Guess the Poet Quiz for World Poetry Day (Aged Care Friendly Activity)

A Simple Poetry Activity for Seniors in Aged Care

World Poetry Day is a wonderful opportunity to bring gentle conversation, shared memories, and meaningful group engagement into aged care settings. Poetry activities for seniors are especially effective because they encourage listening, discussion, and participation at every cognitive level. This Guess the Poet quiz has been created specifically for aged care residents, with layered clues, familiar poets, and a calm group-based format that works well in residential aged care, memory support, and lifestyle programs. It’s an easy-to-run activity that helps fill activity calendars while supporting social connection and enjoyment through words many residents recognize from earlier life.

🖨 Printable A4 PDF:
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Staff can read aloud to the group

Today we’re celebrating World Poetry Day. Poetry has been part of many of our lives — from school days, to favourite songs, to verses we may remember hearing or reading years ago. This activity is called ‘Guess the Poet’. I’ll read out a few clues, and we’ll see if any names come to mind. There’s no rush and no wrong answers — it’s just a chance to listen, share thoughts, and enjoy words together.

🧠 Activity Tip for Seniors

If no one guesses after Clue 3, you can:

• Give the first letter of the poet’s name
• Say whether they are English or American
• Encourage group guessing: “Shall we say it together?”

✍ Poet 1