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English Poems for Kids: Moral lessons and principles of life guide, shape, and build character. These builds are essential for the development of the children and for the foundation for making responsible choices.
Well-structured poems effectively convey moral messages through storytelling, symbolism, and imagery. Through these fascinating narratives, children can easily relate to the characters and situations, allowing the moral to resonate deeply.
Here are some well-known examples of English poems for kids with clear moral lessons:
Table of Contents
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
| Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. When the blazing sun is gone, When he nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Then the traveller in the dark Thanks you for your tiny spark, How could he see where to go, If you did not twinkle so? In the dark blue sky you keep, Often through my curtains peep For you, never shut your eye, Till the sun is in the sky. As your bright and tiny spark Lights the traveler in the dark, Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star. Portrayal: The classic rhyme ¨Twinkle Twinkle Little Star¨ portrays a child marvelling at the beauty of a twinkling star in the night sky. The star’s brightness and mystery charm the imagination of the child, sparking wonder and curiosity about the universe. |
The Moral of the Poem “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
¨Twinkle Twinkle Little Star¨ encourages curiosity, wonder, and exploration. It reminds us to appreciate the beauty and magic of the world around us, encouraging a sense of awe and wonder in the mysteries of the cosmos. |
2. The Ant and the Grasshopper
| In a field one summer’s day, A Grasshopper was hopping away. He sang and danced with all his might, For summer warmth was his delight. But nearby, an Ant worked hard, Gathering food, his yard to guard. He stored away each grain with care, Preparing for winter’s icy stare. The Grasshopper mocked the Ant’s toil, “Why work so hard on this fertile soil? Come sing and dance, enjoy the sun, There’s time enough when winter’s begun.” The Ant replied with wisdom true ,“While you play now, I work for you. For when the winter chills arrive, My store will keep us both alive.” When winter came, cold and bleak, The Grasshopper, hungry and weak, Begged the Ant for just a taste, But found his pleas had gone to waste. For the Ant had plenty, to his delight, While the Grasshopper shivered through the night. The lesson learned, though harsh it may be, Is to prepare for what we cannot see. Now, the moral of this tale, clear and bright, Is to work and save with all your might. For when hard times come, as they often do, Your preparations will see you through. Portrayal: The classic fable cum poem ¨The Ant and the Grasshopper¨ tells the tale of an Ant and a Grasshopper. The ant works hard all summer, gathering food and preparing for winter, while the grasshopper spends its time in singing and playing. When winter arrives, the grasshopper finds itself hungry and cold, while the ant is well-prepared and comfortable. |
The Moral of the Poem The Ant and the Grasshopper
| ¨The Ant and the Grasshopper¨ teaches the kids the importance of responsibility and planning ahead. It shows that hard work and diligence, like ant, lead to security and comfort, while laziness and procrastination, like grasshopper can lead to hardship. The poem is a timeless lesson about the value of being prepared and taking responsibility for our future well-being. |
3. The Ugly Duckling
| In a meadow green, by the water’s side, Lived a little duckling, full of gentle pride. But different was he, from his siblings dear, His feathers were gray, he was far from clear. He gazed at the swans, so graceful and white, Dreaming of feathers, so pure and bright. “Why am I ugly?” he often would cry, As the world passed him by, under the open sky. Through the seasons, he grew and changed, In a world, so vast and often estranged. His gray turned to white, his wings unfurled, A swan he’d become, in this big, wide world. He saw his reflection, so elegant and tall, Realized at last, that he was beautiful after all. With a heart full of joy, he danced and twirled, For the once ugly duckling had become a swan in the world. So, dear child, remember this tale so true, In the story of the duckling, there’s a lesson for you. Beauty’s not just feathers, nor the way we appear, It’s the kindness within that makes us most dear. Portrayal: The poem follows a young duckling who faces ridicule and rejection for being different. Despite feeling lonely and out of place, the duckling eventually transforms into a beautiful swan, finding acceptance and happiness. |
The Ugly Duckling Moral
| The ¨Ugly Duckling¨ teaches us the valuable lesson of self-acceptance, resilience, and the beauty of being true to oneself. It reminds us that everyone has their own unique qualities and that true beauty comes from within. |
4. My Shadow
| I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, And what can be the use of him is more than I can see. He is very, very like me, from the heels up to the head; And I see him jump before me when I jump into my bed. The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow— Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow; For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball, And he sometimes gets so little that there’s none of him at all. He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play, And can only make a fool in every sort of way. He stays so close beside me, he’s a coward you can see; I’d think shame to stick to Nursie as that shadow sticks to me! One morning, very early, before the sun was up, I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup; But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head, Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed. Portrayal: ¨My Shadow” explores the idea of a shadow as a constant companion, following the narrator wherever they go. The shadow symbolizes companionship, representing the presence of a friend who is always there, providing comfort and support. |
Shadow Poem Moral
| The poem Shadow, emphasizes the importance of friendship, companionship, and loyalty. It teaches us to appreciate the people who stand by us through thick and thin, offering reassurance and encouragement in the journey of life. |
5. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
| Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. Portrayal: The poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening captures the serene beauty of a snowy evening as a traveller pauses in the woods, entranced by the quiet beauty of nature. Despite the allure of the woods, the traveller must continue on their journey, fulfilling responsibilities before resting. |
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Moral
| The poem reflects on the importance of duty, commitment, and perseverance. It reminds us to appreciate the beauty of nature while fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations in life. |
Also Read: Summer Holiday Homework for Kindergarten: Engaging Activities for Young Learners
6. The Owl and the Pussycat Poem
| The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea In a beautiful pea-green boat, They took some honey, and plenty of money, Wrapped up in a five-pound note. The Owl looked up to the stars above, And sang to a small guitar, “O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love, What a beautiful Pussy you are, You are, You are! What a beautiful Pussy you are!” Pussy said to the Owl, “You elegant fowl! How charmingly sweet you sing! O let us be married! too long we have tarried: But what shall we do for a ring?” They sailed away, for a year and a day, To the land where the Bong-Tree grows And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood With a ring at the end of his nose, His nose, His nose, With a ring at the end of his nose. “Dear Pig, are you willing to sell for one shilling Your ring?” Said the Piggy, “I will.” So they took it away, and were married next day By the Turkey who lives on the hill. They dined on mince, and slices of quince, Which they ate with a runcible spoon; And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of the moon, The moon, The moon, They danced by the light of the moon. Portrayal: ¨Owls and the Pussy Cat¨ tells the whimsical tale of an owl and a cat who set sail on a pea-green boat, journeying to a magical land. They bring along honey and money, embarking on an adventure filled with love, friendship, and joy. |
Moral of The Owl and the Pussy Cat Poem
| The poem celebrates the power of love, friendship, and imagination to create wonderful adventures. It reminds us that true happiness can be found in simple pleasures and shared experiences with loved ones. |
7. The Road Not Taken Poem
| Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Portrayal: The ¨Road Not Taken¨ portrays a traveler standing at a crossroads, contemplating which path to take. Each path represents a choice in life, and the traveler ultimately chooses the less traveled one, which makes all the difference. |
Moral of The Road Not Taken Poem
| The poem ¨Road Not Taken¨ teaches us that life is full of choices, and the paths we choose shape our journey. It reminds us to be brave in making decisions and to embrace the unique opportunities that come our way. |
8. If
| If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools: If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’ If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son! Portrayal: “If” presents a series of hypothetical scenarios that test one’s character and resilience in the face of adversity. It explores the virtues of patience, courage, integrity, and self-belief in navigating life’s challenges. |
Moral of If Poem By Rudyard Kipling
The poem imparts valuable lessons on maintaining composure, staying true to oneself, and persevering through hardships with dignity. It encourages readers to cultivate inner strength and moral fortitude to overcome life’s obstacles. |
9. Daffodils
| I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced, but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not be but gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed’and gazed’but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils. Portrayal: ¨Daffodils” depicts the encounter of the poet with a field of golden daffodils, swaying in the breeze beside a tranquil lake. The sight fills the poet with joy and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression of nature’s beauty. |
Moral of the Poem of Daffodils
| The poem ¨Daffodils¨ celebrates the power of nature to uplift the human spirit and evoke feelings of happiness and wonder. It reminds us to appreciate the simple joys of life and find solace in the beauty of the natural world. |
10. Lucy Gray
| Oft I had heard of Lucy Gray: And, when I crossed the wild, I chanced to see at break of day The solitary child. No mate, no comrade Lucy knew; She dwelt on a wide moor, –The sweetest thing that ever grew Beside a human door! You yet may spy the fawn at play, The hare upon the green; But the sweet face of Lucy Gray Will never more be seen. “To-night will be a stormy night –You to the town must go; And take a lantern, Child, to light Your mother through the snow.” “That, Father! will I gladly do: ‘Tis scarcely afternoon –The minster-clock has just struck two, And yonder is the moon!” At this the Father raised his hook, And snapped a faggot-band; He plied his work;–and Lucy took The lantern in her hand. Not blither is the mountain roe: With many a wanton stroke Her feet disperse the powdery snow, That rises up like smoke. The storm came on before its time: She wandered up and down; And many a hill did Lucy climb: But never reached the town. The wretched parents all that night Went shouting far and wide; But there was neither sound nor sight To serve them for a guide. At day-break on a hill they stood That overlooked the moor; And thence they saw the bridge of wood, A furlong from their door. They wept–and, turning homeward, cried, “In heaven we all shall meet;” –When in the snow the mother spied The print of Lucy’s feet. Then downwards from the steep hill’s edge They tracked the footmarks small; And through the broken hawthorn hedge, And by the long stone-wall; And then an open field they crossed: The marks were still the same; They tracked them on, nor ever lost; And to the bridge they came. They followed from the snowy bank Those footmarks, one by one, Into the middle of the plank; And further there were none! –Yet some maintain that to this day She is a living child; That you may see sweet Lucy Gray Upon the lonesome wild. O’er rough and smooth she trips along, And never looks behind; And sings a solitary song That whistles in the wind. Portrayal: The poem “Lucy Gray” tells the haunting tale of a young girl lost in a snowstorm while wandering on the moors. Despite efforts to find her, she disappears without a trace, leaving behind a sense of mystery and unhappiness. |
Moral of the Poem Lucky Gray
The poem ¨Lucy Gray¨ serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of venturing alone into the wilderness and the harsh realities of nature’s unpredictability. It underscores the importance of caution and vigilance in unfamiliar environments.
Conclusion
Well-crafted English poems for kids effectively convey moral lessons and leave a lasting mark on their impressionable minds. By constructing entertainment with ethical guidance, these poems help peers encourage a love for poetry by cultivating qualities. These values further contribute to their comprehensive development as responsible individuals.
Also Read: Creative Holiday Homework for Nursery Class: Top 11 Ideas and Themes
FAQs
Q.1. What is a short simple poem in English?
Ans: A short poem is a composition that expresses an idea, emotion, or observation in a compact form using a small number of lines or verses.
Q.2. What is a short poem with 5 lines?
Ans: Here is a sample of short poem with 5 lines:
The sun rises bright,
Casting golden light.
Birds sing their glee,
Under the old tree,
Nature’s sweet melody.
Q.3. Are short poems good?
Ans: Short poems can be very good. They capture emotions and ideas concisely, making a powerful impact on the reader with few words.
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