POETRY LESSON
Summer's a Bummer

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Summer's a Bummer
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 198

Poem Summary
The narrator of this delightful poem thinks that his summer is destined to be the bore of all time. His friends are gone and the pool is closed. But the house next door, which has been for sale forever, has a big moving van out front. Could the new neighbors provide relief from his terrible boredom? Approximate book level: R.

Build Background
Ask students if they have ever been bored over their summer vacations. Were there times when their friends weren't around? How did they alleviate their boredom? What did they find to do?

Discuss poetry's rhymes and rhythms. Read the title and ask students to come up with a word that rhymes with summer. Use other familiar rhymes as references. Also explain that poetry follows a rhythm or "beat" with the syllables.

Preview the Poem
Show students the cover of the book and read the title. Ask students why they think summer might be a bummer. Open the book to the title page. What do they see in the illustrations? Does it look like the boy is having fun?

During the Reading
Allow students to stop and ask questions during reading, especially if there is something they do not understand. Emphasize the rhythm and rhyme as you read. Have students try to tap to the beat of the poem.

If reading aloud, be sure to read with expression. Emphasize the rhyming words. Use think-aloud strategies and react to parts of the book with facial expressions and gestures.

After the Reading
Reader Response
Ask students what they thought of the poem. Have volunteers summarize the poem or name their favorite part.

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the poem.

• Where were the boy's friends?
• What about the pool?
• How was his summer saved