Preschool Poetry Rubric This rubric is designed to assess preschoolers’ engagement with poetry; focusing on creativity; expression; and foundational literacy skills. It provides educators with a structured yet flexible tool to evaluate children’s poetic explorations while encouraging their love for language and self-expression. The rubric emphasizes developmental appropriateness; recognizing that young learners are at the beginning stages of verbal and artistic communication. The first criterion evaluates participation and enthusiasm; measuring how actively the child engages with poetry activities; such as listening; reciting; or creating simple verses. This fosters a positive attitude toward language and builds confidence in verbal expression. The second criterion assesses creativity and imagination; observing how the child uses words; sounds; or movements to convey ideas or emotions. This supports cognitive development and encourages original thinking. The third criterion focuses on language and vocabulary; noting the child’s ability to experiment with new words; rhymes; or rhythmic patterns. Exposure to poetry enhances phonological awareness; a key precursor to reading readiness. The fourth criterion examines emotional and social engagement; evaluating how the child connects with the themes of poems or collaborates with peers during group activities. Poetry helps children articulate feelings and develop empathy. Finally; the rubric includes space for teacher observations; allowing educators to document individual progress and tailor future instruction. By using this rubric; teachers can celebrate each child’s unique contributions while guiding them toward deeper language appreciation. The holistic approach ensures that poetry remains a joyful and meaningful part of early childhood education.
