This poem by Shel Silverstein is my all-time favourite winter poem to use in my classroom.
We start every week with a new poem. I write it up on chart paper and it stays in the carpet area so that it’s always visible. Each morning my special helper points to the words while the class choral reads it several times. Sometimes we clap along, sometimes boys/girls alternate lines, sometimes we make up actions.
By the end of the week, even my struggling readers can read the poem well.
On Friday I give everyone a copy for their poetry duotangs. They colour the picture and add their own illustrations. We underline wall words and often make a list of rhyming words on the back of the page.
Then the kids break into groups (their choice), choose a poem from our collection, and practice reading it together.
After about 10 minutes of rehearsal we have Poetry Theatre where every group takes a turn presenting. Most of the groups just read their poems, but occasionally a group will add actions or a little dance.
The kids LOVE it and so do I!
DOWNLOAD: SNOWBALL BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN
I have lots more poems here!
What a fun way to use poems!TaraThe Math Maniac
Thanks, Tara. The kids really enjoy it.
My poetry week looks pretty similar to yours. This poem is up on my wall to use next week in fact. :)❀ TammyForever in First
Great minds :)) It's a really great way to sneak in lots of fun extra reading, isn't it?
I love that poem and the group work you do with poetry. So fun! I need to spice up my poetry activities. Group reads… such a great idea!
Love that poem! What a great way to start the week, thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the fun poem, Barbara! I can use that for fluency and for some critical thinking about where the snowball went. :)LoriConversations in Literacy
Love the idea of poetry theater! Tucking the idea away for the future. ;-)Crystal
I've seen that poem before but never knew it was one of his! You learn something new every day! He's one of my favorite authors to use with the kiddos! Thank you for sharing!NotJustChild'sPlay
Thanks for sharing – my family laugh when I read the poem to them – hope my kids do too! Sara