The Orchard Book of Funny Poems (Poetry and Folk Tales)
What’s inside...
This anthology of funny poems features works by Michael Rosen, Brian Patten, Colin West, Lewis Carroll, Rudyard Kipling, and A.A. Milne. The selection ranges from humorous and ridiculous to thoughtful, all curated for enjoyment.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which poem made you laugh the most, and why?
Can you think of a funny event in your life that could be turned into a poem?
How do the illustrations enhance the humor in the poems?
Why do you think the author chose these particular poems to include in the book?
If you could write a funny poem, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Laugh along with your child as you read the poems, showing them that humor is a shared experience.
Discuss the structure of a poem and how it differs from regular stories. This helps with understanding different forms of writing.
Encourage your child to recite their favorite poem from the book. This can build confidence in public speaking and memory skills.
Ask your child to draw a scene from one of the poems. This combines reading comprehension with creativity.
Create a family poem night where each family member picks a poem to read aloud. It can promote a love for poetry and reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Humor
Explanation: This collection of funny poems introduces children to different styles of poetry, all filled with humor and wit, encouraging them to appreciate the lighter side of literature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find joy and laughter in daily situations, promoting a positive outlook and resilience in handling life’s challenges.
Example Lesson: Language Skills Development
Explanation: The variety of poems in the book help children to see the playful potential of words and phrases, enhancing vocabulary and understanding of language.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children in their own communication, making their speaking and writing more expressive and creative.
Example Lesson: Creative Thinking
Explanation: The inventive and often surprising nature of poetry encourages children to think outside the box and see the world through various perspectives.
Real-World Application: Creative thinking abilities can aid in problem solving and innovation in educational settings and day-to-day life.
Example Lesson: Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: Humor in poetry can convey subtle emotional truths and insights, allowing children to explore and understand complex emotions in a manageable way.
Real-World Application: This can lead to better emotional awareness and empathy, which are crucial skills in interacting with others and building relationships.