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 I: Goldilocks and the Three Bears
The Porridge, The Youngster, and The Lesson of Kindness
The Porridge, The Youngster, and The Lesson of Kindness" is a heartwarming tale about a young boy who learns the value of kindness and helping others while sharing his breakfast with a grateful youngster.
Talk about it 1. Who are the main characters in the story? 2. What did the young boy ask his mother for in the beginning of the story? 3. What did the young boy's mother ask him about his favorite medium? 4. What happened when a youngster knocked on the door while the young boy and his mother were eating porridge? 5. What lesson did the young boy learn from his experience with the youngster? 6. Can you think of a time when you helped someone else, and how did it make you feel?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Healthy Me
Tommy and the Magic Paintbrush
A young boy named Tommy discovers a magical paintbrush that brings his drawings to life, but he must learn to use it responsibly before it falls into the wrong hands.
Talk about it 1. What did Tommy discover in the old box in his attic? 2. How did Tommy feel when he realized that his drawings were coming to life? 3. What kind of things did Tommy draw with the magic paintbrush? 4. What did Tommy do when he realized that he needed to use the paintbrush responsibly? 5. Who else knew about the magic paintbrush, and why did Tommy have to be careful about using it around them? 6. What did Tommy learn from his experiences with the magic paintbrush? 7. If you had a magic paintbrush, what would you draw with it? 8. What would you do differently than Tommy if you had a magic paintbrush? 9. Do you think Tommy made the right decision at the end of the story? Why or why not? 10. What message do you think the author was trying to convey with this story?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Hippos Toothache
Brave He and the Terrible Monster
The story of "Brave He and the Terrible Monster" tells of a young boy and his friends who, through bravery and teamwork, overcome a scary monster in the jungle.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What did He and his friends do when they realized they were lost? 2. How did He and his friends defeat the terrible monster? 3. Why is it important to work together as a team, like He and his friends did? 4. What did He and his friends learn about themselves from this adventure? 5. Have you ever had to be brave and work together with your friends to overcome an obstacle? If so, what was it like?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: How to Make Paper
The Paper Mill Machine
A story about a paper mill machine that blends pulp and creates smooth white paper, which is then cut and stacked for supply to stores.
Talk about it 1. What was the machine in the paper mill made of, and what did it do? 2. What raw materials were used to make the paper, and how were they blended to make it smooth and pure? 3. Why was it important to get the paper just right on the third try? 4. What was done with the paper once it was made? 5. Have you ever written or drawn something on paper made from a mill like this? How did it feel to use it?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Is That a Fish
The Adventures of Underwater Friends
The Adventures of Underwater Friends" is a tale of a group of sea creatures who embark on exciting adventures, discovering the beauty and wonders of the ocean together.
Talk about it 1. What kind of sea creatures did the friends encounter in their adventures? 2. What was the importance of the backbone in the story? 3. What was your favorite adventure the friends went on? 4. Why is it important to be kind to all creatures in the sea? 5. What was the message of the story and how did it make you feel?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Jane Goodall
Curious Chimp: The Scientist of the Forest
The story is about a curious chimpanzee in Africa who uses tools and observes her surroundings like a scientist, learning and expanding her knowledge each day.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What is special about the chimpanzee in the story? 2. How does the chimpanzee use tools to help her in her daily life? 3. Why is the chimpanzee in the story called a scientist? 4. What can we learn from the chimpanzee in the story about observing and learning from our surroundings? 5. How can we apply the lessons learned from the chimpanzee in the story to our own lives?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Lincoln Loved to Learn
The Brave President of the Frontier Cabin
The story is about a brave and hardworking president who lives in a cabin on the frontier, always striving to help the poor and be a role model for the children of the land.
Talk about it 1. Where did the president live, and what did he do every day to keep his cabin warm? 2. Why was it important for the president to help the poor, and how did he make a difference in their lives? 3. What qualities did the president possess that made him a role model for the children of the land? 4. How can you apply the lessons from this story in your own life, and what can you do to help others and be a good leader?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Mikes Good Bad Day
The Grand Festival Adventure: A Journey of Imagination and Exploration
A young kid, inspired by a book, carves out a map and embarks on a grand adventure filled with new friends and fun, ultimately arriving at a grand festival where he learns the power of imagination and exploration.
Talk about it 1. What inspired the little kid to go on his grand adventure? 2. How did the little kid feel when he was reading the book at the library? 3. What did the little kid do to prepare for his trip? 4. What did the little kid learn during his adventure? 5. What was the most exciting part of the story for you and why?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Owls Overhead
The Jungle's Lesson: Survival and Strength
This story teaches the importance of hearing, instinct, and adaptability in the jungle, as well as how every creature has its own strengths to survive and thrive.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the senses that animals use to hunt and survive in the jungle? 2. Can you think of a time when you had to be aware of your surroundings to stay safe? 3. What are some ways that different animals are adapted to their environment? 4. How do animals use their strengths to survive in the jungle? 5. What lesson can we learn from the animals in the story about facing challenges and staying strong?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Roadside Oddities
An Adventure to the Museum of Wonders
A group of friends go on an exciting trip to a museum filled with oddities, models, and monuments, learning about different cultures and ways of life.
Talk about it Here are some questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What was your favorite exhibit in the museum, and why? 2. How does visiting a museum help us learn about different cultures and ways of life? 3. Why do you think it's important to embrace diversity, and how can we do that in our everyday lives? 4. If you could make your own exhibit in a museum, what would it be and why? 5. What did the friends learn from their adventure to the museum, and how can they apply that knowledge in the future?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Ruby Bridges
Brave She: Embracing Differences and Making a Difference
The story of "Brave She" teaches young kids about the importance of embracing differences, standing up for what's fair, and making a difference in the world.
Talk about it 1. How was She different from other characters in the story? 2. What did She believe about differences between people? 3. How did She demonstrate bravery in the story? 4. What can we learn from She about treating others fairly? 5. How can we make a difference in the world like She did?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Slow and Slower
The Sneaky Mammal in the Forest
This is a cautionary tale for children about a fast and stealthy mammal in the forest that they should avoid.
Talk about it Here are some questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What was the mammal in the story like? 2. Why did the author describe the mammal as "sneaky"? 3. What are some tips the author gives to stay safe in the forest? 4. Have you ever seen a mammal like the one in the story? 5. What other creatures might live in a forest?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Soup and a Sandwish
The Jiggly Monster's Big Adventure
A jiggly and friendly monster explores a new place, learns new things, makes friends, and has fun in "The Jiggly Monster's Big Adventure.
Talk about it 1. What did the jiggly monster find in the pile of things, and what did he do with them? 2. How did the jiggly monster make friends during his adventure? 3. What did the jiggly monster learn during his exploration? 4. What did you think about the jiggly monster, and what would you like to do if you met him? 5. How did the jiggly monster's adventure make you feel, and what was your favorite part of the story?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: The Magic Bike
Art Contest Adventure: A Journey of Wonder and Fun
The poem tells the story of a group of young children who take part in an art contest, following instructions, looking for inspiration and wondering in hopes of winning the grand prize, but ultimately learning that the true reward is the joy of creating and participating.
Talk about it 1. Have you ever taken part in a contest like the one in the story? What was it like? 2. How do you feel when you get an envelope in the mail? Is it usually exciting? 3. What did the kids in the story do to try to win the contest? Would you have done anything differently? 4. Why do you think the judges picked the winner they did? 5. What do you think the kids learned from participating in the contest, even if they didn't win?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: The Three Little Pigs
Adventures in the Meadow: The Little Creature and the Grizzly Bear
A little creature learns a valuable lesson about boasting and making new friends when he meets a friendly grizzly bear during his adventures in the meadow.
Talk about it 1. What did the little creature learn during his adventure in the meadow with the grizzly bear? 2. Why is it important to make new friends, even with creatures that might seem scary at first? 3. What could have happened if the little creature had continued to boast instead of making a new friend? 4. Have you ever met someone or something that seemed scary at first but turned out to be friendly and fun to be around? 5. What are some other things the little creature might do on his adventures in the meadow?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Tian Tian A Giant Panda
The Bear and the Bamboo: A Panda Adventure
In "The Bear and the Bamboo: A Panda Adventure," a lost bear befriends a giant panda and discovers a love for bamboo and the joy of making new friends.
Talk about it 1. What did the bear like to do in the forest before he got lost? 2. How did the bear feel when he couldn't find his way home? 3. What did the giant panda like to eat? 4. Where did the bear and the panda go to have fun and make new friends? 5. What did the bear learn from the panda? 6. Why do you think it's important to make new friends and try new things? 7. How do you think the bear and the panda's friendship will continue in the future? 8. What other animals do you think the bear might meet on his adventures? 9. Do you think the bear will ever find his way back to his home in the forest? 10. What lesson did the bear learn from his adventure with the panda?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Turkeys in the Trees
Feathered Friends: A Tale of Understanding and Harmony
The story "Feathered Friends: A Tale of Understanding and Harmony" teaches young kids the importance of respecting and coexisting with animals in the wild.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story "Feathered Friends: A Tale of Understanding and Harmony": 1. What did the Pilgrim initially think about the turkey? 2. How did the turkey feel when the Pilgrim wanted to eat him, and why? 3. What did the Pilgrim learn from the turkey? 4. Why is it important to respect and coexist with animals in the wild? 5. How can you apply the lesson of the story in your own life?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Why Robins Hop
Friends in the Woods: A Tale of Bravery and Protection
A group of woodland friends team up to protect a hummingbird from a chasing fox, showcasing the power of friendship, bravery, and protection in the face of danger.
Talk about it 1. Who were the main characters in the story, and what animals did they represent? 2. Why did the fox chase after the hummingbird, and what did the other animals do to help protect the hummingbird? 3. What did the woodpecker do to help protect the hummingbird? 4. How did the animals' different abilities and strengths help them work together to protect their friend? 5. How does this story show the importance of friendship, bravery, and protection in our own lives?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary I: Winter Vacation
The Magical Adventure of the Enchanted Forest
A group of friends embark on a magical adventure in an enchanted forest, encountering talking animals, facing challenges, and ultimately learning the power of friendship and bravery.
Talk about it 1. What was your favorite part of the story and why? 2. What was the biggest challenge the friends faced on their adventure, and how did they overcome it? 3. Which character in the story do you relate to the most and why? 4. If you could visit the enchanted forest, what kind of adventure would you want to have? 5. What did the friends learn about themselves and each other during their adventure, and how could they use those lessons in their everyday lives?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary J: A Rainbow of Food
The Magical Adventures of Luna and Her Pet Unicorn
Luna and her pet unicorn embark on a magical journey to explore the enchanted forest and encounter exciting challenges along the way.
Talk about it 1. Who are the main characters in the story? What are they like? 2. What kind of magical adventures did Luna and her pet unicorn go on in the enchanted forest? 3. What were some of the challenges that Luna and her pet unicorn encountered on their journey? 4. How did Luna and her pet unicorn work together to overcome the challenges they faced? 5. What lessons did Luna learn from her journey with her pet unicorn? 6. If you could have a magical pet, what kind of animal would it be and why? 7. How would you feel if you went on an adventure like Luna did? 8. What was your favorite part of the story and why? 9. Do you think Luna and her pet unicorn will have more adventures in the future? Why or why not? 10. What kind of adventure would you like to go on with a magical pet?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary J: Animal Skeletons
Lost in the Woods
A group of friends on a camping trip get lost in the woods and must work together to find their way back to safety.
Talk about it 1. How did the group of friends end up getting lost in the woods? 2. What challenges did the group face while they were lost in the woods? 3. How did the friends work together to find their way back to safety? 4. What did the friends learn from their experience of getting lost in the woods? 5. How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the friends in the story?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary J: Being Bilingual1
Lost in the Woods
After getting lost on a camping trip, a group of friends must work together to find their way back to civilization.
Talk about it 1. What would you do if you got lost in the woods? 2. How do you think the group of friends felt when they realized they were lost? 3. Why is it important to stick together and work as a team when you're lost? 4. What are some things you can do to prepare for a camping trip to make sure you don't get lost? 5. What lessons do you think the characters in the story learned from their experience?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary J: Being Bilingual2
Weaving Through Time: The Legacy of Ancient Tribes
This story highlights the legacy of weaving across various ancient tribes, including the Aztecs, Incas, Guarani, Cherokee, and Navajo, showcasing how their skills were used to create garments that represented the beauty of their land and people.
Talk about it 1. Which ancient tribes were mentioned in the story, and where were they from? 2. What materials did the tribes use to make their clothes, and how did they weave them together? 3. Why was weaving an important skill for these tribes, and what did their patterns and designs represent? 4. What can we learn from the legacy of these tribes and their weaving techniques today? 5. Can you think of any other crafts or skills that have been passed down through generations in your family or culture?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary J: Brazil
A Rainy Day Adventure
On a rainy day, two siblings embark on an unexpected adventure when they discover a mysterious object in their backyard.
Talk about it 1. What did the siblings find in their backyard, and how did they feel when they first saw it? 2. What did the siblings have to do to prepare for their adventure, and why was it important? 3. What challenges did the siblings face during their adventure, and how did they overcome them? 4. How did the siblings feel after their adventure was over, and what did they learn from it? 5. What would you do if you found a mysterious object in your backyard on a rainy day?
Open reading