Poetry can be an indispensable tool in your Montessori teaching tool box. I have found that Montessori students of all ages can enjoy poetry. It is not as intimidating as other forms of creative writing such as short stories and plays. Poetry can be used as a way to fill an unexpected block of time, a transition activity, an activity to get the day started, or a way to culminate a thematic study.
Once you have introduced a style of poetry (ex. haiku, acrostic, or cinquain), you simply need to write a reminder of the format (or hang a poster) where all students can see and they are off and running. It quickly becomes an independent activity.
Writing poems as a group can also be fun. In addition to creative writing skills, the process can help develop