This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness
What’s inside...
When Mrs. Merz asks her sixth grade class to write poems of apology, they end up liking their poems so much that they decide to put them together into a book. Not only that, but they get the people to whom they apologized to write poems back. In haiku, pantoums, two-part poems, snippets, and rhymes, Mrs. Merz’s class writes about a variety of topics such as crushes, overbearing parents, and the loss of pets. The poems express a range of emotions with some students feeling deeply sorry and others not at all. Through these poems, relationships and connections are explored, with some leading to forgiveness and others not.
Age
10-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mrs. Merz
Thomas
Discussion points
How did reading these poems make you feel about saying sorry?
Can you think of a time when you had to apologize to someone? What happened?
Why do you think it's important to forgive someone who has hurt us?
How do you think the person receiving the apology feels?
Did any poem stand out to you? Why do you think it resonated with you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story of a time you apologized to someone. This opens up the floor and makes your child feel more comfortable sharing.
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the poems. Place emphasis on understanding their feelings and validating them.
Discuss the importance of forgiveness in your family values. Relate the poems to these values to make the conversation more meaningful.
After discussing a poem, you might consider role-playing a situation where an apology is necessary. It’s a fun and engaging way to strengthen the lesson of the poem.
End the conversation on a positive note. Reinforce the idea that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s how we handle them that truly matters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of apology
Explanation: The book features a series of poems where characters express remorse and seek forgiveness, illustrating the power of saying sorry.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to acknowledge their mistakes and apologize, fostering a more respectful and empathetic interaction with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: Characters forgive each other in the poems, teaching that forgiveness can heal relationships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice forgiveness, promoting peace and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By presenting different perspectives in the scenarios, the book helps readers understand the feelings and viewpoints of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding to be more empathetic and considerate in their daily school and home life.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: The poems depict how characters use words to express feelings and resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn effective communication skills, improving how they express themselves and resolve disagreements.
Example Lesson: Self-reflection
Explanation: The book encourages readers to think about their actions and the impact they have on others, as seen through the apologies in the poems.
Real-World Application: Children can develop self-awareness and consider the consequences of their actions, aiding in personal growth and responsible behavior.