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 W: Earthquakes Volcanoes and Tsunamis2
The Mighty Forces of the Earth
This is a poem that introduces young kids to the various powerful natural phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and mudslides, and how they occur.
Talk about it 1. What is the Richter scale, and how does it measure the magnitude of an earthquake? 2. Can you name some of the natural phenomena that were mentioned in the poem, and how do they occur? 3. How can we stay safe when there is an earthquake, landslide, or volcano eruption? 4. How does the earth's surface change over time, and what are some of the factors that contribute to these changes? 5. Can you think of any real-life examples of earthquakes, volcanoes, or landslides that have happened in the past?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Electric Cars History and Future
The Breakthrough for a Greener Future
In "The Breakthrough for a Greener Future," children learn about a new hybrid car technology that can eliminate emissions and help create a better, more efficient and cleaner environment.
Talk about it 1. What is the problem with the old cars that run on gas? 2. How is a hybrid car different from a regular car? 3. What is the breakthrough technology that the story talks about? 4. Why is it important to eliminate emissions? 5. What can we do to make our environment cleaner and greener? 6. What do you think the future will be like if we all work together to protect the environment? 7. How can you help make a difference in protecting the environment?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Electric Cars History and Future2
The Silly Adventures of the Playful Words
The Silly Adventures of the Playful Words" is a fun and whimsical tale about a group of words with diverse meanings that come together to have a good time.
Talk about it 1. What were the different words that joined together in the story? 2. Can you explain what each of the words means? 3. Which word in the story is your favorite, and why? 4. Why do you think the words wanted to play and have fun together? 5. How do you think the words felt when they were singing and dancing together? 6. What kind of adventures do you think the words might have next? 7. How would you describe the personality of each word based on its meaning? 8. Do you think the story teaches us anything about the importance of cooperation and having fun with others? Why or why not? 9. What do you think the world would be like without these words? 10. Can you think of any other words that could join the playful crew in the story?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Fearless Felix
High Above: A BASE Jumper's Thrill
This story is about a BASE jumper who takes a thrilling leap from high above the clouds and overcomes his fears to experience a rush like no other.
Talk about it 1. What do you think it would feel like to jump off a high cliff like a BASE jumper? 2. Have you ever experienced a feeling of claustrophobia or fear of enclosed spaces like the jumper in the story? 3. How do you think the jumper felt when they were falling through the air and then floating down to the ground with the parachute? 4. What do you think are some important traits for a BASE jumper to have? 5. Would you ever want to try BASE jumping? Why or why not?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: HighTech Treasure Hunt
The Magic Garden Adventure
A group of children discover a magical garden that teaches them the value of teamwork, perseverance, and friendship.
Talk about it 1. What did the children learn about the magic garden? 2. How did the garden help the children work together and become better friends? 3. What were some of the challenges the children faced in the garden, and how did they overcome them? 4. How did the garden change the way the children viewed the world around them? 5. If you could visit a magical garden like the one in the story, what would you hope to find or learn there?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Hurricanes
The Tropical Storm Adventure
A group of friends embark on a thrilling adventure to prepare for an oncoming tropical storm in their small coastal town.
Talk about it 1. How do you think the kids felt when they first heard about the tropical storm heading their way? 2. What are some of the things the kids did to prepare for the storm? 3. What challenges did the kids face during their adventure to prepare for the storm? 4. What did the kids learn from their experience of preparing for the storm? 5. How important is it to listen to warnings from experts when there is a storm or other natural disaster?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: InFLUenza
Journey to the Enchanted Forest
In "Journey to the Enchanted Forest," a young girl discovers a magical forest and learns the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world.
Talk about it 1. What was your favorite part of the story and why? 2. What did the young girl learn about the importance of protecting the natural world? 3. If you could visit the Enchanted Forest, what would you want to do or see there? 4. How did the animals in the story help the young girl on her journey? 5. Do you think it's important to take care of the environment in real life, and why?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: InFLUenza2
The Little Seed's Big Adventure
A little seed overcomes obstacles and fears to grow into a beautiful flower with the help of some new friends.
Talk about it 1. What was the little seed's big dream? 2. What obstacles did the little seed face and how did it overcome them? 3. Who were the little seed's new friends and how did they help it grow? 4. What did the little seed learn on its adventure? 5. What is your favorite part of the story and why?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Joe Kittinger An Unsung Hero
High-Flying Adventures: Tales from the Skies
This story tells of the dangers and wonders of aeronautics, as brave cosmonauts and pilots face invaluable journeys through the stratosphere while battling obsessions, hostile environments, and the ever-present threat of fatal danger.
Talk about it Here are a few questions that kids can think about after reading the story: 1. What is a gondola, and how is it useful in aeronautics? 2. What are some of the dangers that come with traveling to high altitudes, and how do pilots and cosmonauts prepare for these dangers? 3. Why do you think some people become obsessed with flying and exploring the skies? 4. What qualities do you think are necessary for someone who wants to become a pilot or cosmonaut? 5. What do you think it would feel like to be in solitary confinement in a spacecraft high above the earth?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Mapping the Woods Maps and Cartography
Exploring the World with Topographic Maps
The story teaches young children about the features of a topographic map, including the cartographer's role, compass rose, elevation, scale, and key, to aid them in understanding and exploring the world around them.
Talk about it 1. What is a topographic map and how is it different from other types of maps? 2. Why is a compass rose important on a map, and how does it help us find our way? 3. How does elevation information on a topographic map help us understand the land and plan our route? 4. How can we use the scale on a map to estimate the distance we need to travel? 5. What does the key on a topographic map tell us, and why is it important? 6. Can you think of a time when you might need to use a topographic map? 7. How do you think a cartographer makes a map, and what skills do they need?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Microbes Friend or Foe
Beating the Bug: A Tale of Fighting Infection
This story is about the body's immune system fighting off infections and diseases, with the help of antibiotics and good hygiene practices.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What is an infection and how does it make you feel? 2. How does the body's immune system work to fight off germs? 3. Why is it important to keep surfaces clean and wash your hands often? 4. What are some things you can do to help prevent the spread of germs and infections? 5. How do antibiotics help the body fight off infections?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Miguel and the Secret Garden
Lost and Found: The Adventure of the Little Creature
A little creature gets lost, but through perseverance and creativity, he finds his way back home.
Talk about it 1. How did the little creature feel when he first got lost? 2. What did the little creature do to try to find his way back home? 3. How did the little creature use his resources to build his shelter? 4. What did the little creature learn about himself through this experience? 5. Can you think of a time when you were lost or felt unsure? What did you do to find your way back?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Mummies
Egyptian Mummification: Preserving the Past for Eternity
This story explores the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification and its importance in preserving their dead for eternal life.
Talk about it 1. Why did the ancient Egyptians practice mummification? 2. What materials were used to mummify a body? 3. What did the hieroglyphs on the tomb walls represent? 4. What is an amulet and why was it placed in the tomb? 5. How did mummification help the Egyptians believe in an afterlife?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Mummies2
The Pharaoh's Quest for Immortality
The Pharaoh's Quest for Immortality" is a tale of an ancient pharaoh's embalming process and the mystical journey of his ka and ba to achieve immortality, as well as the symbolic importance of his preserved body and shabti in Egyptian culture.
Talk about it 1. What were some of the objects used in the pharaoh's embalming process, and what was their purpose? 2. What do the ka and ba represent in ancient Egyptian beliefs, and how did they help the pharaoh achieve immortality? 3. Why was the pharaoh's body preserved, and what role did his shabti play in the afterlife? 4. How do you think the pharaoh's legacy and story have influenced Egyptian culture over time? 5. If you were an ancient Egyptian, how might you have felt about the process of embalming and preparing a body for the afterlife?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Nelson Mandela
A Journey of Self-Discovery
A Journey of Self-Discovery" follows a young woman as she embarks on a solo backpacking trip through South America, where she faces both physical and emotional challenges that force her to confront her fears, learn to trust herself, and ultimately find a sense of inner peace.
Talk about it 1. What inspired the young woman to embark on a solo backpacking trip through South America? 2. What were some of the physical and emotional challenges she faced along the way, and how did she overcome them? 3. In what ways did the trip help the young woman learn to trust herself and find inner peace? 4. How do you think the young woman's journey of self-discovery might inspire others to explore new places and face their fears? 5. Do you think it's important for people to take time to travel alone and learn more about themselves? Why or why not?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Ocean Quiz
The Ocean Adventure
The Ocean Adventure" is a tale about a group of young explorers who embark on a journey to discover the secrets of the ocean and overcome their fears.
Talk about it 1. What did the young explorers discover in the ocean, and what was their favorite thing? 2. How did the young explorers feel about their adventure, and why? 3. Which creature in the story was the most interesting, and why? 4. What did the young explorers learn about the ocean and the creatures that live there? 5. How did the young explorers feel when they were standing at the podium, and why was it important for them to speak up?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Otzi the Iceman
The Shaman's Secrets: Tales of Ancient Healing and Preserved Mysteries
A wise shaman shares stories of ancient healing and preserved mysteries, reminding us of the valuable knowledge of the past.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the ancient healing practices that the shaman talks about in the story, and how do they differ from modern medicine? 2. What can we learn from the discovery of the preserved corpse found in the glacier, and how might it help us understand more about the past? 3. Why do you think it's important to learn about and understand the history and traditions of different cultures and societies? 4. Do you think that some of the ancient healing practices mentioned in the story might still be useful today, and if so, why? 5. How might the story of the shaman and his secrets inspire you to learn more about the mysteries of the past and the ways in which people lived and healed themselves in different times and places?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Pirates and Privateers
Adventures of the Rowdy Privateers
A rowdy crew of privateers set sail on the high seas in search of treasure, facing danger and obstacles along the way.
Talk about it 1. What kind of obstacles did the privateers face on their adventure? 2. What do you think it means to be a privateer or a pirate? 3. How did the cooper help the privateers on their journey? 4. Why do you think the privateers were searching for treasure? 5. Would you ever want to go on an adventure like the rowdy privateers? Why or why not?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Robin Hood and the King
The Brazen Deer and the Friar's Conviction
The Brazen Deer and the Friar's Conviction" is a tale of a cunning deer and a wise friar who team up to outsmart corrupt hunters and protect the forest's wildlife.
Talk about it 1. What did the brazen deer do to avoid being caught by the hunters? 2. How did the friar and the abbot help the deer and other forest animals? 3. Why were the hunters considered corrupt? 4. How did the friar show conviction in helping the deer? 5. What lesson can we learn from this story about protecting wildlife and standing up for what is right?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Ships of Discovery
The Seafaring Adventures of Brave Sailors
This story tells of the seafaring adventures of brave sailors, and the different types of ships they used throughout history to explore the oceans and reach faraway lands.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What types of ships did sailors use in the past, and how were they different from the ships we have today? 2. What challenges did sailors face on their voyages, such as scurvy and dangerous weather? 3. What were some of the accomplishments of the brave sailors who explored the oceans, and how did they use their ships to reach faraway lands? 4. How did the Industrial Revolution change the way ships were built, and what new technologies were introduced? 5. Which type of ship would you like to sail on if you were a sailor, and why?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Black Stones
A Tale of the Talisman and the Search for Something New
In "A Tale of the Talisman and the Search for Something New," a fidgety child learns to let go of a broken talisman and discovers the joy of searching for new treasures.
Talk about it 1. What is a talisman and why is it considered lucky? 2. What happened to the obsidian talisman in the story and how did the child feel about it? 3. How did the child use the search engine to find a new treasure? 4. What did the child learn about letting go of the old and finding something new? 5. What other treasures might the child discover in the future?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Buffalo Soldiers
Rising Above Discrimination: A Tale of Opportunity and Integration
In a land of expansion and frontier, a community overcomes discrimination and racism to integrate and provide equal opportunities for all.
Talk about it 1. What are some examples of discrimination and racism that the community faced in the story? 2. How did the community work together to overcome these obstacles and integrate? 3. What opportunities did the community create for themselves and each other in the story? 4. Why is it important to protect and provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their race or background? 5. How can we learn from the community in the story and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Buffalo Soldiers2
Fortress of the Brave: The Story of the Stationed Soldiers
Fortress of the Brave" tells the tale of several soldiers stationed at a reservation, who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting their land with loyalty, courage, and a love for their country.
Talk about it 1. Who were the main characters in the story and what was their role? 2. What is a reservation and how is it different from other types of land? 3. What qualities did the soldiers have that made them brave and loyal? 4. Why do you think it's important to have people who are dedicated to protecting their country? 5. Have you ever met someone who serves in the military or protects others in some way? How did they inspire you? 6. What do you think the soldiers did in their free time when they weren't working at the fort? 7. How might the story be different if the soldiers were not stationed on a reservation but somewhere else? 8. What challenges do you think the soldiers faced in their work and how did they overcome them? 9. How do you think the soldiers felt when they had to leave their families to go to work at the fort? 10. How can we show appreciation and gratitude to those who serve and protect our country?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Mystery of Granville Library
Title: The Treasure Quest
In "The Treasure Quest," a group of brave knights embark on a decade-long adventure to decipher a catalog's acrostic code and find the treasure, using patterns and their wits to overcome obstacles and solve the mystery.
Talk about it 1. What was the problem the knights faced in their quest for treasure, and how did they solve it? 2. What clues did the knights use to solve the mystery, and how did they follow the pattern in the catalog? 3. How did the knights stay motivated during their decade-long adventure, and what qualities did they need to have to succeed? 4. Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem by following a pattern or using your wits, and what did you learn from that experience? 5. What do you think the knights learned from their treasure quest, and how might their adventure help them in the future?
Open reading