Falling Down the Page
on Goodreads (282)
What’s inside...
TRY THIS AT HOME. Poems to inspire young readers. From Eileen Spinelli's many goodbyes to summer at the shore, to Avis Harley's catalog of ways to say hello across the globe, to a close look at the birds and animals outside Valiska Gregory's window in winter...Georgia Heard has collected list poems from contemporary poets. Each list is gathered with a poet's eye - carefully selected details beautifully presented - so that readers see the extraordinary in the ordinary. And so readers are encouraged to be writers. The simplicity of each poem and Georgia Heard's introduction will inspire young poets to write their own.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite poem in the book, and why did it stand out to you?
How do the poems make you feel as they fall down the page? Can you think of a creative way to arrange words?
If you could write a poem about any topic, what would it be and how would you structure it on the page?
What emotions did you notice in different poems? How do the words and their placement help express those feelings?
How could you use the style of these poems to describe a day in your life or a favorite memory?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the poems, not just read them. Ask them to draw what they imagine as they read each poem.
Discuss the physical layout of the poems and how the arrangement impacts their meaning or emotional tone.
Create a family poetry night where each member picks their favorite poem from the book and explains why they chose it.
Have your child create their own 'falling down the page' poem, discussing choices of words and placement to express their thoughts or emotions.
Relate the poems to personal experiences or current events to deepen the connection and relevance to your child’s world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Through its collection of list poems, 'Falling Down the Page' encourages children to explore creative ways of expression and helps them understand that poetry doesn’t have to follow conventional formats.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by experimenting with different ways of expressing their thoughts and feelings, whether through writing their own poems, stories, or even through other art forms like drawing or music.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The book invites readers to observe the ordinary objects and scenarios from a unique perspective, as seen in poems like 'A List of Things in My Backpack'.
Real-World Application: This can translate into children becoming more mindful and observant about their surroundings, enhancing their attention to detail which can aid in both academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: Poems such as 'What’s in My Pencil' inspire children to consider the natural resources and processes behind everyday items, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value and care for their environment, understanding the importance of conservation and sustainability in daily life.
Example Lesson: Language Play and Vocabulary Building
Explanation: The playful use of language throughout the book encourages readers to explore new words and phrases, enriching their vocabulary.
Real-World Application: This can enhance their language skills, making them better communicators and boosting their confidence in literacy.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Perspective
Explanation: By presenting challenges and perspectives in a poetic format, the book shows that persistence in understanding different viewpoints is crucial.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of trying to understand complex ideas or different perspectives, which is a valuable skill for problem-solving and interpersonal relationships.