Yahaaa · Reading
Poems for the classroom
Short poems for reading aloud, noticing rhythm, and talking about meaning. 2,055 on the shelf, each with a discussion question.
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: Hot and Cold
Food, People, and Places: A Wondrous Thing
The poem tells a story of the diversity of the world's people, places, and food, emphasizing the beauty and wonder of it all.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the different types of food that were mentioned in the poem, and which ones do you like the most? 2. What are some of the different types of places that people might like to live in, and what makes each of them special? 3. What are some of the different types of weather that people might prefer, and what activities can you do in each of them? 4. How do people's different preferences for food, places, and weather make the world more interesting and fun to explore? 5. Why is it important to respect and appreciate the differences in other people's preferences for food, places, and weather?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: I Draw a Bunny
The Adventures of Hoppy the Bunny
Hoppy the Bunny goes on an adventure, hopping through different landscapes, making new friends, and overcoming obstacles along the way.
Talk about it 1. What kind of obstacles did Hoppy face during his adventure? 2. How did Hoppy make new friends on his journey? 3. What was your favorite landscape that Hoppy hopped through? 4. What did Hoppy learn during his adventure? 5. If you could go on an adventure with Hoppy, where would you go and what would you do?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: I Love Flowers
Lost and Found: A Journey Home
Lost and Found: A Journey Home" is the heartwarming tale of a lost dog who finds his way back to his beloved family with the help of some kind strangers.
Talk about it 1. How do you think the dog feels when he gets lost? 2. What would you do if you found a lost dog on the street? 3. How do you think the family feels when they realize their dog is missing? 4. What do you think are some important things to do if you lose a pet? 5. How do you think the strangers in the story felt when they were able to reunite the dog with his family? 6. What do you think the dog might have experienced while he was lost? 7. How can we prevent pets from getting lost in the first place? 8. What lessons can we learn from the story about the importance of kindness and helping others? 9. Do you have any pets that you love? How do you take care of them and keep them safe? 10. Have you ever been lost or felt scared and alone like the dog in the story? How did you find your way back home?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: I Save Money
The Magic Paintbrush
A poor boy's life changes when he receives a paintbrush that brings his drawings to life, but he must use it wisely to avoid the consequences of its magic.
Talk about it 1. What did the poor boy receive that changed his life? 2. How did the paintbrush work? 3. What did the boy draw with the paintbrush, and what happened to his drawings? 4. Why did the greedy emperor want the magic paintbrush? 5. What did the boy learn about using the paintbrush wisely? 6. Can you think of a time when you wished you had a magic paintbrush? What would you draw with it? 7. How did the story make you feel? Why?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: I See My Colors
The Colors of Our World
This story is about the colorful beauty of our world and the importance of staying safe during a storm.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the different colors mentioned in the story, and where can we see them in the world around us? 2. Why is it important to stay safe during a storm, and what are some things we can do to stay safe? 3. How do you feel when you see a beautiful sunset or sunrise, and what are some of your favorite colors in the sky? 4. Have you ever seen leaves changing color in the autumn, and what do you think makes them change? 5. What are some ways we can appreciate the beauty of the world around us, while also being mindful of the potential dangers?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: I Set the Table
The Magic Garden Adventure
Two friends discover a magical garden filled with talking animals, hidden treasures, and unexpected challenges, which lead them on an exciting adventure to find the missing key that will save the garden from the hands of an evil sorcerer.
Talk about it 1. What did the friends discover when they entered the garden? 2. How did the animals in the garden help the friends on their adventure? 3. What were some of the challenges the friends faced on their journey to find the key? 4. Why was the key so important for the garden, and how did the friends finally find it? 5. What did the friends learn about themselves and each other during their adventure in the magic garden?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: In and Out
Bringing the Fun In: How the Dog and Cat Helped the Cow Play Outside
Bringing the Fun In" is a heartwarming tale about a dog and a cat who come up with a plan to help a shy cow join in on the fun with the other farm animals.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. Why do you think the cow didn't want to come out and play with the other animals? 2. How did the dog and cat convince the cow to come out and play? 3. What did the dog and cat do to make sure the cow had a good time outside? 4. How do you think the cow felt at the end of the story? Why? 5. Have you ever felt shy or hesitant to join in on a game or activity? What can you do to help yourself feel more comfortable?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: Maria Counts Pumpkins
Pumpkin Patch Magic: The Tale of Seven Pumpkins
In "Pumpkin Patch Magic: The Tale of Seven Pumpkins," seven pumpkins dream of becoming jack-o-lanterns for Halloween and patiently wait to fulfill their purpose.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. How many pumpkins were in the patch and what were their colors? 2. Why were the pumpkins waiting patiently in the patch? 3. What did the pumpkins dream of becoming for Halloween? 4. What special job did the pumpkins have on Halloween night? 5. Can you describe some of the different faces the pumpkins had as jack-o-lanterns? 6. Why do you think it's important to be patient and wait for the right time to do something special? 7. How would you feel if you were one of the pumpkins in the patch, waiting to become a jack-o-lantern?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: Maria Goes to School
The Colorful Adventures of the Creative Siblings
The Colorful Adventures of the Creative Siblings" is a fun-filled tale about two siblings who use their artistic skills and imagination to create a world full of color and wonder.
Talk about it 1. What art supplies did the siblings use to create their drawings? 2. How did the siblings fix their mistakes in their drawings? 3. Why is it important to have a brother or sister to share in the fun? 4. What did the siblings wear to keep themselves warm during lunchtime? 5. How did the siblings feel while they were creating their masterpieces?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: Mom and I
A Journey Through the Animal Kingdom
This story takes the reader on a journey through the diverse and fascinating animal kingdom, highlighting the unique traits and behaviors of animals such as kangaroos, elephants, dolphins, giraffes, apes, and zebras.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What was your favorite animal in the story, and why? 2. What are some of the different ways the animals in the story move around, and what adaptations do they have to help them do so? 3. What are some things that all of the animals in the story have in common, and what are some ways in which they are different from one another? 4. If you could be any animal in the story, which one would you choose, and what would you do? 5. How can we help protect and care for the animals in the story, and why is it important to do so?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: My Body
The Magical Forest Adventure
Two friends embark on a journey through a magical forest filled with unexpected challenges and discover the true meaning of friendship.
Talk about it 1. What were the unexpected challenges that the friends faced during their journey through the magical forest? 2. How did the friends help each other overcome the obstacles in their path? 3. What did the friends learn about themselves and each other during their adventure? 4. How did the magical forest help the friends discover the true meaning of friendship? 5. If you could go on an adventure through a magical forest, who would you want to go with and what challenges do you think you might face?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: My Dog
The Adventures of a Curious Little Puppy
The Adventures of a Curious Little Puppy" is a heartwarming tale of a playful and curious puppy who discovers the joys and wonders of the world around him.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the things the little puppy did throughout the story? 2. How did the puppy feel when he was swimming and running? 3. What do you think the little puppy learned from digging and climbing? 4. How do you think the puppy felt when he was sitting and resting after playing? 5. What was your favorite part of the story and why? 6. What would you do if you had a curious little puppy like the one in the story?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: My Face
The Adventures of a Curious Cat
This is a story about a curious cat named Mittens who embarks on an exciting adventure beyond his backyard and discovers the joys and dangers of exploring the world.
Talk about it 1. What was Mittens like at the beginning of the story, and how did he change by the end? 2. What were some of the things that Mittens discovered on his adventure outside of his backyard? 3. How did Mittens react to the different animals and situations he encountered on his journey? 4. What were some of the dangers that Mittens faced, and how did he overcome them? 5. What lessons did Mittens learn from his adventure, and how can we apply those lessons to our own lives?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: My House
The Magic Key Adventure
Two friends embark on a magical adventure after discovering a mysterious key that unlocks a hidden portal to a fantastic realm.
Talk about it 1. What did the two friends find that led them on their magical adventure? 2. What did they see and experience when they entered the hidden portal? 3. What challenges did they face on their journey? 4. How did the friends work together to overcome those challenges? 5. What was their favorite part of the adventure? 6. If you could have a magical adventure, where would you want to go and what would you do?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: My Room
Room Adventures with a Fishy Friend
This is a heartwarming tale of a child's cozy room and the special friendship between a messy but imaginative child, a curious little fish, and a captivating book.
Talk about it 1. What is the name of the little kid in the story, and what do you think they are like? 2. What is the fish's name, and how do you think it feels about living in the room with the kid? 3. How do you think the kid feels about reading and learning from the book on their desk? 4. What are some of the things that the child could do to keep their room clean and tidy? 5. Do you think that the child and the fish are good friends, and why?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: Pond Animals
Friends at the Pond
Friends at the Pond" is a playful and heartwarming story about the close bond and adventures of a group of animal friends who live near a pond.
Talk about it 1. Who are the main characters in the story? 2. Where do the characters live and play? 3. What are some of the activities the characters do together? 4. How do the characters get along with each other? 5. What is your favorite character in the story and why? 6. How do you think the characters feel about each other? 7. What lesson can we learn from the story about friendship? 8. Can you think of a time when you played with your friends like the characters in the story? 9. How would you feel if you lived near a pond like the characters in the story? 10. What other animals do you think could be friends with the characters in the story?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: Rabbits
Two Fluffy Friends: The Fast Rabbit and the Small Black Bunny
This is a heartwarming tale about a fast, fluffy white rabbit who befriends a small, shy black bunny and together they go on an adventure, discovering that differences in size and color do not matter when it comes to true friendship.
Talk about it 1. Who were the main characters in the story? 2. What made the white rabbit stand out from the other animals in the forest? 3. How did the black bunny feel when the white rabbit invited her to run with him? 4. What did the rabbits come across during their adventure? 5. How did the rabbits' friendship grow throughout the story? 6. Why do you think it's important to be friends with people who are different from us? 7. Have you ever made a new friend who was different from you? What did you learn from that experience? 8. What do you think are some important qualities to have in a friend? 9. How did the story make you feel? Why? 10. What do you think might happen if the rabbits continued to go on adventures together?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: The Big Cat
Adventures of a Playful Cat
This is a story about a big and playful cat who enjoys running, climbing, hiding, eating and cleaning, but learns to overcome fear while on a thrilling adventure.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the things the cat likes to do for fun? 2. What happened when the cat saw the dog? 3. How did the cat feel while he was hiding from the dog? 4. What did the cat do to clean his face? 5. How did the cat feel when he was able to play freely again? 6. Have you ever been scared like the cat was when he saw the dog? 7. What are some ways you can overcome your fears?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: The Forest
The Adventures of Rabbit, Squirrel, and Friends in the Forest
The Adventures of Rabbit, Squirrel, and Friends in the Forest" is a whimsical tale of friendship and adventure as the quick-witted rabbit and chatty squirrel explore the forest and make new friends, all while avoiding the sly fox and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about "The Adventures of Rabbit, Squirrel, and Friends in the Forest": 1. Who were the main characters in the story? 2. What kind of animals did Rabbit and Squirrel meet in the forest? 3. What kind of animal was the fox, and why did Rabbit and Squirrel have to be careful around him? 4. What did the characters do when they saw the deer grazing by the stream? 5. Why do you think it's important to make friends and be kind to others, like Rabbit and Squirrel did in the story? 6. What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: The Parade
Parade of Wonders
Parade of Wonders" is a joyful tale of a lively parade filled with various colorful and exciting elements that bring laughter and happiness to children.
Talk about it 1. What was your favorite part of the parade, and why? 2. Can you describe the different elements in the parade, such as the horse, clown, and balloons? 3. How did the sound of the drum add to the excitement of the parade? 4. How do you think the children in the story felt while watching the parade? 5. Have you ever been to a parade before, and if so, what was it like?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: The Rainstorm
Rainy Day Adventures
This story follows the fun and imaginative adventures of children on a rainy day, from splashing in puddles to discovering a magical rainbow.
Talk about it 1. What did the children do on the rainy day? 2. How did the rain make them feel at first? How did their feelings change? 3. What did the children do when they found a puddle? 4. What did they think about the rainbow they saw? How did it make them feel? 5. What other outdoor activities do you like to do on a rainy day?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: These Shoes
The Jolly Old Man with Shiny Blue Shoes
This is a story about a jolly old man with big blue shoes who entertained a group of kids with his funny and captivating stories.
Talk about it 1. What did you think of the old man and his shiny blue shoes? 2. What was your favorite part of the story? 3. Why do you think the old man's shoes always got wet? 4. How did the old man make the kids feel with his stories? 5. If you could ask the old man to tell you one more story, what would it be about?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: This Is My Bear
Title: The Loving Brown Bear
Summary: The story of a big brown bear with a loving heart, spreading kindness and warmth throughout the forest.
Talk about it 1. What did the brown bear love to do in the forest? 2. How did the other animals feel about the brown bear? 3. What did the brown bear teach the other animals in the forest? 4. How did the brown bear make the other animals feel loved and cared for? 5. What qualities did the brown bear have that made him so kind and friendly?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary A: Up and Down
The Little Dog and the Frog's Leap of Fun
This is a heartwarming tale about a little dog who learns to have fun and try new things with the help of a friendly frog.
Talk about it 1. How did the little dog feel at the beginning of the story? Why did he feel that way? 2. What did the frog say to the little dog to encourage him to join in the fun? 3. How did the little dog learn to jump and play? 4. What lesson did the little dog learn from the frog? 5. Do you think it's important to try new things even if they seem scary or difficult? Why or why not?
Open reading