Seaside Poems
What’s inside...
This anthology of poems captures the fun and joy of spending a sunny day at the beach. It includes various poems by different authors such as 'Rocks' by Florence Parry Heide, which illustrates the transformation of big rocks into pebbles and sand, and 'Rain Coming' by Ashley Bryan, which depicts children playing at the seashore and getting soaked in the rain. The collection is designed for young readers and encompasses the entire beach experience, from playing in the sand and splashing in the sea to eating fish and chips, making it a delightful read for children who enjoy seaside adventures.
Discussion points
What is your favorite poem from 'Seaside Poems' and why does it stand out to you?
How do you think the ocean creatures feel in the poems? What words or lines make you think that?
Can you imagine the sights and sounds described in the poems? What would you add to the scene?
Do the poems make you feel like visiting the seaside? What would you do there?
Which poem made you laugh or smile and why? Can you think of a funny seaside poem of your own?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions and ambiance of the seaside setting in the poems.
Pause after reading each poem to discuss the imagery and ask your child what pictures they see in their mind.
Encourage your child to draw or describe a scene mentioned in the poem. This will help deepen their connection and understanding.
Connect the poems to personal experiences or family trips to the seaside, enhancing the relevance and sparking more interest.
Ask your child to pick a poem and act it out, using gestures and props. It's a fun way to explore and express creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Through vivid descriptions and engaging poems, 'Seaside Poems' encourages children to notice and cherish the natural beauty of the seaside.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe and discuss the environment during family trips or walks in nature, fostering a lifelong respect and care for natural settings.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The poetic format of the book stimulates the imagination by depicting whimsical seaside scenarios that children might not encounter in everyday life.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to create their own stories or drawings based on the natural world, boosting their creative thinking and expression skills.
Example Lesson: Language and rhyme
Explanation: The use of rhyme throughout 'Seaside Poems' helps children develop an ear for phonetic patterns, crucial for early reading skills.
Real-World Application: Parents can engage children in rhyming games or encourage them to think of their own rhymes, enhancing phonetic awareness and enjoyment of language.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Some poems discuss the impact of human activity on seaside environments, subtly teaching children about conservation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can lead to conversations about recycling, pollution, and ways to help protect our planet, making children aware of their role in environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Empathy and emotional understanding
Explanation: Poems that portray the seaside from the perspectives of different creatures help children understand and empathize with others’ experiences and emotions.
Real-World Application: Parents can use these stories to discuss feelings and perspectives, helping children develop empathy and emotional intelligence in their interactions with others.