Going to the Fair: Selected Poems for Children
Puffin poetry Series
What’s inside...
This collection brings together a selection of works by acclaimed children's poet Charles Causley, featuring a broad range of his poetry including his nonsense verse and ballads.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite poem from the book and what feelings does it evoke in you?
How do the descriptions in the poems help you picture the fair? Can you imagine the sights, sounds, and smells?
Which character in the poems would you like to meet and what would you ask them?
How do the poems about the fair compare to any fairs or festivals you have attended?
What do you think is the main message of these poems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the poems alongside your child, using expressive tones and voices to bring the characters and scenes to life.
Encourage your child to draw scenes or characters from the poems, helping them connect visually with the text.
Ask your child to pick out words or phrases that stand out to them and discuss their meanings and why they might be significant.
Create an opportunity for your child to write their own short poem inspired by their favorite aspects of the fair or festival.
Relate the themes or events in the poems to your child's personal experiences to deepen their understanding and connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Charles Causley's poems often emphasize acts of kindness and the joy it brings to others. For example, in some poems, characters share their treats or help a friend in need.
Real-World Application: Children can practice kindness by sharing their toys with friends or helping a family member with a chore, thereby fostering an environment of generosity and compassion in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity
Explanation: The poems in 'Going to the Fair' include a variety of characters from different backgrounds, promoting diversity and inclusion. The fair, a central theme, is depicted as a melting pot of cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people's differences, whether at school or in their community, understanding that everyone's unique traits contribute to the richness of our world.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: Many poems encourage exploring the world and asking questions, portraying curiosity as a positive trait. Characters who wonder and explore tend to learn more and have exciting adventures.
Real-World Application: Encourage children to ask questions about how things work or why things happen in their everyday life, which can enhance their critical thinking and understanding of the world around them.
Example Lesson: The joy of family bonding
Explanation: Several poems highlight enjoyable moments spent with family at the fair, emphasizing the importance of family time and creating memorable experiences together.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and look forward to family activities, whether it's a simple evening walk or a more structured outing, each moment contributing to stronger family relationships.