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Covering everything from centipedes to whales, from swinging on swings to ice-skating in winter, from eating applesauce to celebrating birthdays, the delightful poems in this extensive collection convey the experiences of childhood with a fresh timelessness.
Discussion Questions:
Which animal was your favorite? How do the elements of poetry make this your favorite?
Activity:
After reading the book, split the children up into groups at the beginning of the week. Let them choose their favorite poem. On Friday, let the children recite/sing their favorite poem in front of the class. This activity will help the students learn how to work as a group.
This book of poetry is one that young students will love! This book is about the old lady who swallowed a fly, a spider, a bird, and so many other strange things. Paired with the hilarious illustrations, students will have fun anticipating what the old lady will eat next!
This book is a 1998 Caldecott Medal Honor book.
Discussion Questions: What rhyming patterns did you notice in the book? Why do you think the old lady kept trying to swallow different animals?
Activity: Dramatize the story! Allow the students to make the animals in the book into masks or posters and act out the story! This is a fun way to get the students active in the classroom and a fun way to channel their energy into something productive!
3. (Elementary)
Skeleten Bones and Goblin Gorans
This book is a collection of spooky poems for young students.
Discussion Questions: Which was the scariest poem? Which one was your favorite poem?
Activity: The students would each pick a poem and illustrate it on a piece of paper to share with the class.
This anthology includes notable poets such as Emily Dickinson and Jack Prelutsky.
These poems can create memorable read-aloud experiences for both the teacher and young
readers. A couple of short poems are in two different languages. Some of my favorites are David McCord's "Books Fall Open" and Dr. Seuss's "Too Many Daves."
Discussion Questions: (Read the poem aloud to students. Then show them the illustrations and reread it if requested.) How did the illustrations reinforce or change how you imagined the poem?
What repeating themes did you notice within the collection?
Activity: Poetry often refers to other pieces of literature. Have students practice by composing (with pencil and paper) and reciting their poems that refer to one of the poems (of their choice) in this collection.
Revolting Rhymes twists classic fairy tales and alters their storylines in funny, unexpected ways. Dahl's rhymes create whimsical new versions of these tales, which will not only surprise your young listeners but also thrill them. Because this book is made up of revamped classic fairy tales, you can discuss the differences between the stories and what the students like about each version.
Discussion questions:
If you could change the ending of any fairy tale, which would you pick and what would you change? Why do you think that imagination is important?
Activity:
Once you have read a few of Dahl's poems, ask your students to write or draw their version of a classic fairy tale. Once the students are done creating their pictures or stories, hang them up on a bulletin board to share with the rest of the class.
Awards: Newberry Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor
Introduction: This book is sensitive to at least some of the modern teenagers (especially athletes). It sends the message that needs to reach any individual: You are not alone. A young athlete shares his thoughts in the form of a journal, mentioning some of the mundane and some of the complicated.
Discussion Questions: In what other ways besides word choice does Kwame Alexander create an appreciation for his poetry?
How do Josh Bell's parents contribute to the story? How does JB contribute? How do the coaches and other characters in the periphery contribute to the story?
How do the 10 Basketball "Rules" and the definitions of certain words (which are their own entries) contribute to the novel as a whole?
Online Activity (Fictionalized Biography): Many authors write historical fiction journals. They consider what they have learned about a specific historical character and write a "could-have-been" diary in first person about the character; although, there is often no evidence that the notable wrote those specific words.
Go to YouTube to see what information you can find (e.g., interviews, documentaries, etc.) about a real professional athlete who is still alive and in action. You may use another database to extract research information, but confirm with your instructor that he/she has access to the information. In any case, cite all the resources you find.
When you feel you have enough learned enough about the athlete, write a few poetic journal entries in first person- from the perspective of your chosen character. The fictional character's life is to have evident inspiration from the real athlete's life. You may have your character portray anger or frustration, but do not employ inappropriate or profane language.
Introduction: This book is so easy for middle school students to relate themselves. It contains poems about different identities a student and thing that she faced in middle school. It talks about sports, different styles of dress, not loving your name and so many other things that students face. The main character is an African American girl who struggles with finding her identity. This book can be used to show how no matter what you act like, how you dress, or what activities you do, you are unique and are important!
Discussion Questions: What sort of things did the main character face during school? How can you help someone that you know is facing some of the things that the main character faced?
Classroom Activity: This is a book that is good to keep on the shelf in your classroom. If a student is struggling with identity issues, you could give them this book to read so they could connect with the character. The teacher could check up on them while they are reading the book or give them questions to look over while reading. If multiple students are struggling with this, it would be a good book to break out for discussion during class.
Discussion Questions: How does Casting Crown's adaption of the poem into song bring even deeper appreciation to this poem? Possible discussion topics are the choice of children and their attire for the choir and the notes of the music.
How do the words to the original poem reveal the father's love?
9. (High School)
Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
Author: Edgar Allen Poe
Introduction: Edgar Allen Poe is credited with perfecting the tale of psychological horror. This book serves as a prime collection of such tales and poems.
Discussion Questions: What do all the poems have in common with each other? What is the underlying theme found throughout the book?
Activity: The students would each pick one tale or poem and recreate it into their own version. They would then share these with the whole class.
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