Combining poetry and play is a great way to strengthen language and literacy skills in a melodic and lyrical way.
One of my favorite poems is Robert Louis Stevenson's classic "The Swing."
When my own children were young, we would say it together as I pushed them on a swing. Now, I teach my First Grade students the poem as well. Young children love this poem, and easily remember it on their own, especially when riding a swing!
The Swing by Robert Louis Stevenson
How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it's the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!
Up in the air and over the wall
Till I can see so wide.
Rivers and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside
Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!
So, when you are pushing your child on a swing this summer, say the poem together. You will be reinforcing great rhyming and language skills, while building loving memories with your child.