The following protocol is for use in an instructional setting. This isn't necessarily how you would need to share poetry with children. Sometimes just reading and enjoying the poem is completely fine and often preferred.
Read the poem aloud. Ask students to listen and visualize. Discuss: What did you notice? What does this poem make you think of? What does it make you wonder? What words or phrases did you like? What images stuck with you? Why do you think the author wrote this poem? What poetry should I use? Kids absolutely love Shel Silverstein's poetry. When we think of his poems, we tend to think of the silliness. But many of his poems are so thoughtful and thought provoking. Also, some are very short. The following are a few of his poems that would be incredible to discuss with students. INVITATION (Where the Sidewalk Ends) If you are a dreamer, come in, If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar, A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer… If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire For we have some flax-golden tales to spin. Come in! Come in! HOW MANY, HOW MUCH (A Light in the Attic) How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ‘em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ‘em. LISTEN TO THE MUSTN’TS (Where the Sidewalk Ends) Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child, Listen to the DON’TS Listen to the SHOULDN’TS The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS Listen to the NEVER HAVES Then lost close to me-- Anything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be. MASKS (Every Thing On It) She had blue skin. And so did he. He kept it hid And so did she. They searched for blue Their whole life through, Then passed right by-- And never knew. UNDERFACE (Every Thing On It) Underneath my outside face There’s a face that none can see. A little less smiley, A little less sure, But a whole lot more like me. HUG O’WAR (Where the Sidewalk Ends) I will not play tug o’ war. I’d rather play hug o’ war, Where everyone hugs Instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles And rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, And everyone grins, And everyone cuddles, And everyone wins. COLORS (Where the Sidewalk Ends) My skin is kind of sort of brownish Pinkish yellowish white. My eyes are grayish blueish green, But I’m told they look orange in the night. My hair is reddish blondish brown, But it’s silver when it’s wet. And all the colors I am inside Have not been invented yet. YEARS FROM NOW (Every Thing On It) Although I cannot see your face As you flip these poems awhile, Somewhere from some far-off place I hear you laughing—and I smile. Check out his website: http://www.shelsilverstein.com/ Happy Poetry Month!
4 Comments
Debbie Best
4/8/2015 01:08:36 pm
Mira, I especially enjoyed this week's topic! Since I'm a huge fan of Shel Silverstein and love writing poetry, this was right up my alley! When I was younger I couldn't wait to read anything by Shel or the incredible Dr. Seuss. There's nothing like magical and whimsical words that are a great delight to read and to imagine... Thank you for this post! :)
Reply
Mira Reisberg
4/21/2015 01:01:14 pm
Just a heads up that this post was written by the awesome Mandy Yates!
Reply
Mandy
4/20/2015 09:02:46 am
Thanks Debbie! I totally agree. Shel has always been a favorite of mine as a kid and now as a teacher too. They are so engaging but also so deep! Thanks for stopping by!
Reply
9/8/2023 09:26:45 pm
Thank you for this information it is very helpful for me thank you for it nice.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our awesome bloggers!!
Here's our lineup: 1st Mondays begin with awesome Aussie debut author and former student Amanda Lieber who will be focusing on Aussie kidlit. 2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books. 3rd Mondays will feature STEM, STEAM & SEL obsessed author Kourtney LaFavre sharing delightfully dorky, quirky, and fun info. 4th Mondays will be a mystery for right now. And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break Archives
September 2023
|