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.
-
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Q: The ThreeR Plan2
Three Steps to Take Care of the Planet
The paragraph is a rhyming poem that teaches children three steps to take care of the planet: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Talk about it 1. What are some things we can do to take care of the planet? 2. Why is it important to use less plastic, paper, and juice? 3. How does reusing items help the planet? 4. What is the responsibility of every person when it comes to taking care of the planet?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Q: Vincents Bedroom
From Studio to Museum: A Journey of Art and Inspiration
This is a poetic tale that encourages young children to explore their creativity by showcasing the journey of an artist from their studio to a museum, where they find inspiration and a sense of belonging.
Talk about it 1. What is a studio and what do artists do there? 2. Why do you think artists sometimes feel despair while creating their art, and how can a museum help them feel better? 3. What are some different styles of art that you might see in a museum? 4. How does the story encourage you to explore your own creativity and make your own works of art? 5. Can you name some famous artists whose works you might see in a museum?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Q: Walking in Roman Footsteps
Exploring the Wonders of Ancient Rome
This story takes young readers on a journey to explore the ancient wonders of Rome, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and basilica, and teaches them about their ancestors and the city's rich culture and history.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the famous landmarks in Rome that the story mentioned? 2. What is a condominium, and how is it different from other types of housing? 3. What is an ancestor, and why is it important to learn about them? 4. Have you ever tasted a panini or gelato? What do you think they might taste like? 5. What do you think it would be like to visit ancient Rome and see all of these amazing sights in person?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Q: Why Abe Lincoln Grew a Beard
Listening to the President's Beard and Mustache
This story is about a wise and charismatic president with a mustache and beard whose opinions are valued by eager young kids.
Talk about it 1. What kind of facial hair did the president have, and how did it add to his charm? 2. Why were the kids eager to hear the president's opinions? 3. What do you think it means to believe in someone? 4. Do you think it's important to listen to the opinions of others, even if you don't agree with them? 5. What lessons can we learn from the president in the story?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Q: Zookeeping
Exploring the Wonders of the Savanna
This story is about a group of kids who go on a fun and educational adventure to the savanna, learning about the different animal species and the important role of the zookeeper.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the different animal species that the kids encountered in the savanna, and what did they learn about each one? 2. What is the role of the zookeeper in taking care of the animals, and why is it important? 3. What was your favorite part of the adventure to the savanna, and why? 4. What did the kids learn about the importance of protecting the natural habitats of animals like the giraffe and vulture? 5. If you could go on a real-life adventure to the savanna, what animals would you want to see and why?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Alaska The Last Frontier
Title: "The Delicate Balance of the Arctic Circle
The story is about the Inuit people's economy, preservation of the tundra, and their strong individualism in the face of the delicate balance of life in the Arctic Circle.
Talk about it Here are some questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What is a kayak, and how did the Inuit people use them? 2. Why is the Arctic Circle considered a delicate ecosystem, and what can we do to preserve it? 3. How did the Inuit people's economy help them to survive in such a harsh environment? 4. What does individualism mean, and how did the Inuit people exhibit it in their daily lives? 5. What can we learn from the Inuit people's way of life, and how can we apply their wisdom to our own lives?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: All About Chocolate
From Bean to Bar: The Chocolate Adventure
Follow the journey of cacao beans from a plantation to becoming a delicious chocolate bar in "From Bean to Bar: The Chocolate Adventure.
Talk about it 1. Where do cacao beans come from, and how do they become chocolate? 2. Why is fermentation important in the chocolate-making process? 3. What tools do farmers use to harvest cacao pods, and why is it important to be careful during this process? 4. What is conching, and how does it affect the taste and texture of chocolate? 5. Why do you think people around the world love chocolate so much?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: An Apple a Day
The Prehistoric Hunt for Nutrition and Health
This story tells of the importance of a balanced diet with all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for maintaining good health, as discovered by prehistoric people.
Talk about it 1. Who are the characters in the story, and where did they live? 2. What did our prehistoric ancestors eat for nutrition and health? 3. Why is it important to have a balanced diet with all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals? 4. What is a supplement, and why did prehistoric people need it sometimes? 5. How can we ensure that we eat a healthy and balanced diet in our modern times?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Animal Discoveries
A Journey to the Enchanted Forest
A group of friends embark on an adventurous journey to find the mythical Enchanted Forest and discover its secrets.
Talk about it 1. What was your favorite part of the story? 2. What did the friends hope to find in the Enchanted Forest? 3. What challenges did the friends face on their journey? 4. What did the friends learn about themselves during their adventure? 5. What do you think the Enchanted Forest represents in the story? 6. What was the most magical moment in the story? 7. What did the friends discover about the Enchanted Forest that surprised them? 8. Would you like to go on an adventure like this? Why or why not? 9. Which character do you relate to the most? Why? 10. What did the friends' friendship teach you about the importance of teamwork and perseverance?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: April Fools
Title: The Pranksters' Protest
A group of mischievous kids pull a prank with bologna, but when evidence of their actions is discovered by their parents, they learn from their mistake, decide to protest against pranking, and vow to find a better way to have fun.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What did the kids do in the story, and why did they think it was a good idea? 2. What happened when evidence of their prank was discovered, and how did they react? 3. What did their parents say about the prank, and how did the kids learn from their mistake? 4. Why did the kids decide to protest against pranking, and what did they learn about finding a better way to have fun? 5. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know played a prank on someone else, and how did it make everyone feel?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Arrows
The Secret Code Talkers of Choctaw Forest
This is a poem that celebrates the bravery and intelligence of the Choctaw code talkers who used their native language to develop a secret code and helped the United States during World War I.
Talk about it 1. What was the special skill of the code talkers? 2. How did their code help in the war effort? 3. Why was the Choctaw language used as the secret code? 4. Do you think you have what it takes to be a code talker? 5. What can we learn from the bravery and intelligence of the code talkers?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Bessie Coleman
The Adventures of a Daring Barnstormer
This is a tale of a brave barnstormer who enlists in the Air Force, flies solo, performs incredible stunts, and has unforgettable adventures with a Curtiss Jenny biplane.
Talk about it Here are some questions to help kids think about "The Adventures of a Daring Barnstormer": 1. What was the name of the pilot in the story, and what did he do? 2. How did the pilot learn to fly, and what types of stunts did he perform? 3. What was the name of the biplane that the pilot flew, and why was it important? 4. What did the pilot do when his biplane needed repairs? 5. Who did the pilot take for a ride in his biplane, and what was her reaction? 6. How do you think the pilot felt while performing stunts and flying his biplane? 7. What do you think the pilot learned from his adventures, and how do you think they shaped his life?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Blue Whales Giant Mammals
Whales: Beneath the Surface
Whales: Beneath the Surface" is a poem that introduces young children to some of the fascinating features and behaviors of whales, from their baleen plates and blubber to their use of sonar and gestation, all while weaving in important vocabulary words like krill, fluke, and keratin.
Talk about it 1. What is blubber, and why is it important for whales? 2. How do whales use sonar to navigate and find food? 3. What is gestation, and how long do whales typically carry their babies before giving birth? 4. What is baleen, and how do whales use it to eat? 5. What is krill, and why is it an important part of a whale's diet? 6. What is keratin, and what part of a whale's body is made of this material? 7. How do whales use their flukes to move through the water?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Charlenes Sea of Cortez Journal
Harbor Adventure: In Search of a Mammal
A group of kids go on an exciting kayak adventure in search of a mammal in the harbor, using binoculars to explore, finding fossils and recording their discoveries in a journal.
Talk about it 1. What kind of mammal do you think the kids were looking for in the harbor, and why? 2. Why do you think the kids brought binoculars on their adventure, and how did it help them in their search? 3. What is a fossil, and why is it interesting to find them? 4. What did the kids do with the journal they brought on their adventure, and why is it important to record what you discover? 5. If you could go on an adventure like this, what would you be most excited to find or do?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Elephants Giant Mammals
The Adventures of the Brave Little Mouse
The Adventures of the Brave Little Mouse" is a heartwarming tale about a small mouse who overcomes his fears and helps his friends in need.
Talk about it 1. What was the name of the little mouse in the story? 2. What did the mouse do to help his friends when they were in trouble? 3. How did the mouse show bravery in the story? 4. What would you have done if you were in the mouse's situation? 5. How did the mouse's bravery inspire his friends? 6. What do you think the mouse learned about himself through his adventure? 7. What message do you think the author is trying to convey through the story? 8. Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the little mouse? 9. Why do you think it's important to help others, even if we're scared? 10. What do you think the mouse and his friends did after the adventure was over?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Expedition 25 The Subtropics
The Lost Key
A young girl sets out on a journey to find a lost key that holds the key to unlocking her family's deepest secrets.
Talk about it 1. Why was the key important to the girl and her family? 2. What challenges did the girl face on her journey to find the key? 3. How did the girl's determination and problem-solving skills help her in her quest? 4. What lesson did the girl learn from her journey and the people she met along the way? 5. If you were in the girl's shoes, what would you have done differently to find the key?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Expedition 40 The Secret of the Seasons
Exploring the World: A Journey of Discovery for Young Kids.
A group of young kids explore different geographical features and cultures, learn about the environment, and work together to protect it.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the different geographical features the kids explored in the story? 2. What did the kids learn about the cultures of the places they visited? 3. What did the kids do when they found an invader plant, and why was it important to remove it? 4. How did the kids work together to learn about the environment and protect it? 5. What did the kids discover about the world around them, and how did they grow and learn from their experiences?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Expedition 60 The Subarctic
The Wonders of the Northern Hemisphere
This is a poetic description of the natural beauty and phenomena found in the northern hemisphere, including the aurora borealis, permafrost, currents, canals, and solstice.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the natural phenomena described in the story? 2. What is the significance of the solstice in the northern hemisphere? 3. What are some of the features of the northern hemisphere that make it unique? 4. How do you think the people and animals living in the northern hemisphere adapt to the cold climate? 5. What would you like to see or experience if you visited the northern hemisphere?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Expedition Zero
A Rainforest Adventure: Exploring the Wonders of the Equator
In "A Rainforest Adventure: Exploring the Wonders of the Equator," readers follow a group of explorers as they journey through the rich and diverse ecosystem of the tropical rainforest, encountering a variety of creatures, foods, and challenges along the way.
Talk about it 1. What types of fruits did the explorers find on the terrace? 2. What did the explorers use to protect themselves from mosquitoes and other insects? 3. Can you describe the sound of the symphony of creatures the explorers heard in the rainforest? 4. What did the stilts look like, and how did they move? 5. Why is it important to be careful when exploring and roaming in the rainforest?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Explorers Guide to World Weather
The Lost Key Adventure
When two best friends accidentally lose the key to a mysterious old chest, they embark on an exciting adventure to find the key and discover what's inside the chest.
Talk about it 1. What did the two friends find when they stumbled upon the mysterious old chest? 2. How did the friends lose the key to the chest, and what did they decide to do about it? 3. What were some of the obstacles the friends faced on their adventure to find the key? 4. How did the friends work together to overcome these obstacles and find the key? 5. What did the friends discover when they finally opened the chest, and how did they feel about it?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Fishing in Simplicity
The Enchanted Fishing Adventure in Louisiana
A group of young kids in Louisiana embark on an enchanted fishing adventure, catching catfish, crawdads, and discovering the wonders of the river.
Talk about it 1. What was your favorite part of the fishing adventure and why? 2. If you could catch any fish in Louisiana, which one would you want to catch and why? 3. How did the kids show kindness to the catfish they caught? 4. What would you do if you saw an animal in the wild that you've never seen before? 5. How did the fiberglass net help the girl catch the crawdad?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: Foods Around the World
The Adventures of the Food-Loving Flying Fox
The Adventures of the Food-Loving Flying Fox" is a whimsical poem that follows the journey of a flying fox as he discovers a variety of delicious treats and revels in the joy of food.
Talk about it 1. What is your favorite food and how do you feel when you eat it? 2. Have you ever tried any of the foods mentioned in the poem, like borscht or cannoli? 3. What do you think it would be like to fly like a fox and search for new and exciting foods? 4. What other adventures do you think the food-loving flying fox might have? 5. Why do you think the flying fox loves food so much?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: George Washington Carver
The Farmer's Invention and his Dream for Equality
The Farmer's Invention and his Dream for Equality" is a children's poem that tells the story of a hardworking farmer who becomes an inventor and uses his success to fight for equality and teach others about the importance of agriculture.
Talk about it 1. What did the farmer invent and why was it important? 2. How did the farmer's invention help other farmers? 3. Why did the farmer believe in a world without segregation? 4. What did the farmer do to fight for equality? 5. What lessons can we learn from the farmer's story about hard work and determination?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary R: GlowintheDark Animals
The Glowing Firefly and the Sneaky Bacteria
This is a story about the fascinating bioluminescent firefly and the complex world of bacteria, showcasing their unique characteristics and importance in nature.
Talk about it 1. What makes the firefly's light shine so brightly in the dark? 2. Why do some bacteria need oxygen to survive? 3. What is camouflage, and how do some bacteria use it to their advantage? 4. Can you think of any other animals or organisms that use bioluminescence to catch prey or communicate with others? 5. Why do you think it's important to learn about the different types of bacteria and their roles in nature?
Open reading