The Red Ear Blows Its Nose: Poems for Children and Others
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What’s inside...
The Red Ear Blows Its Nose: Poems for Children and Others by Robert Schechter features critically acclaimed poetry complemented by S. Federico's illustrations. It is expected to become a children's classic. In Murderabilia, Harold Schechter explores the history of crime through artifacts left by notorious murderers, offering a unique perspective into their lives and the genre of true crime.
Discussion points
What did you feel when the red ear blew its nose, and how do you think it felt?
Which poem was your favorite and why?
Can you think of a funny rhyme for 'nose' from one of the poems?
How do the pictures in the book make the poems feel different?
If you could talk to the red ear, what would you ask it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings and connections to the poems. Laugh together at the silly parts, and provide comfort if they feel puzzled or concerned. Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to deepen the discussion, asking your child what they notice and how it relates to the words. Highlight the sounds and rhythm of the poetry, perhaps even creating a small game of coming up with similar sounding words. Lastly, relate the poems back to your child’s experiences, making the reading both fun and personally meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the poignant and accessible poems in 'The Red Ear Blows Its Nose,' children explore themes of empathy, recognizing emotions in themselves and others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by better understanding their peers' feelings and reactions, promoting a kinder and more inclusive environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book encourages creative expression through its whimsical and imaginative poems, which inspire children to think outside the box and express their thoughts and feelings through art.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage in drawing, writing poems, or storytelling at school or in group activities, reinforcing their communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: Several poems in the book focus on the beauty and importance of the natural world, fostering a sense of environmental awareness and responsibility among young readers.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to participate in outdoor activities, learn about environmental conservation, and develop sustainable habits early on.
Example Lesson: The Value of Curiosity
Explanation: The book weaves in themes of curiosity and exploration, showing children the joy of learning and discovering new things about the world around them.
Real-World Application: Curiosity can lead children to ask more questions and seek answers in their daily interactions, enhancing their educational experience and understanding of complex concepts.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Coping with Feelings
Explanation: Some poems address dealing with challenging emotions and situations, teaching children resilience and healthy ways to manage their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can implement coping strategies such as talking about their feelings, using art for expression, or practicing mindfulness to manage stress and adversity.