THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE SCHOOL Classroom Poems

Selected by: Jack Prelutsky
Illustration by: Jane Manning

Prelutsky, Jack, and Jane Manning. There's no place like school: classroom poems. New York: Greenwillow Books, 2010.

ISBN: 970060823382

Summary:

Jack Prelutsky has once again collected poems that all school age children and adults who remember school can relate to. This collection of poetry is a look into the inter workings of a true day of school.  The poems are clever and witty and will only make you smile and nod your head in agreement. The poets featured are definite up and comers or names you already recognize in the world of poetry so take notice of some of the names (Lee Bennet Hopkins, Kay Winters,Carol Diggory Shields and many more including Jack Prelutsky).

The illustrations by Jane Manning take a life of their own with scenes from school that once again will have you laughing.I especially loved the picture of "When the Teacher Isn't Looking"  by: Kenn Nesbitt. (timeless).

It's Today?

By: Sara Holbrook

Frantic,

panic,

sinking,

sorrow,

The science test

is not

tomorrow.

Poem/Book Introduction

This book could be used in so many ways through out the year in the library. You can practically post up one of the poems every week, so children can enjoy,laugh and smile. It's Today? would be a great starter in a collaboration with a science teacher. I know as a librarian I have helped with many investigations in the science lab unearthing answers and asking new questions. The poem will have students smiling and thinking about those feelings of just finding out about a test will happen as you walk in; this is a great ice-breaker!

The Sun Is So Quiet

By: Nikki Giovanni
Illustrations By: Ashley Bryan

Giovanni, Nikki, and Ashley Bryan. The sun is so quiet . New York: Henry Holt, 1996.
ISBN: 0805041193

Summary:
The Sun is So Quiet is a beautiful collection that helps the reader be reminded that the sun is always there bringing them warmth and giving life and energy to all it touches. The sun is an entity that is always around even though not written in every poem, it is a silent theme. Seasons such as winter and spring are written about and characterized in the colorful illustrations by Ashly Brown (he brings each poem to life). This collection of poetry includes thoughtful memories of life.

Winter

Frogs burrow in the mud
snails bury themselves
and I air my quilts
preparing for the cold

Dogs grow more hair
mothers make oatmeal
and little boys and girls
take Father John's medicine

Bears store fat
chipmunks gather nuts
and I collect books
for the coming winter

Poem Introduction
This poem would be great introduction to the season of winter in all the grades I teach. In K-2 to talk about the season of winter and hibernation  and in 3rd-5th have an open discussion about change in a general sense and what is the author talking about in different part of the poem. I can think of all the ideas that my students have about what Winter and change means to them; this will be a great poem and book to share.

CITY I LOVE

POEMS BY LEE BENNETT HOPKINS
ILLUSTRATED BY MARCELLUS HALL

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. City I Love. Ill by Marcellus Hall. New York: Abrams for Young Readers in Association with the Field Museum, 2009. Print.

 ISBN: 9780810983274

Summary:

City I Love takes the reader of poetry on an exciting journey through cities around the world. Even though not one city is mentioned by name you get an immediate sense that travel has been this author's companion. The landscapes or should I say sky-scape's give you an immediate feeling of city life in different parts of the world. The author of the poems uses his words to help you visualize the picture of the city whether in America or India just close your eyes and listen to the words you are reading. Lee Bennet Hopkins has written poems that take you on an adventure even if you are never able to visit these bustling cities.

Taxi

You stand

 on a corner

yelling

   "Taxi!"

      "Taxi!"

knowing

deep

inside

taxi cabs

never

stop

on

rainy

days.

(what city could you picture?)

Poem Introduction

 This poem will be a great way to show students they can visualize word meaning. That words are written often to depict scenery, emotion and sounds. Wonderful for 4th grade when exploring elaboration in writing, this book will really make students stop and think if they let the words lead.