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 Y: Samuel de Champlain Father of New France
The Brave Venture: A Story of Colonists and Settlements
This story is about a group of brave colonists who build a settlement, navigate challenges such as a powerful monopoly and a siege, and make a treaty with the native inhabitants to live in peace and harmony.
Talk about it 1. Why did the colonists leave their homes to start a new settlement? 2. How did the colonists navigate the challenge of a powerful monopoly? 3. What did the colonists do to build a friendship with the native inhabitants? 4. Why was the settlement besieged, and how did the colonists defend themselves? 5. What can we learn from the colonists' bravery and perseverance in building a new community?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: Seven Billion and Counting
Learning to Live Sustainably: A Story of Animals and the Ecosystem
In a land where overpopulation and consumerism threatened the ecosystem, animals learned to live sustainably and taught others to do the same, bringing back the balance and ensuring a bright future.
Talk about it 1. What is overpopulation, and why is it harmful to an ecosystem? 2. What are some ways animals in the story learned to live more sustainably? 3. How did the animals work together to ensure a brighter future for their ecosystem? 4. Why is it important to teach others about sustainability and resource management? 5. Can you think of any ways you can live more sustainably in your daily life?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: Ships of Discovery
Jay and the Quest for the Cure: A Tale of Ingenuity and Unity
A young boy named Jay uses his ingenuity and brings unity to a land of indigenous people and traders by finding a cure for scurvy, saving the day.
Talk about it 1. Who is Jay, and what makes him special? 2. Why did the sailors have scurvy, and how did Jay help them? 3. What did Jay learn about the land and people of the archipelago, and how did this help him find a cure? 4. How did Jay's act of kindness bring unity and hope to the people around him? 5. What can we learn from Jay's story about the importance of ingenuity, unity, and compassion?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: Spoiled Sports The Dangers of Steroids
The Magic of Giving
The Magic of Giving" is a heartwarming tale about a young boy who discovers the joy of giving and the magical effect it has on the world around him.
Talk about it 1. What did the young boy learn about giving in the story? 2. How did the magic of giving affect the world around the boy? 3. Why do you think the boy felt so happy and fulfilled when he gave to others? 4. Have you ever experienced the magic of giving? If so, can you tell me about it? 5. Do you think that giving is important? Why or why not? 6. How can you incorporate the magic of giving into your own life?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Amazing Brain
The Wonders of Your Brain: A Rhyming Tour of Its Parts and Functions
The paragraph is a rhyming poem that describes the different parts of the brain and their functions, emphasizing the importance of taking care of the brain for learning and growth.
Talk about it 1. What are the different parts of the brain mentioned in the poem, and what are their functions? 2. How does the brain work, and what allows it to do its tasks? 3. Why is it important to take care of your brain, and how can you do so? 4. Can you think of any activities that you enjoy doing that involve different parts of the brain, such as dancing or problem-solving? How might your brain be working during those activities?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Art of Photography
Encouragement to Young Artists: Creating Masterpieces with Heart and Practice
The paragraph is a poem that encourages children to take heart and know that with time and practice, they can create their own masterpieces even if their work may seem crude and low at the beginning.
Talk about it 1. What is the amateur artist doing in the darkroom? 2. What is the amateur artist's goal in composing pictures? 3. Why is the process of creating prints cumbersome? 4. What is the joy of creation that is mentioned in the poem? 5. What is the message that the poem is trying to convey to young ones?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Bones of a King
Uncovering the Past: A Journey with an Archaeologist
An archaeologist uncovers the secrets of a medieval monastery through the use of modern technology and teams up with a descendant to piece together the propaganda and history of a brave and bold monarch.
Talk about it 1. What is an archaeologist and what do they do? 2. What was the archaeologist's mission in this story and what did they find? 3. How did the use of modern technology help the archaeologist in their search for the past? 4. Who was the monarch mentioned in the story and what was their role in history? 5. What did the descendant in the story learn about their family history? 6. What can we learn from stories like this about the importance of preserving history and learning about the past?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Case of the Disappearing Honeybees
Building a Better World: A Tale of Cooperation and Determination
In the face of danger and disorder, a colony of creatures bands together to find a sanctuary, overcome obstacles, and build a new home through perseverance and cooperation.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to encourage them to think more about the story: 1. What kind of creatures do you think were in the colony? 2. How do you think the colony felt when they realized their home was in danger? 3. What do you think the colony meant by "surveying the land"? 4. Why was it important for the colony to find a sanctuary? 5. How do you think the colony felt when they had to deal with the pesticide? 6. What can we learn from the colony's determination and cooperation? 7. What would you have done if you were part of the colony?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Cat in the Palace
The Wizard's Misadventure: A Tale of Subterfuge and Magic
In "The Wizard's Misadventure: A Tale of Subterfuge and Magic," a wizard and his loyal elf work together to overcome a brewing mishap and learn the importance of caution in their magical pursuits.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about "The Wizard's Misadventure: A Tale of Subterfuge and Magic": 1. What were some of the challenges the wizard faced when creating his potion? 2. How did the wizard and his elf work together to overcome the mishap? 3. Why is it important to be careful when doing magic? 4. What was your favorite part of the story and why? 5. Do you think the wizard and his elf make a good team? Why or why not?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Firefighter
Forest Rangers: The Brave Protectors
Forest Rangers: The Brave Protectors" is a poem that tells the story of a group of competent and dedicated forest rangers who work together to protect the forest from brutal fires and arsonists, using their skills, camaraderie, and hard work.
Talk about it 1. Who are the main characters in the story? 2. What is the job of the forest rangers in the story? 3. Why do they need to work together and have camaraderie? 4. What are some of the dangers they face in their job? 5. What is a bladder bag and why do the rangers need it? 6. Why is it important to protect the forest from fires? 7. What do you think it would be like to be a forest ranger? 8. What are some ways you can help protect the environment where you live? 9. What did you learn from the story about the importance of teamwork and hard work? 10. How can we show appreciation for the hard work of forest rangers and other people who protect the environment?
Open reading -
Poem live, make, hide and 17 more
The Artful Adventures of Young Creators
This is a whimsical tale about a group of young creators who embark on an artistic journey filled with learning, painting, hiding, and borrowing.
Talk about it 1. What were some of the art projects the young creators worked on? 2. How did the young creators feel when they were finished with their projects? 3. Why do you think the young creators chose to hide some of their art? 4. What did the young creators learn on their artistic journey? 5. What is the message or lesson that you took away from the story?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Great Charter
The Humble Rebellion: A Tale of Courage and Change
The Humble Rebellion: A Tale of Courage and Change" is a poem about a historic time of conflict and struggle, where people of humble means rose up against oppressive rulers to fight for their rights and liberties.
Talk about it 1. Why did the barons tax the poor and weak, and how did this impact their lives? 2. How did people react to the oppression they faced, and what did they do to fight for their rights and liberties? 3. What do you think it means to be humble, brave, and strong? 4. What lessons can we learn from the story about standing up for what we believe in? 5. How does this story relate to events that are happening in the world today?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Great Hunger
Hope in the Face of Adversity: The Story of Ireland's Famine
Hope in the Face of Adversity" tells the story of Ireland's Great Famine, highlighting the struggles and resilience of its people in the face of devastating poverty, famine, and displacement.
Talk about it Here are some questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What were some of the challenges that people in Ireland faced during the Great Famine? 2. Why do you think some people chose to emigrate, while others chose to stay in Ireland? 3. What are some examples of the resilience and hope that people showed during this difficult time? 4. How can we learn from the experiences of people who lived through the Great Famine, and apply those lessons to our own lives? 5. What are some ways that we can help people who are experiencing poverty or famine today, both in our own communities and around the world?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Haidas
The Triumph of the Animals: A Tale of Perseverance and Preservation
In "The Triumph of the Animals: A Tale of Perseverance and Preservation," a shaman warns a group of animals of their impending extinction and leads them on a quest to obtain a supernatural pigment, which they use to save their communal home and triumph over the dangers of the world.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. Who is the shaman, and why is he important to the animals in the story? 2. What is the supernatural pigment, and how does it help the animals overcome their challenges? 3. Why is it important for the animals to work together and designate a leader in times of crisis? 4. What do you think it means to live in a communal home like the longhouse in the story? 5. How can we learn from the animals in the story and work together to preserve our own world and protect it from dangers like extinction?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Legacy of da Vinci
The Apprentice's Dream: A Tale of Innovation and Creativity
A young apprentice pursues his dream of creating an innovative and anatomical replica, inspired by the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution, and becomes a master artist and inventor through hard work and determination.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What did the young apprentice dream of becoming? 2. What did the young apprentice do to learn his craft? 3. What were some of the historical periods that inspired the young apprentice's work? 4. What did the young apprentice create that impressed everyone? 5. How did the young apprentice become a master artist and inventor? 6. What can we learn from the young apprentice's journey?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Life of Cesar Chavez
The Brave Souls of Justice: Standing Up for What's Right
This story is about the history of civil disobedience and nonviolent protests, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of labor unions, migrant farm workers, and grassroots movements in the fight for justice and equality.
Talk about it 1. What is civil disobedience, and how can it be used to promote change? 2. What are some of the challenges faced by migrant farm workers during the Great Depression, and how did labor unions and grassroots movements help to address these challenges? 3. What is the importance of nonviolence in promoting social change, and how can it be used to prevent harm while still making a strong statement? 4. How can we continue to honor the legacy of those who fought for justice and equality in the past, and what can we do to continue their work today? 5. What are some examples of issues in our world today that require people to stand up for what is right, and how can we use the lessons of history to guide our actions?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Young Artist and the Medieval Masterpiece
A young artist with a passion for creating a medieval masterpiece brings her sketch to life on canvas, carving it into a sculpture with a grand facade and a wondrous story to tell.
Talk about it 1. What was the young artist's dream, and how did she bring it to life? 2. What kind of story do you think the sculpture tells, and what is your favorite part of it? 3. Do you think it's important to have passion for what you create? Why or why not? 4. How did the artist feel when she stepped back to look at her finished masterpiece? 5. If you could create a sculpture or painting, what would it be of, and what would it tell the world?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Mystery Twin
Lost in the Woods
After getting separated from their hiking group during a sudden storm, a pair of siblings must work together to survive and find their way back to safety in the unfamiliar woods.
Talk about it 1. What did the siblings do to prepare for their hike in the woods? 2. What did the siblings do when they realized they were lost? 3. What are some things the siblings did to stay safe and survive in the woods? 4. How did the siblings feel when they finally found their way back to safety? 5. What did the siblings learn from their experience of being lost in the woods?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Story of Lewis and Clark Book 1 Up the Missouri River
Adventurers of the Northwest Passage
A group of nomads set forth on an expedition through hostile and uninhabited lands to find the Northwest Passage, facing many challenges along the way, but their bravery and determination led them to discover the beauty of nature in places unseen.
Talk about it 1. What was the goal of the adventurers in this story? 2. What kind of challenges did the adventurers face on their journey? 3. How did the interpreter help the adventurers during their expedition? 4. What kind of boats did the adventurers use to cross the water? 5. What did the adventurers do to cook their food and stay nourished on their journey? 6. What did the adventurers discover about nature in the uninhabited lands they crossed? 7. Would you want to go on an expedition like this one? Why or why not? 8. What qualities do you think the adventurers needed to complete their journey?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: The Story of Lewis and Clark Book 2 To the Pacific Ocean
Brave Explorers of the Northwest Passage
A corps of explorers led by an interpreter braves harsh conditions and malnutrition to pursue the Northwest Passage, traveling through impassable terrain in moccasins to achieve their ultimate goal.
Talk about it 1. What challenges did the explorers face during their journey to find the Northwest Passage? 2. How did the interpreter help the corps on their expedition? 3. What does "malnutrition" mean, and why was it a problem for the explorers? 4. What did the explorers wear on their feet to travel through the impassable terrain? 5. Why do you think the explorers were so determined to find the Northwest Passage?
Open reading -
Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: Two Kettles
The Young Hunter's Adventure
The Young Hunter's Adventure" is a poetic tale about a boy's appreciation for the natural world as he learns the skills of hunting and cooking while discovering and admiring the beauty around him.
Talk about it Here are some questions that kids can think about after reading "The Young Hunter's Adventure": 1. What is your favorite part of the story and why? 2. What are some of the things the young hunter learns from his parents, and why are they important? 3. What does the young hunter find in the forest, and how does he feel about it? 4. Why do you think the young hunter feels grateful for the natural world around him? 5. Have you ever gone on an adventure like the young hunter's, and what did you learn from it?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: What Do You Think About Climate Change
The Environmental Adventure: A Journey to Save the Planet
A group of young heroes embark on a mission to save the planet from the devastating effects of climate change caused by human activities.
Talk about it 1. What are some of the causes of climate change in the story? 2. Who were some of the characters that helped save the planet in the story? 3. What are some ways that you can help protect the environment in real life? 4. How did the characters work together to accomplish their mission? 5. What did you learn from this story about the importance of taking care of the planet?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: Wild and Wacky World of Wigs
The Rancid Resin: A Lesson in Fashion for Kids
This story teaches kids about the importance of proper garment care and the consequences of neglecting it, using the example of rancid resin in ornate garments of the aristocracy.
Talk about it 1. What is resin and why did the aristocracy use it in their garments? 2. What happened when the resin was left to sit for too long? 3. Why is it important to take care of our clothes and keep them clean? 4. How do you think the aristocracy would have smelled if they neglected their garment care? 5. What can we do to keep our clothes smelling fresh and clean?
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Poem RAZ Vocabulary Y: Winston Churchill Never Give In
From Ambition to Achievement: The Story of a Young Prime Minister
The story is about a young, ambitious and witty boy who becomes the prime minister of his land, fights against depression and aristocracy, and is honored with a Nobel Prize for his efforts.
Talk about it Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story: 1. What did the young kid want to become when he grew up, and how did he achieve his goal? 2. Who were the obstacles that the kid faced in his journey to become the prime minister, and how did he overcome them? 3. What did the kid do to fight against the depression of his time, and what impact did it have on his empire? 4. How did the kid's wit and charm help him in his journey to become the prime minister, and why is it important to have these qualities in a leader? 5. What is the significance of the Nobel Prize, and why was it awarded to the young prime minister in the story?
Open reading