Poetry for Children 5903-23
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Poetry Break 1

A classic Poem    ( by a dead poet)

kil.jpg
available from www.risingdove.com/ Kilmer/Trees.asp. Accessed June 7, 2005

TREES

by Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918)

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the Earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray.

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree

Favorite Poems, Old and New, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc 1957

Introduction-

I remember this poem from my elementary school days. I love the outdoors. I would climb up a tree and recite this poem to the tree. Climbing trees was one of my favorite pastimes and living in Washington State there was never a shortage of trees to climb. I guess spending the first eight years of your life with brothers will turn any girl into a tomboy. Even today I love that poem and can still recite it from memory.

 

Extension

Since both Poetry month and Earth day are celebrated in April have students work in groups, let them find poems about the earth, trees or anything related to saving the earth. Ask them to find poems representing the different types of poetry (offer extra credit). Illustrate the poem and each group can present it to the class. Grades 3-5.

For the younger children in grades prek-2 ,I would ask the children  what they think the poem is about.I would read it at least twice and have them draw pictures about saving the earth,or just what they think the poem means. Post the poems in a book for them to keep. 

Poetry Break 2

tree.jpg
Available from www.7volts.com/trees.JPG. Accessed June 6