List Poems for KS2: Easy Starters for Reluctant Writers ✍️
Why Teach List Poems in KS2? 🤔
Sometimes the simplest structures are the most effective. List poems KS2 are short, clear and flexible, making them an ideal starting point for children who might be reluctant to write.
With no strict rhyme scheme or complex structure, list poems allow pupils to:
Write quickly and confidently.
Build vocabulary through themed lists.
Play with repetition, rhythm and humour.
See themselves succeed at poetry straight away.
👉 For more reluctant writer strategies, see How to Teach Poetry Writing to Reluctant KS2 Writers.
🎯 Learning Outcomes
By creating list poems, pupils will:
✍️ Write structured poems using repetition and rhythm.
🗣️ Perform poems aloud with confidence.
💡 Generate ideas quickly using a simple frame.
🎭 Explore creativity through humour and imagery.
📖 Read and appreciate classic and modern list poems.
What Is a List Poem? 📋
A list poem is a poem built around — you guessed it — a list! Each line begins with a repeated phrase or idea, building rhythm and impact.
Here are three examples you can share in class:
Example 1: Things That Make Me Smile 😀
A biscuit with tea
A dog wagging its tail
Finding £1 in my pocket
Friday afternoons
Example 2: The Worst Packed Lunch Ever 🤢
A sandwich filled with slime
A yoghurt that smells of socks
Crisps crawling with beetles
A jelly made of mud
Example 3: I Wish… ✨
I wish I had a dragon for a pet
I wish my homework was chocolate cake
I wish I could fly to school each day
I wish teachers gave lessons in space
👉 For another simple form, see Limericks for KS2.
How to Write a List Poem in KS2 ✍️
Choose a Theme
Everyday life works best: Things I Love, Sounds of the Playground, The Worst Monster Ever.Brainstorm Ideas
Write 10–15 quick items on the board. Encourage humour and exaggeration.Decide on a Repeated Frame
Start each line with the same phrase: I love…, I hate…, I wish…, On my plate….Play with Order
Arrange the list so the funniest, strangest or most surprising item comes last.
Fun Classroom List Poem Activities 🌟
1. “The Worst…” Poems 🤢
The Worst Day at School
The Worst Packed Lunch
The Worst Monster Ever
Children love inventing disgusting or silly lists.
2. Soundscape Poems 🎶
Create a list poem of sounds around school:
Chairs scraping
Laughter in the corridor
Pencils snapping
👉 See also KS2 Calligrams for combining words and sounds visually.
3. Wish Lists ✨
Use a repeated frame: I wish…
I wish I had a dragon for a pet.
I wish teachers gave homework in chocolate.
👉 Perfect for linking with Growth Mindset Poetry Activities.
4. “Shopping List” Poems 🛒
Turn everyday objects into a silly poem:
A bag of giggles
A loaf of laughter
A tin of teachers
Great for pairing with art: pupils illustrate each “item”.
5. Performance Challenge 🎤
Perform list poems with rhythm and actions:
Group chanting (I wish… I wish…)
Echo lines (teacher reads, class repeats)
Build into a choral performance poem
👉 See Performance Poetry for KS2 for tips.
Cross-Curricular Links 🌍
PSHE: Things That Make Me Happy — wellbeing activity.
Science: Sounds of Nature, Things You Find in Space.
History: Things a Roman Soldier Carries.
Geography: Items in a Survival Kit for the Rainforest.
👉 More inspiration in Using Poetry Across the Curriculum.
Why Teachers Love List Poems 📌
✅ Simple, structured, and accessible for all pupils.
✅ Quick to write and easy to share.
✅ Great confidence-builder for reluctant writers.
✅ Adaptable across subjects and topics.
👉 For more quick wins, try Fun Writing Warm-Ups for KS2.
Book a Poetry Day At Your Primary School! 🌟
My poetry days include a wide variety of fun and creative activities — including list poems that get every child writing with confidence.
👉 Find out more: Poets in Schools
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