Choose a poetry anthology that contains clear and colorful illustrations, and which appeals to young children, such as Richard Scarry's "Best Mother Goose Ever," or "Read-Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young" by Jack Prelutsky.
Gather children together onto the carpet area and ensure that they are comfortable, quiet and attentive.
Show the front cover of your chosen poetry anthology to the children. Point to the words as you read the title to them and tell them the author's name.
Tell children that you are going to read a poem to them. Ask them to listen carefully and to picture what is happening in their minds to help them understand the poem's meanings.
Select a poem that you find appealing and read it to the children by using a lively tone and clear enunciation. Emphasize rhythmic phrases as you read and use expression in your voice to maintain children's attention and to support comprehension skills.
Ask children to tell you what they think the poem is about. Encourage and praise their efforts.
Tell children that you are going to read the poem to them again, but this time they can look at the illustrations as they listen. Hold the book up to let children see the illustrations as you re-read the poem.
Tell children that you are going to read the poem to them one more time and that you would like them to help you find special words that are called rhyming words. For example, say "Higgledy piggledy pop, the dog has eaten the..." and pause to let children join in by saying the word "mop." Praise children for helping you to find the words "pop" and "mop," and explain that these are rhyming words.