Confetti: Poems for Children
What’s inside...
In this joyful and spirited collection, award-winning poet Pat Mora and fine artist Enrique O. Sanchez celebrate the vivid landscape of the Southwest and the delightful rapport that children share with the natural world. Through language that resonates with the harmony of both English and Spanish, 'Confetti' is an anthem to the power of a child's imagination and pride. Poems celebrating the beauty of the Southwest are experienced through the eyes of a Mexican American girl who lives there.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem in 'Confetti' did you enjoy the most and why?
How do the colorful images in the book make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way as a character in one of the poems?
What do you think the author wants us to learn from these poems?
If you could write your own poem based on 'Confetti,' what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the poems aloud together, emphasizing the rhythmic and melodic aspects to enhance enjoyment and comprehension.
Encourage your child to describe the imagery in the book, asking them to draw scenes or characters they imagine from the poems.
Relate the themes of the poems to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their connection and understanding.
Discuss the emotions conveyed in the poems, asking your child how they feel about those emotions and why.
Create an atmosphere of creativity and fun by writing simple poems together inspired by themes in 'Confetti.'
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: Pat Mora’s 'Confetti: Poems for Children' highlights the beauty and importance of cultural diversity through vibrant and colorful poetry. It teaches the value of embracing one's heritage and the diversity of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing curiosity and respect towards different cultures they encounter in school or their community, fostering inclusiveness and understanding.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The poetry in 'Confetti' includes themes that encourage a deep appreciation for the natural world, illustrating the wonders of the environment around us.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to observe and cherish their surroundings, be it a park, a garden or even small bugs. This can lead to environmentally conscious behaviors from a young age.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Pleasures
Explanation: Mora’s poems often find joy and wonder in everyday moments and simple pleasures, teaching children to find happiness in the little things in life.
Real-World Application: Children can practice mindfulness and gratitude by appreciating and finding joy in simple everyday activities and moments, such as playing with a friend or enjoying a family meal.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: The poetic format of 'Confetti' encourages children to explore and express their thoughts and feelings creatively through words.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to write poems or stories can help them articulate their feelings and improve their communication skills, boosting their self-confidence and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Language Skills
Explanation: Through engaging with the playful and lyrical language of the poems, children can enhance their vocabulary and linguistic skills.
Real-World Application: This book can serve as a tool for parents and educators to further develop a child's reading and speaking abilities, making it a fun and educational part of language learning lessons.