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My First Poem 2026 | Poetry Contest | Ideal for Pre-K & Kindergarten
A brand new contest to introduce poetry to your students!
My First Poem is a fun way to introduce younger students to rhyme. The specially designed template will help them to create their very own poem, filled with their favorite things and dedicated to their special person.
It celebrates their uniqueness and captures their personality at this age, resulting in a wonderful keepsake, as their poems could be published in a real book!
Taking part in My First Poem also encourages language development, which is vital for future reading and writing skills.
There is a $500 Amazon gift card to be won - tell us why your school deserves to win, and what you would spend the money on to help with their learning, play, and development in your class. You can do this on the teacher entry form, or include a note with your entries.
You will also receive a free copy of the book the children feature in, so everyone can see their poems and feel a sense of pride and confidence. Download the entry form and get started today!
Closing Date: Friday Feb 27, 2026
We've worked with over 20,000 schools. Here's what some of them have to say...
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This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
Thank you so much for another opportunity! The class really enjoyed this.
Justina Denapoli, Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy, NYSee more...
The students enjoyed the freedom of this project (Peculiar Pets). It got them excited to write.
Amanda Peterson, Christ The King School, NYSee more...
Peculiar Pets was a great activity!
Anne Piccoli, Immaculate Heart Of Mary School, NYSee more...
Thank you for the intriguing prompts and engaging activities! I look forward to these contests each year.
Mike Carter, Millis Middle/High School, MASee more...
My students absolutely loved the challenge of writing mini sagas!
Darla Bubar, Edward Town Middle School, NYSee more...
The story starters are so fun!
Nichole Charbonneau, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, MASee more...
My students look forward to this contest every year, and so do I!
Rachel Barnes, Monomay Regional High School, MASee more...
This was such a fun way to have my students engaged with their writing!
Christina Guertin, Midland Street School, NYSee more...
This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
Closing Date: Friday Feb 27, 2026
Only one entry per student, there is no limit to the number of entries per class.
Please submit your entries all together where possible!
Poems can be on the entry form, a letter-sized sheet of paper, or the editable PDF.
Poems must be each child's own work/words.
Ensure that all children's names, ages, teacher name and school are included on the entry form. (Entries can be submitted with first names only or initials if needed.)
Templates can be scribed/typed by an adult.
Entries can only be accepted if written in English
Open to children in a US Pre-K or kindergarten class.
Free to enter.
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
For Schools
1st Prize - $500 Amazon gift card
For a chance to win the $500 Amazon gift card for your school, simply let us know why your class deserves to win, and how you would spend the money! Will you spruce up your outdoor areas, improve your reading library, or refresh your toys and resources? Write a note to let us know and include it with your entries to be considered for the prize.
For Students
All children whose poems we'd love to publish will receive a certificate of merit, and all entrants receive a bookmark.
Enter Online
Email
Email your entries to [email protected]
and please ensure your students' names and ages are on their work, and that you include your name, school name and school address in your email. Thank you!
Please ensure your name, email and school name and address are included with your entries if you send entries digitally via a non-Young Writers service.
Send by Mail
Send your entries, along with your school entry form, to:
Young Writers My First Poem 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960
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