sand,
Watching waves come rolling in.
Don't forget the sunscreen
For their sensitive skin.

And in the days that follow,
There's much more to be done.
Friends and family gather.
There's fun for everyone.

Games of leapfrog and flying kites,
Even climbing trees.
Mom is always near
To mend the scraped-up knees.

Hopscotch on the driveway.
Hide and seek...YOU'RE IT!
Mother May I, and Red Rover.
Let's socialize a bit.

The ice cream truck is coming
Just around the bend.
The music's getting closer.
Excitement has no end.

Jumping up and down,
Laughter fills the air.
As the truck comes into sight,
Children appear from everywhere.

With mile-wide smiles and dancing eyes
And money in their hand,
They rush up happily
To greet the ice cream man.

Once the treat has been consumed
They continue on to play,
Frolicking in the sunshine
On this brilliant summer day.

And when each day has ended,
They'll dream of so much more.
Exciting and wonderful things
Ahead, yet to explore.

Hello summer, we're glad you're here.
Linger on and stay a while.
You're our favorite time of year.
You make these little children smile.

They laugh and sing
And dance and play.
You bring such joy.
Please don't ever go away.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

No Stories yet, You can be the first!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)
The Dragon
- By Nicole Q. Wong
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2020 with permission of the Author.
I'm 11 years old, and I love to write poems. This particular one is about not judging things by how they look. In the poem, the narrator meets a dragon, who unknowingly taught "me" about not judging a book by its cover.

Not Judging Things By The Way They Look

in Inspiring Poems for Kids

A misunderstanding I've had
Was that a dragon was bad.
With his sharp claws, his look of death!
Not to mention his fiery breath,

A misunderstanding I've had
Was that a dragon was bad.
With his sharp claws, his look of death!
Not to mention his fiery breath,
How could he not be?
I was wrong, you see.

One day, I was skipping happily in the meadow,
When I came across a rather upset old fellow.
"Good day," said he,
Bowing down to me,
And I was too shocked to speak.

Yes, with his breath and his sharp talons,
I had met a real live dragon.
"What's wrong?" I asked him, bowing too,
As he seemed conspicuously blue.

Then, without warning, he burst into tears
And was unmistakably trembling with fear!
"Oh, spare me!" he cried, covering his face.
"I just want to leave this miserable place!"

He told me how princes had killed his brothers,
And how they were after him too. His mother
Saved him by taking a princess hostage,
And that made her seem savage.

After my encounter with him,
I realized what matters is within.
Yes, I learned something you can't learn from books,
And it's that you can't judge anything by its looks.
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

No Stories yet, You can be the first!

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (0)
The Mountain And The Squirrel
- By Ralph Waldo Emerson
Famous Poem

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a licensed minister who resigned from the clergy when his first wife passed away a couple years into their marriage. In this poem, a squirrel and a mountain have a quarrel because the mountain feels as though it is more important. Each person has his or her own individual talents, and everyone/everything has its purpose in this world, none greater or less than another.

in Famous Children Poems

The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter
"Little prig."

The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter
"Little prig."
Bun replied,
"You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere.
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I'm not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry:
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track.
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut."
More...
Go To Complete Poem
Featured Shared Story

I read this poem in 1965 when I carried a paperback book of poems in my backpack when an infantry soldier in Vietnam. We, the infantry group in which I served, were such a collection of...

Read complete story

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (7)

1 - 20 of 42

Poems For Elementary Students (Grades 3-6)

42 Poems To Use With Students In Grades 3-6

This is an ABC poem about getting the perfect birthday gift after asking for it for many years.

I love writing poetry for children. I love to see their faces light up when I read my poetry to them. The dolly I wrote about had a great response from both young and old. My father read it before anyone, and he sat and cried. He thought it was lovely.

If kids are encouraged to believe in themselves, they will have confidence to make it. I believe they should be taught respect for others and oneself, honesty, kindness, tolerance, and manners to flourish. Be true to yourself, spread happiness, and live generously. Soar! My poem uses symbolism.

An exaggerated description of the perils of attending summer camp as a boy. I wrote this over forty years ago for my students. After all the years, it remains my personal favorite.

Hi I'm Steph. I love writing poems and stories. I feel like I can create a new world whenever I write. I love cats, that's what made me write this cute little concrete poem.

I wrote this for leisure. It's a bit of an allegory. If children can find it amusing and derive one or two lessons from it, that will make it more worthwhile. Thanks and hope you enjoy reading.

After being cooped up in school for so long, children are eager to experience the joys of summer. Freedom has arrived! The cell doors have been unlocked! There is so much fun to pack into three short months. Ready, set, go!

I'm 11 years old, and I love to write poems. This particular one is about not judging things by how they look. In the poem, the narrator meets a dragon, who unknowingly taught "me" about not judging a book by its cover.