A Poke In The I: A Collection Of Concrete Poems (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
on Goodreads (600)
What’s inside...
The words in a concrete poem form a shape that complements the meaning of the poem. They may wiggle about, curve around or hurtle down the page, but they will always startle and delight the eye. John Agard, Sylvia Cassedy, John Hegley, Roger McGough, Edwin Morgan ... these are just a few of the celebrated poets included in Paul B. Janeczko's intriguing selection of concrete poems, illustrated with pizzazz by Chris Raschka. These aren't poems to read aloud, but to look at and laugh at together, with young children and especially older readers, who will enjoy the surprise of what words look like and what can be done with them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the shapes of the poems make you feel or think differently about the words?
Can you create your own concrete poem using a shape that you like?
Why do you think the author chose these specific shapes for the poems?
What emotions do you feel when reading these poems, and which one is your favorite?
How does the visual aspect of the poem enhance or change the message?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, encourage your child to visualize and even draw the shapes they imagine while reading the poems.
Praise creative efforts, whether interpreting the poems or creating new ones, to build confidence and enjoyment in poetry.
Use a variety of tones and voices as you read the poems aloud together, emphasizing the unique flow and rhythm created by the shapes.
Connect the themes or emotions in the poems to personal experiences or feelings to help deepen your child's understanding and empathy.
Ask open-ended questions to foster critical thinking and encourage your child to express their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations freely.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book uses the unique format of concrete poetry to encourage children to see poetry and language from different visual perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this creative thinking in their daily activities, encouraging them to express themselves uniquely in art or writing projects at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perspective
Explanation: By presenting poems that need to be viewed from different angles or have special visual elements, the book teaches children that perspective can change how we interpret language and meaning.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that everyone has different viewpoints, which can aid in developing empathy and better communication with peers.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Literature
Explanation: The variety of poems in 'A Poke in the I' exposes children to the broad spectrum of poetic forms, fostering an early appreciation and love for literature.
Real-World Application: This appreciation can inspire children to explore more books and genres, boosting their reading skills and expanding their knowledge.
Example Lesson: Visual Learning
Explanation: Since the poems are designed to convey meaning through their shape and structure, it helps children understand the importance of visual elements in communication.
Real-World Application: This understanding can enhance their interpretative and cognitive skills, useful for visual literacy in educational settings and everyday life.
Example Lesson: Engagement and Interaction
Explanation: The playful and interactive nature of concrete poetry in the book engages children more deeply than traditional poetry might, making the reading experience more enjoyable and impactful.
Real-World Application: Enhanced engagement can lead to a more sustained interest in reading and learning, key components in academic success and personal growth.