If Kids Ruled the School: Kids' Favorite Funny School Poems (Giggle Poetry)
Giggle Poetry Series
What’s inside...
If Kids Ruled the School is a collection of 50 humorous poems about school-related topics, written by renowned children's poets including Jack Prelutsky, Bruce Lansky, and Kenn Nesbitt. The poems cover a wide range of school experiences, from homework and tests to school lunches and detention. Tested and enjoyed by over 1,000 elementary school children, this book is a winner of the iParenting Media Awards Back to School 2004 in the Poetry category. It offers a hilarious take on school life, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh about the ups and downs of school.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in charge of the school for a day?
Which poem in the book was your favorite, and why did it make you laugh?
Can you think of a funny rule you would like to implement at school?
How do you think teachers might react if some of the events in the poems happened in real life?
If you could write a poem about your school, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share a laugh with your child by first reading the poems together, then discussing the humor and creativity behind them.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them which part of the school day they would love to change and how they’d do it.
Boost their critical thinking by asking them to imagine the consequences of the silly rules or events described in the poems.
Promote empathy by discussing how different characters in the poems might feel about the humorous situations.
Foster creativity by helping your child to write their own funny school-themed poem, using the book as inspiration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The poems in 'If Kids Ruled the School' often highlight humorous and exaggerated scenarios where kids take charge, which can help children understand diverse perspectives and the importance of listening to others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more considerate and understanding towards their peers' ideas and feelings, fostering a supportive social environment at school.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book encourages children to think outside the box through playful and whimsical poems that depict a world run by kids.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination more freely in their everyday problem-solving and creative projects, enhancing their cognitive flexibility.
Example Lesson: The Value of Rules and Structure
Explanation: By exploring fun, chaotic scenarios where children are in charge, the book indirectly teaches the importance of rules and structure in everyday life.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate the presence of rules which facilitate a smooth and predictable daily routine, both in educational settings and at home.
Example Lesson: Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Explanation: The poems use humor to deal with common school situations and frustrations, demonstrating that laughter can be an effective way to cope with challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach difficult or stressful situations with a sense of humor, helping to reduce anxiety and build resilience.
Example Lesson: Expression Through Writing
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of poems written from the perspectives of different children, illustrating how writing can be a powerful tool for expression.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore writing as a means to express their thoughts, feelings, and creativity, possibly sparking a lifelong interest in writing.