Because a Fire Was in My Head: 101 Poems to Remember
Faber Children'S Classics Series
on Goodreads (44)
What’s inside...
A wonderful anthology of poems to set fire to the imagination. We only have to 'remember, remember the 5th of November' to see a dark night filled with fireworks and bonfires. In their many different ways - through their sounds, rhythms, stories, surprises and jokes - these poems will set the fireworks crackling in our own heads. Michael Morpurgo has brought together poems by writers as diverse as Spike Milligan and Louis MacNeice, Stevie Smith and John Lennon, Jo Shapcott and Lewis Carroll. Once read, they won't be forgotten - some even beg to be learned by heart. This anthology will form the cornerstone to a lifetime's enjoyment of poetry.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem resonated with you the most, and why?
How do the images in the poem make you feel?
Can you think of a moment in your life that reminds you of something in these poems?
What do you think the poet was feeling when they wrote this poem?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own thoughts on a poem that particularly speaks to you; this openness can encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings.
Ask your child to draw or visually depict their favorite poem or line, providing a deeper connection to the material.
Create a cozy, distraction-free reading environment that makes discussing the poems more inviting and focused.
Relate the themes or emotions of the poems to personal family experiences or stories, making the content more relatable and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The diverse collection of poems in 'Because a Fire Was in My Head' explores a wide range of emotions and perspectives, helping children to understand and empathize with different feelings and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in real-world interactions, such as being more considerate and understanding towards their peers who may be experiencing emotions that they themselves have read about in poetry.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: Several poems in this anthology celebrate the beauty of the natural world, encouraging a sense of wonder and appreciation for the environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can foster environmentally friendly behaviors in children, such as enjoying and participating in outdoor activities, and taking active steps to preserve the natural beauty around them.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Expression
Explanation: Through engaging with a variety of poetic voices and styles, children learn the value of expressing one’s own thoughts and feelings creatively.
Real-World Application: Children can use poetry as a way to express their own emotions, thoughts, or experiences, either in writing or verbally, which is important for emotional intelligence and personal development.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The anthology includes works from poets around the globe, providing a rich exposure to different cultures and traditions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open and interested in learning about cultures different from their own, promoting inclusivity and diversity in their everyday interactions.