Why teachers should write poetry for children?

The evolution and popularity of 'rap' music forced many people to re-examine their attitudes towards poetry. For some reason, the word 'poet' possessed an esoteric, almost mystical quality. People mistakenly assumed that poets were removed from mainstream society by vision, craft, and life experiences. Regardless of who they are or what they do for a living, poets are people who choose to reflect on and communicate their sense of themselves and the human experiences through poetry. Obviously, they need to observe that experience close at hand.
In the case of children's poetry, the link between poet and audience is even more immediate and interdependent. A poet writing for children attempts to share an understanding of and perspective on experience as gained through the sensibilities of a child. No one can write for children with that kind of sensibility without direct exposure to children. Poets draw on their own chilhood memories, certainly, but those memories have to be discovered , re-examined, clarified and distilled through observation of real children.
Many teachers have never tried to write poetry because they think that they arem't qualified. Poetry is for everyone and anyone can write poetry. If teachers don't write for children, then who should? Who knows more about their mode of language, the way they perceive the world, and the things that are important to them? Rather than special knowledge of vocabulary, a person writing for children needs an understanding of children and the will to communicate with them. With honesty, patience, some craft and a little time, any teacher can write poetry that will touch, charm and entertain children.
The most compelling reason for teachers to write poetry for their students is also the most selfish. Writing poetry for children is fun. Teachers get to discover and enjoy the world through a child's wondering sight. Thet get to think and act like a child all over again. Besides, teachers will never have a more generous, responsive and appreciative audience than the children in their own classroom. The first time they craft a poem, present it to their children, and witness as the word thrill and move them, they will be hooked for life. Why should teachers write poetry for children? Quite simply, there's too much joy in the experience not to.