Poetry Break #1: A Classic Poem
Introduction: Place an oscillating fan on the children and ask them
to shut their eyes while reading the following poem aloud.
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 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!
From Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses,
illus. by Donna Green, Smithmark (1992)
Extension: Ask the children if the poem and the wind on their faces
made them feel like they were actually swinging in a swing as the poem
was being read.
Poetry Break # 2: Text From a Picture Book
Introduction: Ask the children to think about what it might feel like
to touch the animals mentioned as the poem is being read.
Clifford's Furry Friends
By Norman Bridwell
Wake up, Clifford! It's a brand new day.
Your friends are here, so come and play.
Spotted cows graze on a grassy hill.
Who will bring them clover? Clifford will.
Bunny looks for food to eat.
Clifford gives his friend a treat.
Furry little kitten is taking a nap.
Clifford will wake her with a yap, yap, yap!
Downy yellow ducklings swim slowly by.
Clifford decides to give swimming a try!
The woolly lamb is in the pen.
Clifford runs to play again.
Clifford sees the pony, and off they run!
They go very fast. Isn't this fun?
from Norman Bridwell's Clifford's Furry Friends,
Scholastic (1996)
Extension: Have a variety of textures [wool, fur-like materials, feathers, etc.]
for the children to feel after reading the poem.
Poetry Break #3: Lyrics to a Popular Song
Introduction: This song made me cry the first time I heard Josh Groban sing it.
Some may think it�s referring to the help of a lover or friend in one�s time of need,
others see God as that help.
You Raise Me Up
By Brendan Graham & Rolf Lovland
When I am down and, oh my soul so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit a while with me
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up...to more than I can be
From Josh Groban's CD, Closer, Reprise Records (2003)
Extension: Ask the children what ways they could be a friend when
someone is sad or needs help.
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