POETRY LESSON
Mother Earth's Children

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Mother Earth's Children Book 2
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 320

Poem Summary
This book is the second in a collection of poems about Mother Earth’s children. It features such adorable characters as Olive, Wheat, and Cucumber. The illustrations add life to the verses. Approximate book level: T.

Introduce the Poem
Show children the cover of the book. Quickly flip through the pages to show each illustration. Explain to children that you are going to read some poems. Ask what they think the poems might be about from looking at the illustrations.

Elicit Prior Knowledge
Ask children about some of their favorite poems. Ask if they know what a rhyme is. Have a discussion about rhyme and poetry. Use nursery rhymes and Dr. Seuss books as references. Explain that even song lyrics are a kind of poetry, and that rhythm often plays a large role in poetry.

Next, add to your discussion about fruits and vegetables from the first Mother Earth’s Children book. You can bring in a platter of the fruits and vegetables featured in this book for children to sample.

Before Reading
Invite children to ask questions as you read, especially if there is something they do not understand. Tell them to listen to the rhythm of the poems. Have them try to tap to the "beat" as you read aloud.

During the Reading
Be sure to read with expression. Pause occasionally and ask questions of children. Use think-aloud strategies and react to parts of the poems by asking questions or showing emotional responses such as laughter. Exaggerate the rhyming words in the poems.

After the Reading
Reader Response
Ask children what they thought of the poems. Ask them to describe their favorite fruit or vegetable.
Ask a volunteer to summarize what the poems were about.

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow children to demonstrate their understanding of the poems.
What were the poems about?
Why does Mrs. Wheat work so hard?