As childcare practitioners, we are well-aware of the benefits of sharing poetry with children in terms of development and wellbeing; it increases motivation to read, builds phonemic awareness, encourages vocabulary, helps with recall, encourages listening and attention, provides an outlet to express feelings and emotions.
Kirsty Bard, Lakehouse and Stationhouse Nurseries, Portishead
The Need:
At Lakehouse and Stationhouse Nurseries in Portishead, the impact of the Covid lockdowns was clear. Many children were struggling with speech and language difficulties, as well as confidence and emotional expression. Kirsty Bard and her team wanted a resource that would support communication while also helping children develop independence and self-assurance.
What They Did:
The nurseries began using The Poetry Basket daily during circle time. Practitioners and children recited poems together, often enhancing the experience with props and puppets. A new poem was introduced each week, while favourites were revisited on request, building familiarity and excitement.
Children were also given their own copies of The Poetry Basket to explore independently. Kept on the bookshelf, these small books became a popular choice, with children flicking through pages, looking at pictures, and reciting lines they remembered.
To extend the experience beyond the nursery, parents were sent a copy of the poem of the week so families could enjoy reciting together at home.
The Results:
The Poetry Basket has become a crucial framework for developing communication and emotional resilience. Regular repetition has helped children grow in confidence, independence, and language skills.
The poems have also sparked curiosity and learning beyond the sessions. After learning Thunderstorm, children began asking questions about earthquakes, tornadoes, and volcanoes, showing how poetry opened the door to wider fascinations.
For one child with limited language skills, the daily poems have transformed circle time. He is now present, focused, and engaged, managing his social interactions with greater ease and confidence.
Kirsty reflects, “The Poetry Basket isn’t just helping language. It’s helping children express their emotions, build independence, and connect with their world.”
