Reverso poems are fun to read and delightful to write. Such a fun poetry activity for kids!
What Is a Reverso Poem?
Reverso poems are poems that can be read forwards or backwards. The meaning of the poem can change, but it needs to make sense whichever direction you read.
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Reverso Poetry for Kids
My ten-year-old daughter Emma LOVES poetry, so I was intrigued when a copy of Echo Echo arrived at our door earlier this month. This picture book is featuring reverso poems about Greek myths. We haven’t read any Greek myths yet, and Emma hasn’t studied them in school either, so this her first introduction to these stories, as well as this form of poetry. She was hooked! She wrote this Reverso Poem:
| Reflect | Reflect |
| Reflecting beaming back at me myself a rough image of as I think what happened that day Reflecting myself and that day as I stare at the reflecting, deep clear blue waters rippling through the forest, a clear blue ribbon waving and rippling all through the forest. | the forest. all through and rippling waving a clear blue ribbon the forest, rippling through clear blue waters at the reflecting, deep as I stare and that day Reflecting myself what happened that day as I think a rough image of myself back at me beaming Reflecting |
I find this type of poetry challenging to write – Emma gets her poetry skill from my father, not from me. I do love seeing how the meaning of the poem changes as your read it starting at the end.
Author Marilyn Singer is quite the reverso poem expert – this is the third reverso poetry picture book she has written. Be sure to check out her first two as well! Both Mirror Mirror and Follow Follow are based on fairytales, making them more accessible to younger children.
More Poetry Fun for Kids
Here are some more fun poetry activities for your kids!
- Poetry Name Poems (Acrostic Poems) – this is one of the most accessible forms of poetry!
- Easy Poetry for Kids: Spine Poems – another very accessible form of poetry!
- 6 Poetry Types Your Child Should Master
- How to Memorize Poetry with Kids
- Paint Chip Poetry
- Free Autobiography Poem Printable
- Autumn Poetry Printables
- Solar System Poetry
- 5 Week Poetry Reading Challenge
- Writing Limericks
- Motivate Your Child to Write Poetry
- Poetry for Kids Who Don’t Like Poetry
- 8 Ways to Use Poetry to Calm Your Kids and Bring Joy to Your Daily Life
Do you have a favorite poetry activity or poetry book that we should check out?
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MaryAnne lives in Silicon Valley with her Stanford professor husband Mike and their four children. She writes about parenting through education, creativity, and play. Mama Smiles - Joyful Parenting is a space to share crafts, hands on learning activities, and family outings that enrich lives and bring families together.
Natalie PlanetSmartyPants says
Emma did well! I am very intrigued by this style. Thank you for linking to our poetry posts – you do know then our favorite poetry books, but if I were to recommend one, it would be Bill Martin Big Book of Poetry.
MaryAnne says
That is one of my favorites as well!
Elisa | blissful E says
Emma wrote a great poem!!! What a neat form.
Ticia says
She’s really got a good ear for poetry, I on the other hand have no ability to write it and sometimes don’t “hear” it well.
My daughter would love this. She’s a big poetry fan.
Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories says
I find the idea of reverso poems intriguing. I love Emma’s poem!
Caitlin says
Interesting idea and the book looks beautiful.
Adrien Beatty says
I made an error on my last entry I am following on twitter as @mzmyrtlezplace. I would love to win this book because my niece is an avid reader and would love this.
pragmaticmom says
Emma is so talented!! Her poem is wonderful!
Karen Amador says
My students love Mirror, Mirror and lots are interested in Greek myths. I think they’ll love the new book!
Deb Nance says
I’m dying to read this one now!
Sunnie says
I think it would be great for homeschooling.
Kelly McGrew says
i would like to win for my nephew!
Lana Simanovicki says
This is neat I like it.it’s different
Cami Valenzuela says
Wonderful poem she wrote. I would love to win for my son. I’d love to help with poems writing
Michelle P says
I love poetry and I think my little bookworm would love this book!
Susan D Genna says
I would like to introduce my daughter into the power of poetry. I think this would be a perfect introduction!
Julie Waldron says
The pictures look beautiful! It would be a fun book to read aloud to my girls.
Brenda G. says
A great book of poem can melt the stresses away and stimulate creativity. Besides staying on the computer all day is no fun.
Elicia P says
I am introducing poems to my son. He is really into how words flow right now. The plus side. He really likes Greek myths!
beth says
I’d like to win this because I think that my niece would love it.
Emi says
I would like to win this because I think my daughter would really enjoy it.