When you've read the same bedtime book every night for the last 3 weeks, you might start to become desperate for other alternatives. Why not mix things up a bit with poems? The great thing about poems is that their lyrical rhythm can be calming when your rowdy toddler would rather hang upside down from their crib or chase the dog around the house instead of going to bad.
We've had a beautiful book of bedtime poems since H was a toddler, that has been enjoyed over and over again by kids and parents alike. It’s called Switching on the Moon: A Very First Book of Bedtime Poems
If you don't have this book, don't sweat it, because many great poems are in the public domain. I've rounded some up for you today so that you can abandon your boring bedtime book right now. I've used affiliate links to share some poetry books with you. You can read more about them in my policies.
Related: The Complete Charlotte Mason Preschool Guide
10 Sweet Bedtime Poems
Sweet and Low by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
The Moon Was But a Chin of Gold by Emily Dickinson
Escape at Bedtime by Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson is just a master of preserving the wonder of childhood! We recently read through his book, A Children's Garden of Verses, and Mr. E, (5) couldn't get enough of it!
The Children’s Hour by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This poem evokes such sweet memories for me! I love how Rooted Childhood has a new resource based on the concept of The Children's Hour- getting families together for special bonding time in the afternoon. So sweet!
The work of William Blake is delightful to read with young children!
This has the sweetest thoughts of God. I especially love the last stanza.
The Dream Keeper by Langston Hughes
The Harvest Moon by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I've put all of these sweet poems together in a PDF just for you, and I've added two more. You can snag the PDF here instantly!
Aw, the lamb poem is so sweet! Love it!
I do too! I think it’s such a sweet thought to leave a little one with for the night!