I’m Much Too Tired to Play Tonight

by Jack Prelutsky

I’m much too tired to play tonight,

I’m much too tired to talk,

I’m much too tired to pet the dog

or take him for a walk,

I’m much too tired to bounce a ball,

I’m much too tired to sing,

I’m much too tired to try to think

about a single thing.

I’m much too tired to laugh tonight,

I’m much too tired to smile,

I’m much too tired to watch TV

or read a little while,

I’m much too tired to drink my milk

or even nod my head,

but I’m not nearly tired enough

to have to go to bed.

Something Big Has Been Here, Greenwillow Books, 1990

Introduction

Many times I feel exactly the way this poems describes. After reading the poem to the students I can see discussions happening.

Extension

Read the poem a couple times to the students. Ask them if they ever feel tired like in  the poem and ask why they are tired.Have each studen pick a line and they write why they were tired, such as why they were to tired to smile or bounce a ball, good activity for 3-5 graders.

Another fun activity would be to  rewrite the poem using opposites. Instead of using tired they can use words like excited, silly, funny and playful.