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 S: Harriet Tubman and Underground Railroad
Title: The Courageous Underground Railroad
This story tells of the bravery and heroism of the abolitionists who led the Underground Railroad, a secret network of people and safe houses, to help slaves escape from plantations in the face of injustice and oppression.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What is the Underground Railroad, and why was it important? 2. Who were the abolitionists, and why were they brave? 3. Why was it illegal to help slaves escape from plantations? 4. How did the slaves feel about leaving the plantations? 5. What did the abolitionists risk by helping the slaves escape? 6. Why is it important to stand up against injustice? 7. How can we help people who are being treated unfairly today?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: he Titanic Lost and Found
The Heroic Contraption Savior
The Heroic Contraption Savior" is a tale of a hero who saves the day by fixing a malfunctioning contraption in the face of imminent danger.
Talk about it 1. What was the problem in the story? 2. Who was the hero, and what did they do to save the day? 3. What was the contraption in the story, and how did the hero fix it? 4. How did the people react when the hero saved the day? 5. What would you have done if you were in the hero's shoes?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: How Little John Joined Robin Hood
The Agile Hero's Vow
The Agile Hero's Vow" is a tale of a brave hero who fights savagely to protect the land he loves, even in the face of corrupt villains and their underlings.
Talk about it Here are some questions to ask kids to think about "The Agile Hero's Vow": 1. Who is the hero in the story, and what is his mission? 2. What does it mean to make a vow, and why is it important to keep your promises? 3. How does the hero show his loyalty to the land, and why is that a valuable trait to have? 4. What do you think the villain wanted, and why do you think he held a grudge against the hero? 5. What does it mean to be agile, and how does the hero's agility help him in his quest to save the land?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: India
Treasures of the Subcontinent
This story celebrates the wonders of the subcontinent, with its diverse cultures, sacred landmarks, and natural treasures, while also acknowledging the challenges of poverty and endangerment faced by the region.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the natural wonders that are found in the subcontinent? 2. Why is it important to protect endangered species like those living in the mangrove forests? 3. What are some of the challenges that people in the subcontinent face, such as poverty? 4. What are some of the different religions that are practiced in the subcontinent? 5. What are some ways that we can appreciate and celebrate the diversity of cultures and natural treasures found in the subcontinent?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Laura Ingalls Wilder A Pioneers Life
Discovering the Wonders of the Prairie
A young child with a curious spirit explores the vast prairie, discovering its vivid wonders and learning to become a pioneer in their own right.
Talk about it 1. What is the prairie, and why was it important to pioneers in the past? 2. How did the child explore the prairie, and what were some of the things they discovered? 3. What does it mean to be a pioneer, and how did the child become one through their exploration of the prairie? 4. What challenges did the child face while exploring the prairie, and how did they overcome them? 5. What are some other places in nature that you would like to explore, and why?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Lets Make Vegetable Soup
The Heist at the Museum
A group of daring thieves plots to steal a priceless artifact from a museum, but their carefully crafted plan is thrown into chaos when they encounter unexpected obstacles.
Talk about it 1. What do you think about the thieves' plan to steal the artifact? Was it a good idea? 2. How do you think the security guard at the museum felt when he saw the thieves trying to steal the artifact? 3. Why do you think the thieves encountered unexpected obstacles during the heist? 4. What would you do if you were in the same situation as the security guard? 5. Do you think the thieves should have tried to steal the artifact in the first place? Why or why not?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Life in Space
Journey to the Stars
Journey to the Stars" is a tale of brave astronauts and cosmonauts who explore the vastness of space, discovering new wonders and knowledge to share with the world.
Talk about it 1. What does it take to become an astronaut or cosmonaut, and how do they prepare for space travel? 2. What kind of experiments and studies do astronauts and cosmonauts conduct while they are in space, and why are they important? 3. What challenges do astronauts and cosmonauts face when they are in space, and how do they overcome them? 4. What can we learn from the discoveries and knowledge that astronauts and cosmonauts bring back from their space journeys? 5. What would you like to explore or discover if you were an astronaut or cosmonaut?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Losing Grandpa
The Magic Paintbrush Adventure
In "The Magic Paintbrush Adventure," a young girl discovers a paintbrush that brings her drawings to life, and she must use her new power to save her town from a wicked sorcerer.
Talk about it 1. How did the young girl feel when she first discovered the magic paintbrush, and why? 2. What was the wicked sorcerer's plan, and how did the magic paintbrush help the girl save the day? 3. What did the girl learn about the importance of using her powers for good, and not for personal gain? 4. What kind of adventures do you think the girl and her magic paintbrush could have in the future? 5. If you had a magic paintbrush, what would you draw, and why?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Making Mosaics
Art Tools, Styles, and Techniques for Young Artists".
The paragraph is a fun and educational introduction to various art tools, styles, and techniques, aimed at inspiring young artists to explore and develop their creativity.
Talk about it 1. What is polymer, and how can it be used in art? 2. What is the difference between pictorial realism and abstract art, and which do you prefer? 3. How can artists use a palette knife and trowel to create unique textures in their paintings?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Martin Luther King Jr
A Dream for Equality
A Dream for Equality" is a children's poem about the civil rights movement, focusing on the themes of segregation, nonviolent protest, equality, and integration.
Talk about it 1. What does it mean to be segregated, and how did it impact people's lives during the civil rights movement? 2. Why do you think nonviolent protest was an important strategy in the fight for civil rights? 3. What does "equality" mean to you, and why is it important? 4. How do you think the world would be different if we still had segregation today? 5. Who are some important figures from the civil rights movement that you have learned about?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Monkey Business
The Adventure of the Mischievous Monkey
The Adventure of the Mischievous Monkey" is a tale about a curious and playful monkey who causes chaos and mischief as he explores the world beyond his habitat.
Talk about it 1. What was the name of the mischievous monkey in the story? 2. What did the monkey do when he saw a group of children playing in the park? 3. How did the people in the town feel about the monkey's behavior? 4. What did the monkey do when he visited the grocery store? 5. How did the story end?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: National Parks
Guardians of the Habitat: A Tale of Preservation and Diversity
Guardians of the Habitat" is a children's story that explores the importance of preserving diverse habitats and the role we can play in protecting the environment for future generations.
Talk about it 1. What is the savanna and what kind of creatures live there? 2. Why is it important to protect the habitat of animals in the savanna? 3. Can you think of any animals that migrate and why do they do that? 4. What is an estuary and why is it an important ecosystem? 5. Have you ever seen a fjord before, and why do you think they are unique habitats? 6. What can we do to help preserve the habitats of animals and protect the environment?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Ostriches Giant Birds
Lessons from the Savanna: A Tale of Adaptation and Harmony
This story is about the diverse creatures of the savanna, highlighting the concepts of adaptation, dominance, intimidation, and protection, as well as the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Talk about it Here are some questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What is an omnivore, and what are some examples of omnivores in the savanna? 2. What does it mean for a creature to be dominant, and who was the dominant creature in the savanna? 3. Why did the predator's power begin to wane over time? 4. What does it mean for a creature to be endangered, and why do some creatures become endangered? 5. What is the importance of living in harmony with nature, and how can we protect the creatures of the savanna and their habitats?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Our Solar System
The Wonders of the Universe
This story highlights the beauty and mysteries of the universe while also emphasizing the importance of protecting our planet and its resources.
Talk about it 1. What is a meteoroid, and how is it different from a meteor or meteorite? 2. How do scientists learn about the diameter of meteorites, and why is it important? 3. What are fossil fuels, and where do they come from? 4. What can we do to protect our planet's atmosphere? 5. Why is it important to study the wonders of the universe, and how can this knowledge help us in our everyday lives?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Searching for the Loch Ness Monster
The Frog with a Brogue
A young child sets out to uncover the truth behind the legend of a dragon in the forest, only to discover a unique frog with a distinct voice hiding in the peat.
Talk about it 1. What did the child think was living in the lair before they started investigating? 2. How did the child use technology to help uncover the truth? 3. What did the child find hiding in the peat? 4. Why is it important to debunk myths and legends? 5. What lesson can you learn from the story about not judging things based on appearances?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Seven Wonders of the Modern World
The Marvels of Industry and Nature
A group of kids explore a hydroelectric plant and suspension bridge, learning about the wonders of industry and engineering while also being reminded to protect the natural world.
Talk about it 1. What did you think was the most interesting part of the hydroelectric plant and suspension bridge? 2. Why is it important to protect the habitat around the hydroelectric plant? 3. How do engineers use science and technology to make our lives better? 4. What can you do to help protect the natural world around you? 5. What other landmarks or industries have you visited or learned about?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Snakebite
The Brave Little Explorer
In "The Brave Little Explorer," a young adventurer sets out on a mission to discover the world beyond her doorstep, facing challenges and overcoming her fears along the way.
Talk about it 1. How do you think the main character felt when she first set out on her adventure? 2. What were some of the obstacles she faced on her journey, and how did she overcome them? 3. How did the main character change and grow throughout the story? 4. What did you think of the illustrations in the story? Did they help you understand what was happening in the text? 5. Do you think you would like to go on an adventure like the main character did? Why or why not?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: The Hidden Room
The Land of Mystique: A Tale of Seekers, Immigrants, and Bizarre Creatures
The Land of Mystique" is a poetic tale for young kids about a group of seekers who discover a magical land full of bizarre creatures and eventually decide to immigrate there, creating a new home full of adventures and wonders.
Talk about it Here are a few questions that can help children think about "The Land of Mystique": 1. What kind of creatures did the seekers find in the land of mystique? 2. Why do you think the creatures were wary of the strangers who came to their land? 3. How did the seekers convince the creatures to show them around? 4. Why do you think some of the travelers decided to immigrate to the land of mystique? 5. What kind of adventures do you think the immigrants might have in their new home?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: The International TShirt Contest
Finding Courage in the Forest
A young girl overcomes her fears and discovers her own strength while lost in the forest.
Talk about it 1. What did the young girl do when she first realized she was lost in the forest? 2. How did the girl feel when she found the courage to keep moving forward despite her fear? 3. What challenges did the girl face in the forest, and how did she overcome them? 4. What did the girl learn about herself during her adventure in the forest? 5. How do you think the girl's experience in the forest will impact her in the future?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: The Moon Bowl
The Simpleton's Perch: A Tale of Humble Courage
The Simpleton's Perch: A Tale of Humble Courage" tells the story of a young simpleton who overcomes adversity with his humble spirit and gleaming mind.
Talk about it 1. What did the simpleton do when life jostled him around? 2. How did the simpleton's humble spirit help him in his journey through life? 3. What did the simpleton learn about the power of a timely word? 4. Why is it important to brush away balderdash and focus on simple, achievable dreams? 5. How can we use our minds to overcome adversity and achieve success?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: The Trouble with English
Lost in the Woods
A young girl gets lost in the woods during a family camping trip, and must use her survival skills to find her way back.
Talk about it 1. How do you think the girl felt when she first realized she was lost? 2. What are some important survival skills the girl used to find her way back to her family? 3. Have you ever been camping or hiking in the woods? What kind of things do you need to be careful of? 4. If you were in the same situation as the girl, what would you do to try to find your way back? 5. How did the girl's family react when they finally found her? 6. What did the girl learn from her experience being lost in the woods? 7. Do you think it's important to know basic survival skills when going on a camping or hiking trip? Why or why not?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Tsunamis
The Day Disaster Struck: A Tale of Survival
The Day Disaster Struck: A Tale of Survival" is a story of a group of people who must quickly evacuate their homes when an earthquake and tsunami strike their community, and their journey to safety amidst devastation and uncertainty.
Talk about it 1. How did the characters feel when they heard the siren and had to evacuate? 2. What did the characters see and experience during the earthquake and tsunami? 3. How did the characters help each other during the journey to safety? 4. What lessons did the characters learn about being prepared for disasters? 5. What might the characters do differently if a similar disaster were to happen again in the future?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Two Kettles
The Longhouse and the Hearth: A Tale of Quahogs, Deerskin, and Nasump
This is a children's poem that tells the story of the Cherokee people and their way of life, centered around their longhouses, hearths, hunting for deer, gathering quahogs, and making a porridge called Nasump.
Talk about it 1. What was the Cherokee people's way of life like? 2. What were some of the foods that the Cherokee people ate and how were they prepared? 3. How did the Cherokee people make their clothing and what was it made from? 4. Why was the hearth so important in the longhouses? 5. What did the Cherokee people use muskets for? 6. What can we learn from the way the Cherokee people lived off the land?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary S: Volcanoes
Fiery Wonders: A Tale of Volcanic Power
Fiery Wonders" is a poetic story that explores the awe-inspiring natural forces of volcanoes, from magma and geysers to lava and calderas, highlighting both their breathtaking beauty and their potential danger.
Talk about it 1. What is magma and where is it found? 2. What is a geyser and how does it work? 3. What happens when a volcano erupts? 4. What is a crater and how is it formed? 5. Why should we admire volcanoes from a safe distance? 6. What might happen if we get too close to a volcano? 7. Have you ever seen a volcano in real life or in pictures or videos? 8. What other natural wonders exist in the world and how are they formed? 9. Can you think of any ways that we can protect ourselves and our communities from the dangers of volcanoes? 10. If you were to write a story about another natural wonder, what would it be and why?
Open reading