POETRY LESSON
Flower Children

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Flower Children
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 269

Poem Summary
This book is composed of short poems about personified flowers. They are not only fun to read, but they also show the characteristics of some types of flowers. The rhythmic poetry and the elaborate illustrations make the book enchanting for children. Approximate book level: U.

Introduce the Poem
Show children the cover of the book. Quickly flip through the pages to show each illustration. Explain that you are going to read some poems. Ask children 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, have a discussion about flowers. Ask: Do you ever see flowers growing? Do you see flowers outside, inside, or both? What is your favorite flower?

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 and showing an emotional response 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 poem.

Ask a volunteer to summarize what the poems were about.

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow children to demonstrate their understanding of the poems. Ask: What were the poems about? According to the book, why is Larkspur blue?