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: The Olympics Past and Present
The Motto of Friendship and Adventure
This is a playful poem that encourages young children to embrace the values of teamwork, competition, exploration, and internationalism, as well as to celebrate life's milestones and stay curious.
Talk about it 1. What does the motto in the poem mean to you? 2. Have you ever had to compete with someone for something? How did you handle it? 3. Can you think of a time when you felt proud and celebrated like in the ceremony? 4. If you could meet someone from a different country, what would you ask them? 5. What do you think archaeologists do, and why is their work important?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Olympics Past and Present2
The Sacred Steeplechase: An Adventure in the City-State
A group of young children journey to a city-state to witness a spectacular steeplechase race but find themselves in the middle of a terrorist plot, Nazi history, and the dangers of steroids, all while learning about sacred sites and the importance of standing up against darkness.
Talk about it 1. What was your favorite part of the story and why? 2. How did the children in the story show courage and bravery? 3. What did the children learn about sacred sites and why they are important? 4. Why is it important to stand up against darkness, as shown in the story? 5. How did the children stay safe in the midst of danger, and what can we learn from their actions? 6. How did the story teach us about the dangers of steroids and why they should not be used? 7. What did the children learn about history, and how did it impact their understanding of the world around them? 8. What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the children in the story?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Red Baron
The Noble Officer's Biplane Adventure
A noble officer sets off on a biplane to confirm a message, but upon seeing a minor issue on the ground, he lands and helps solve it before returning home.
Talk about it 1. Who is the main character of the story and what is he trying to do? 2. What did the noble officer do when he saw the minor issue on the ground? 3. Why is it important to help others, even with minor issues? 4. How do you think the people felt when the noble officer helped them with their problem? 5. Do you think it was easy for the noble officer to fly a biplane? Why or why not? 6. If you could help someone with a minor issue, what would you do to help them?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Red Baron2
Triplanes and Trenches: A Tale of Stalemate in World War I
In "Triplanes and Trenches: A Tale of Stalemate in World War I," a squadron of triplanes soars high above soldiers stuck in a stalemate in trenches during the war, highlighting the struggles and futility of war.
Talk about it Here are some questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What was World War I, and how did it affect people around the world? 2. What were triplanes, and how were they used in the war? 3. What were trenches, and why were they important during the war? 4. Why do you think the soldiers and pilots had such a difficult time during the war, even with all their advanced technology? 5. How do you think the soldiers in the trenches felt when they saw the triplanes flying overhead? 6. What do you think the author is trying to teach us about war and its impact on people?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Smithsonian Institution
Title: "Exploring Our History: A Journey Through Diversity and Artifacts
A group of adventurers embark on a perilous journey to reclaim a stolen artifact from a treacherous villain and his minions in order to save their village from certain doom.
Talk about it 1. What was the artifact that the adventurers were trying to reclaim? 2. Who was the villain in the story, and what did he want to do with the artifact? 3. How did the adventurers work together to overcome the challenges they faced on their journey? 4. What lessons did the characters learn throughout their adventure? 5. How did the story's setting and atmosphere contribute to the overall experience? 6. What was your favorite part of the story, and why? 7. What might you have done differently if you were in the characters' shoes? 8. What other adventures would you like to see these characters go on in the future? 9. How did the story's themes of courage, teamwork, and perseverance apply to your own life? 10. What do you think the characters' lives were like after their adventure was over?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The University of Arizona College of Science Biosphere 2
The Magical Adventure of Lily and the Enchanted Forest
Lily embarks on a magical adventure through the Enchanted Forest, where she meets a variety of interesting creatures and discovers the power of imagination.
Talk about it 1. What did Lily discover about the Enchanted Forest? 2. What interesting creatures did she meet on her adventure? 3. How did Lily use her imagination to help her on her journey? 4. What challenges did Lily face along the way, and how did she overcome them? 5. What lessons do you think Lily learned from her adventure in the Enchanted Forest?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The University of Arizona College of Science Biosphere 22
Protecting the Biosphere: Taking Action Against Climate Change".
The paragraph emphasizes the importance of taking action to combat climate change, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and work together to protect the biosphere, while encouraging the reader to reduce, reuse, and recycle to help keep the planet healthy.
Talk about it 1. What is climate change and why is it important to protect the planet? 2. What are some things we can do to help protect the planet and reduce the harm caused by carbon dioxide? 3. Why is it important to work together to protect the planet's biosphere? What are some ways we can work together to do this?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The World of NASCAR
The Magical Journey Through the Enchanted Forest
In "The Magical Journey Through the Enchanted Forest," a group of friends embark on an adventure through a mystical forest, encountering strange creatures and overcoming obstacles along the way.
Talk about it 1. What did the friends encounter in the enchanted forest? 2. Which obstacle did they find the most challenging to overcome and why? 3. If you could join the group of friends on their adventure, what magical creature would you want to see and why? 4. How did the friends work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles? 5. What lessons did the friends learn on their journey through the enchanted forest?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: The Yanomami Deep in the Amazon
Title: The Oasis of Survival
Amidst a barren desert, a nomadic tribe survives and thrives with the help of an oasis and their resourcefulness.
Talk about it 1. What is an oasis, and how did it help the nomadic tribe in the story? 2. What are some of the challenges that the tribe faced living in the desert, and how did they overcome them? 3. What can we learn from the resourcefulness and adaptability of the nomadic tribe in the story? 4. Can you think of any other real-life examples of people adapting to their environment and making the most of available resources? 5. How do you think the story would have been different if the oasis had dried up completely, and the tribe could no longer rely on it?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Threats to Our Atmosphere
The Impact of Burning Fossil Fuels on the Environment: Why We Need to be Mindful of Our Usage.
The paragraph discusses the potential harmful effects of burning fossil fuels on the environment, including changes to weather patterns and the importance of being mindful of our usage to protect the planet for future generations.
Talk about it 1. What is fossil fuel and why do we need to be careful when we burn it for power? 2. How can the chemicals emitted from burning fossil fuels affect the atmosphere and weather patterns? 3. Why is it important to be mindful of the fossil fuel we use and the impact it has on the earth, particularly for future generations?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: To Drill or Not to Drill
The Geologist's Expedition: Protecting the Tundra's Wildlife
A geologist explores the tundra, learns about endangered species and their migration, and inspires others to take action and preserve nature.
Talk about it Here are a few questions that kids can think about related to the story: 1. What is a geologist, and what did the geologist in the story study in the tundra? 2. What is migration, and why do caribou migrate? 3. Why were some species endangered in the tundra, and what can we do to help protect them? 4. Why is it important to preserve nature and protect wildlife? 5. What can we learn from the geologist's expedition, and how can we take action to protect the environment?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: Vikings
The Fearsome Shipwright and the Monastery's Ideal
A shipwright and a monastery collaborate to build a strong vessel that can carry a message of unity and hope across the sea, spreading their ideals of democracy, love, and peace to distant lands.
Talk about it 1. Who were the main characters in the story, and what were their roles? 2. What did the shipwright and the monks build together, and why was it important? 3. What did the ship carry, and where did it go? 4. How did the shipwright and the monks embody their ideals of democracy, love, and peace? 5. What can we learn from the story about the importance of collaboration and working towards a common goal?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary W: What is Water Worth
Saving Our Precious World
This story highlights the importance of understanding weather patterns, protecting the environment, and working together to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Talk about it 1. What is precipitation, and why is it important for living things? 2. How do scientists predict weather patterns, and why is this important for our daily lives? 3. What is carbon dioxide, and why is it a threat to our planet? 4. How can we work together to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for all? 5. What are some simple things we can do to help take care of our planet?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: American Football
Lost in the Woods
A group of friends get lost in the woods and must work together to find their way back home.
Talk about it 1. Why did the group of friends decide to go into the woods? 2. What kind of challenges did they face while they were lost? 3. How did the friends work together to find their way back home? 4. What would you have done differently if you were one of the friends who were lost in the woods? 5. Why is it important to always be prepared when going on a hike or outdoor adventure?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Body Art
A Tale of Two Friends
A Tale of Two Friends" is a heartwarming story about two friends, their unconditional love for each other, and how they overcome obstacles to stay together.
Talk about it 1. Who are the main characters in the story, and what are their names? 2. What kind of friendship do the two characters share, and how do they show their love for each other? 3. What obstacles do the characters face, and how do they overcome them? 4. What lessons can you learn from the story, and how can you apply them in your own life? 5. How does the story make you feel, and what parts of it did you like the most?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Body Art2
The Magic Paintbrush
The Magic Paintbrush" is a tale about a poor orphan boy who is gifted a brush that brings his paintings to life, but his newfound success attracts the attention of a greedy emperor who wants to use the brush for his own gain.
Talk about it 1. How did the magic paintbrush change the boy's life? 2. Why did the emperor want to take the brush from the boy? 3. What did the boy learn from his experiences with the magic paintbrush? 4. Do you think the boy was right to use the brush to help people, even if it put him in danger? 5. Can you think of any other stories or myths about magical objects that have special powers?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Brazil
The Gaucho's Battle for the Ecosystem.
The story follows a brave gaucho who fights against a cruel dictator to save the ecosystem and protect the water cycle, with the help of his community and the Catholic church.
Talk about it 1. Who was the main character of the story and what was he trying to protect? 2. Why was the gaucho fighting against the dictator and what were some of the challenges he faced? 3. What role did the Catholic church play in the story and how did they help the gaucho? 4. What did the gaucho and his community do to save the ecosystem and why was it important to protect the water cycle? 5. What can we learn from the story about the importance of taking care of the environment and working together to make a positive impact?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Comic Cons
Diversity Abounds: A Convention to Expand Horizons and Embrace Differences
This paragraph is a promotional message inviting children to attend a diverse convention where they can expand their horizons, make new friends, participate in panels and exhibits, meet their favorite characters, and embrace different views and races.
Talk about it 1. What is this event about and what can you do there? 2. Why is it important to embrace different views and races? 3. What can you do to remember this event with delight?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: DDay
Battle for Liberation: The Triumph of the Allies
The story recounts the bravery and determination of the Allied forces in their battle against the Axis powers to liberate an area from enemy control and establish a foothold for a better future.
Talk about it 1. What was the goal of the Allied forces in the story? 2. Why was it important for the Allies to capture a foothold in the area? 3. What was the cost of the battle, and why do you think the Allies were willing to pay that cost? 4. How did the Allies ultimately achieve victory? 5. What lessons can we learn from the bravery and determination of the Allied forces in this story?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Dust Bowl Disaster
Protecting the Grasslands: Understanding the Threats and Taking Action
The paragraph describes the importance of grasslands and the threats they face, such as drought and erosion, and suggests ways to help protect them, including water conservation, waste reduction, and planting new grasses.
Talk about it 1. What are some threats to the grasslands mentioned in the paragraph? 2. How can we help protect the grasslands? 3. Why are the grasslands important for animals? 4. What are some things we can do to conserve water and reduce waste?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Dust Bowl Disaster2
The Great Plains: Overcoming the Dust Bowl
This is a story about the struggles faced by the farmers during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in the Great Plains, and how they came together to recover from the problem and overcome the challenges.
Talk about it 1. What was the Great Depression and how did it affect people's lives? 2. What was the Dust Bowl and how did it contribute to the problems faced by farmers? 3. What challenges did the farmers face during this time, and how did they try to overcome them? 4. What do you think it means to "come together" and work as a team to solve a problem? How did the farmers do this during the Dust Bowl? 5. What can we learn from the farmers in the Great Plains during this difficult time, and how can we apply those lessons to our own lives?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Early Moments in Rock Music 2
Bringing Harmony Through Music
The story "Bringing Harmony Through Music" tells of a group of kids who used the power of music to integrate their community and overcome the barriers of segregation.
Talk about it Here are some questions you can ask kids to think about the story: 1. How did the phonograph bring people together in the story? 2. Why do you think segregation was a problem in the past, and how did the kids in the story help to overcome it? 3. How did the lyrics of the music help to create unity and harmony among the people in the story? 4. What role does music play in your life, and how can it be used to bring people together and build bridges between different communities? 5. What are some ways that you can help to promote unity and harmony in your own community, using the lessons from the story?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Early Moments in Rock Music
Finding Kindness: A Story of Acceptance and Friendship
A group of diverse children learn the importance of acceptance and kindness, overcoming discrimination and forming deep friendships in the process.
Talk about it 1. How did the children in the story learn to accept each other's differences? 2. What were some of the challenges the children faced because of discrimination? 3. How did the concept of civil rights play a role in the story? 4. What were some ways the children showed kindness to one another throughout the story? 5. Why is it important to be friends with people who have different backgrounds and experiences than us?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary X: Egypt
Oscar's Adventure in the Enchanted Forest
Oscar, a young boy, embarks on a magical adventure in the enchanted forest where he meets new friends, overcomes obstacles, and learns valuable lessons about bravery and compassion.
Talk about it 1. Who was Oscar and what kind of person was he at the beginning of the story? 2. What did Oscar find in the enchanted forest and how did he react to it? 3. Who were the new friends that Oscar met on his adventure and what were their special abilities? 4. What were some of the challenges that Oscar faced on his journey, and how did he overcome them? 5. What did Oscar learn about bravery and compassion from his adventure in the enchanted forest? 6. If you could go on a magical adventure like Oscar, where would you want to go and what kind of friends would you want to meet? 7. How did the enchanted forest change Oscar's perspective on life, and what new things did he learn about himself and the world around him? 8. If you could ask Oscar one question about his adventure, what would it be and why?
Open reading