Celebrating National Poetry Day: Nature Poems for Children

Introducing children to the wonders of poetry through nature-inspired verses and creative activities.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 27, 2025

Introducing children to the wonders of poetry through nature-inspired verses and creative activities.

Every year, National Poetry Day provides an inspiring opportunity for parents, educators, and caregivers to share the magic of poetry with children. Among the most enchanting types of poetry for young listeners are verses that celebrate the wonders of nature. By reading nature poems aloud, children can deepen their connection to the world around them and foster a lifelong love of both poetry and the environment.

Why Nature Poems Matter for Kids

Nature poetry uniquely connects children with the rhythms of the earth, encouraging observation, empathy, and curiosity. Through vivid language and playful rhythm, these poems introduce children to the beauty and complexity of our planet—from the flutter of butterfly wings to the towering strength of ancient trees. The outdoors serves as both subject and classroom, making nature-inspired poems a universal entry point into the world of verse.

Sparks Curiosity: Nature poems encourage kids to ask questions about the world and explore their surroundings.
Builds Vocabulary: Children encounter new words, poetic expressions, and descriptive language.
Enhances Well-Being: Poetry about wildlife, seasons, and landforms can calm, ground, and delight young minds.
Promotes Environmental Awareness: By appreciating the beauty of the earth, children are inspired to care for it.

How to Introduce Nature Poetry to Children

Sharing poetry with children is simple and highly rewarding. Read aloud, discuss imagery, and invite curiosity. For the most engaging experience, try reading nature poems outdoors where possible. Sitting beneath a tree, listening to birdsong, or even gazing out the window on a rainy day can bring these verses to life.

Choose the Right Setting: If possible, read nature poems outside, letting children make direct observations.
Read Aloud with Expression: Slow your pace, pausing at punctuation and letting the poem’s rhythm shine.
Discuss What You Notice: Ask open questions, such as:
- What images did you imagine?
- Did you notice any rhyming words or sounds?
- How did the poem make you feel?
- Was there any word or phrase that surprised you?
- Do you hear a message in the poem?
- What might have inspired the poet?
Related: 35 Nature Quotes to Inspire Connection and Wonder
Read and Reread: Revisit the same poem multiple times—children often notice new things with each reading.
Encourage Creative Response: Invite kids to draw, act out, or write their own poems inspired by your reading.

Classic Nature Poems for Children

The tradition of writing poetry about the natural world is centuries old. Many classic poets have gifted us with verses that are perfect for young listeners; their playful words, simple structures, and vivid imagery invite children into the joys of poetry.

Poem Title	Author	Theme
“I’m Glad the Sky is Painted Blue”	Anonymous	Appreciating the sky and earth
“The Crocus”	Walter Crane	The arrival of spring
“The Secret Song”	Margaret Wise Brown	Nature’s hidden wonders
“Trees”	Sara Coleridge	Diversity of trees
“The Rainbow”	Christina Rossetti	Beauty of the sky
“Winter Morning”	Unknown	Winter scenes
“The Seedling”	Paul Laurence Dunbar	Growth and new life

Sample Nature Poems

Here are snapshots from some beloved children’s nature poems:

I’m Glad the Sky is Painted Blue (Anonymous):
A cheerful poem reflecting on the colors of the sky and land, highlighting gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us.
The Crocus (Walter Crane):
Celebrates the first flowers of spring and the warmth of sunlight.
The Secret Song (Margaret Wise Brown):
Explores the secret observations of animals, bringing magic to the unnoticed moments in nature.
Trees (Sara Coleridge):
Describes various trees, noting their unique shapes, uses, and habitats, and inviting children to recognize tree diversity.

Choosing the Perfect Moment for Poetry

Poetry can be enjoyed at any time, but reading nature poems in moments that align with the subject can be especially effective. A poem about rain feels magical when read on a wet afternoon; a verse about snow’s quiet arrives just right on a wintry morning. Celebrate the changing seasons and special events—such as Earth Day or National Poetry Month—by making poetry a tradition.

Read a spring poem on the first day of spring.
Share ocean-inspired verses before a day at the beach.
Enjoy winter poems by the window during a snowstorm.
Make autumn poetry part of your leaf-collecting walk.

Tips for Reading Nature Poems with Kids

Making poetry a part of your daily or weekly routine builds anticipation and comfort with the art form.

Set a Regular Poetry Time: Choose mornings, bedtime, or mealtime for a poem ritual.
Add Movement: Some children enjoy acting out words or miming animal motions described in poems.
Bring Props: If reading about trees, collect leaves; for a sea poem, bring sea shells. Turning poetry into a tactile event makes verses memorable.
Visualize Together: After reading, encourage children to draw what they imagined.
Create a Poetry Notebook: Record favorite lines, new words, and personal poems written by the child.

Reflection and Conversation: What Do Children Notice?

Encourage children to be both readers and critics. Reflecting on poems helps them develop observation skills and personal expression.

What did you picture in your mind as we read the poem?
Do any words sound especially beautiful or strange?
Did the poem remind you of somewhere you’ve been?
How might you describe your favorite season or animal in a poem?

Encouraging Children to Write Their Own Nature Poetry

After discovering poetry written by others, invite children to become poets themselves. Nature provides endless inspiration—from the color of autumn leaves to the scuttle of ants along a sidewalk. Writing poetry encourages creativity, observation, and confidence in expressing oneself.

Choose a favorite animal, plant, or weather phenomenon to write about.
Use all five senses—what do you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste?
Start with a simple phrase—”I see…”, “I hear…” or “I am…”—to begin each line.
Look for repeating words or rhymes; let children play with the sound and rhythm of language.
Display finished poems on the fridge or in a classroom gallery.

Example: Starting a Nature Poem

I see the sunlight on green leaves,
I hear sparrows sing to the sky—
The cool wind is dancing around me,
As rabbits and squirrels scurry by.

Poetry and Environmental Awareness

Beyond delight and play, nature poems lay a foundation for empathy and stewardship. Children who see the world’s wonders conveyed in verse are more likely to want to protect these wonders. Poetry can plant seeds of environmental awareness long before a child learns formal science or conservation.

Poems about forests and oceans remind us of their vastness and fragility.
Verses about animals spark curiosity about wildlife and habitats.
Seasonal poetry creates awareness of the cycles and patterns in nature.
Discussing a poem’s message can lead to conversations about recycling, conservation, and caring for living things.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is National Poetry Day?

National Poetry Day is an annual celebration dedicated to enjoying and sharing poetry of all kinds, encouraging people of all ages to engage with verse in their communities.

Why is reading nature poetry beneficial for children?

Nature poetry helps children build language skills, fosters curiosity, cultivates emotional intelligence, and establishes early connections between literature and environmental stewardship.

Can nature poems be read indoors?

Absolutely. While reading outside enhances the experience, nature poems can be enjoyed from anywhere—including beside a window or as part of a bedtime routine.

How can I encourage my child to write their own poems?

Provide prompts, start with sensory questions, suggest favorite animals or weather, and encourage playing with rhymes and sounds in a supportive, pressure-free way.

What if my child doesn’t understand every word?

That’s normal. Use unfamiliar words as opportunities for discussion and learning, and focus on enjoyment rather than perfect comprehension.

Conclusion: Nurturing a Love for Nature and Words

Reading and writing nature poems with children is more than an artistic pastime—it is a bridge to curiosity, empathy, and beauty. Whether sitting in a garden, walking under trees, or cuddling up indoors, these verses carry the colors, rhythms, and wonders of our world right into children’s lives. Celebrate National Poetry Day— and every day—by inviting the joy of nature poetry into your family or classroom.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb