Bibliography

The following is a complete bibliography all poetry books consulted for this blog from January 2009-May 2009.

Fields, Terri. 2002. After the Death of Anna Gonzales. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. ISBN 0-8050-7127-X.

Florian, Douglas. 2003. Autmnblings. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0060092788.

Giovanni, Nikki. 2008. Hip Hop Speaks to Children A Celebration of Poetry With a Beat. Illinois: Sourcebooks. ISBN 978-1402210488.

Grandits, John. 2007. Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN: 978-0618568604.

Grimes, Nikki. 2001. A Pocketful of Poems. Illus Javaka Steptoe. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0395938683.

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2004. Days to Celebrate A Full Year of Poetry, People, Holidays, History, Fascinating Facts, and More. Illus Stephen Alcorn. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0060007652.

Janeczko, Paul B. 2005. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms. Illus Chris Raschka. Massachusetts: Candlewick. ISBN 978-0763606626.

Katz, Bobbi. 2007. Trailblazers: Poems of Exploration. Illus Carin Berger. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0688165338.

Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth. 2003. Paul Revere's Ride. Illus Monica Vachula. Pennsylvania: Boyds Mill Press, Inc. ISBN 1563977990.

Lowe, Ayana. 2008. Come and Play: Children of Our World Having Fun. New York: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. ISBN 978-1-59990-245-6.

Martin Jr., Bill and Michael Sampson. 2008. The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc. ISBN 978-1416939719.

Nesbitt, Kenn. 2005. When the Teacher Isn't Looking And Other Funny School Poems. New York: Meadowbrook. ISBN 978-0684031286.

Ruddell, Deborah. 2009. A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems. Illus Joan Rankin. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1416942115.

Sones, Sonya. 2004. One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 9780689858208.

Thomas, Joyce Carol. 2008. The Blacker the Berry. Illus Floyd Cooper. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0060253769.

Wong, Janet S. 1996. A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0689807886.

Module 6: Poetry Choice: Poetry by Children

Lowe, Ayana. 2008. Come and Play: Children of our World Having Fun. New York: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books. ISBN 978-1-59990-245-6.



This collection of poems edited by Ayana Lowe were written by children who were inspired by pictures from Magnum Photos. The photos span different eras and capture children at play from all over the world.
The following is a a Poem written by a child after viewing a photo of children playing tag in Baghdad, Iraq, 2003.

Tag

In tag, you improve your running.
You improve your escape time.
When you are playing tag,
you are in a whole other world.
Nothing else coud be better.

This poem is especially moving because the photo was taken in Iraq, where we usually only hear about mayhem. It's good to show that children will find a way to play no matter what their circumstances may be.

Extension:

Instruct students to bring 1-2 photographs from home. Put all the photographs into an envelope and randomly select one. Encourage children to write a poem, paragraph or short story based on the selected photograph. Continue this on a weekly basis until all the photographs have been selected. Allow students to post their interpretations on a bulletin board in the classroom/library around the featured photograph.

Module 6: Poetry Review: Paul Janeczko

Janeczko, Paul B. 2005. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms. Illus Chris Raschka. Massachusetts: Candlewick. ISBN: 978-0763606626.





Paul Janeczko's spirited book of poetry showcases 29 different types of poems, ranging from the couplet to the pantoum. Each poetic form has at least one example, followed by a short, simple explanation. For those wanting more details on specific poetic forms, there is a 'Notes on the Forms' section in the back of the book.

A fun example of a tercet is an untitled poem by Joan Bransfield Graham (p.12):

Kitchen crickets make a din,
sending taunts to chilly kin,
"You're outside, but we got in."

Chris Raschka's bright, splashy illustrations make this much more than an educational book; the colorful collages help make this an exciting and hip book of poetry.

Children ages 9-12 will enjoy this anthology while experiencing new types of poetry.

Module 6: Poetry Break: Serious Poem

Fields, Terri. 2002. After the Death of Anna Gonzales. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. ISBN 0-8050-7127-X.






This collection of poems by Terri Fields takes on the serious issue of suicide. She provides many different poetic reactions/responses to the news of Anna Gonzales' suicide. An especially complex poem in this collection is written through the eyes of fellow student, Lauren Reynolds:

Lauren Reynolds
by Terry Fields

Since September,
I sat one seat behind Anna in algebra.
Passed papers to her every day.
Studied for tons of tests together.

Though it often seemed impossible,
Eventually,
We always found the unknown for X.

But not this time.
This equation
Bounces against my brain.
And sneers at all attempted answers.

I know I'll re-examine the variables,
And reanalyze the unknowns, maybe forever.
But
It won't matter.

Because, Anna-
I know I'll never figure out Y.

Y you didn't want to live-
And Y I never noticed.

This poem generates a feeling of heart-breaking confusion, especially with the math parallel. Anna Gonzales could have been nothing more than an equation that could not be solved.

Extension:

Encourage students to make a list of 'positives'; for example, a list of positive words/adjectives that make them feel good or a list of people who make them feel good about themselves etc. Allow students to share their lists with eachother in small groups.

Suggest to students that they keep a journal to write down their feelings (bad and good) instead of trying to hold their feelings in.

Module 5: Poetry Choice: Newer Book

Ruddell, Deborah. 2009. A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems. Illus Joan Rankin. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1-4169-4211-5.





Lively font and luminous watercolors help deliver the clever poetry of Deborah Ruddell found in A Whiff of Pine, a Hint of Skunk: A Forest of Poems. One can almost smell the forest described in Eau De Forest: A Woodsy Cologne.

EAU DE FOREST:
A WOODSY COLOGNE
Deborah Ruddell

It's spiderwebs
and dogwood trees,
a muddy trail,
a blue-green breeze.

A nest, a leaf,
a sycamore trunk.
A whiff of pine,
a hint of skunk.

Ruddell's imagery-laden poem provides an original interpretation of the scents waiting to be discovered within the depths of a bustling forest.

Extension

Have children create a list of the scents found in their classroom, library or home and then describe them through a poem or piece of art. Allow them to share their poems/art work with eachother.

Module 5: Poetry Review: New Book

Thomas, Joyce Carol. 2008. The Blacker the Berry. Illus Floyd Cooper. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0-06-025376-9.








Thomas's poems spotlight the abundantly distinctive shades of black, metaphorically incorporating various berries to punctuate her point. Children ages 9-12 will find beauty and inspiration in Thomas's poetic free verse. An example of the power her poetry exudes can be found in Snowberries.

Snowberries
Joyce Carol Thomas

I look white
I am as light
as snowberries in fall

"I walk that walk
I talk that talk"

Yet
Still some say
"You're not really Black!"

The words cut deep down
Beyond the bone
Beneath my snowy skin
Deep down where no one can see
I bleed the "one drop of blood"
That makes Black me

And I want to be as black
as midnight
and moonless water
So no words can wound me

Still I'm thankful
For all the blood drops I got
In my mind
Even one drop's a lot

Further enhancing Thomas's elegant, artistic poetry are the full-page illustrations by Floyd Cooper. He captures the spirit of each poem, bringing the narrators to life. This 2009 recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award will speak volumes to those children lucky enough to read it.

Module 5: Poetry Break: Refrain

Martin Jr., Bill and Michael Sampson. 2008. The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc. ISBN 978-1-4169-3971-9.








Bill Martin Jr. is best known for his timeless light-hearted and rhythmic picture books. Even since his death in 2004, he is still cherished by children and adults. One cannot help but think of Martin's ability to write/tell a story when reading his poem, Once Upon a Time, found in the Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry (p. 80).

Once Upon a Time
Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson

The Storyteller came to town
To share his gifts sublime,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,

Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,

Doors flew open to him,
Kings begged him not depart,
And children tucked his stories In the pockets of their heart,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,

Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,

He told of scary ghosts
And of witches who became toast,
Of knights of old And outlaws bold.
Oh

Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,

Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again.

The art of storytelling is appreciated by anyone who has the chance to experience a great story. The refrain (...Tell it again, Storyteller, Tell it again, Onceupona Onceupona Onceuponatime...) gives Martin's poem about a storyteller a song-like quality. It expertly captures the desire of a captive audience who show good stories never die.

Extension

Share poetic picture books written by Bill Martin, Jr. (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?)

Encourage children to write down, share or act out a story they have never forgotten; for those wanting more of a challenge, have them write a poem based on their favorite story or author.

Module 4: Poetry Choice: Biographical Poetry

Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth. 2003. Paul Revere's Ride. Illus Monica Vachula. Pennsylvania: Boyds Mill Press, Inc. ISBN 1563977990.







Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's classic biographical poem from 1861 is given new purpose in this children's book with the help of Monica Vachula's artistic talent. Children ages seven to ten will find themselves admiring Paul Revere and his belief in liberty. Vachula's oil paintings act as photographs, giving the impression of being present during this historic time period.

The final stanza of Longfellow's poem conveys the overall spirit of Paul Revere and his memorable ride:

Excerpt from Paul Revere's Ride
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

So through the night rode Paul Revere;
And so through the night went his cry of alarm
To every Middlesex village and farm-
A cry of defiance and not of fear,
A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that shall echo forevermore!
For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,
Through all our history, to the last,
In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere.

Also included at the end is a historical note by Jayne E. Triber, Ph.D. which clarifies some of the events during and leading up to Revere's historic ride.

The combined efforts of Vachula and Triber pay special tribute to both Paul Revere and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Module 4: Poetry Review: Curriculum Connection

Katz, Bobbi. 2007. Trailblazers: Poems of Exploration. Illus Carin Berger. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0688165338.




Bobbi Katz's collection of poems captures adventurers, explorers, dreamers and conquerors ranging from Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin, Jr. to Vikings. Katz's anthology comes complete with a table of contents, author's note, brief paragraph about each explorer, a bibliography, an index of titles and an index of first lines.

Trailblazers is the ideal addition to every Social Studies classroom in order to help get children nine and older excited about explorers and true historical adventures.

In the following poem by John Coleman, he parallels the dreams of Amelia Earhart with those of his lesser-known sister, who dreamt of starting a flying school for girls of color.

My Kid Sister, Bessie
John Coleman

Turn on your radio.
You'll hear about Amelia sure enough,
how she set off to fly around the world
in a Lockheed Electra,
the latest thing with wings.
The whole country knows Amelia:
that blond girl, slim, smiling, sure of herself.
"Amelia Earhart Disappears..."
"Lady Lindy Lost..."
The newspapers are full of Amelia.
But as for me,
I am full of memories,
memories of a colored girl
every bit as brave as Amelia.
A sweet, sassy colored girl.
A smart girl,
pretty...
and talk about stubborn!
Nobody and no thing
could turn our Bessie round.
She wasn't out to set world records.
Her dream: to start a school,
a flying school for girls of color,
so they could learn to fly
the way Amelia Earhart learned,
right here in America.

This magnificent poem acknowledges the greatness of one person, while also recognizing equally great qualities in another, relatively unkown person. It's the perfect way to demonstrate that you do not have to be 'famous' to be successful. This would be an excellent way to educate and inspire children (and adults).

Also worth mentioning is the simple black & white art by Carin Berger. The art work is subtle and does not distract from the poetry; it almost acts as punctuation.

Module 4: Poetry Break: Spring

In honor of the first day of Spring, enjoy the following poem from Lee Bennett Hopkins' anthology, Days to Celebrate: A Full Year of Poetry, People, Holidays, History, Fascinating Facts, and More.



Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2004. Days to Celebrate A Full Year of Poetry, People, Holidays, History, Fascinating Facts, and More. Illus Stephen Alcorn. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0060007652.




Spring by Prince Redcloud cleverly sums up my exact sentiments at winter's end:

Spring
Prince Redcloud

How pleasing---
not
to
be
freezing.

Prince Redcloud's poem is short and to the point, which makes it easy to remember and, therefore, easy to recite throughout these last days of winter.

Extension

Have the children write down/decorate words that describe spring and then display them in the classroom or library. Encourage them to create a poem using the various words and put them all together into a book to commemorate Spring.

Module 3: Poetry Choice: Poetry That Does Not Rhyme

Janeczko, Paul B. 2005. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms. Illus Chris Raschka. Massachusetts: Candlewick. ISBN: 978-0763606626.





Janeczko's poetry anthology features poems in different formats and is the perfect addition to any library. He provides the reader with the type of poem, an example of this type of poem and a simple explanation of the poem's format. The following (untitled) poem by Kristine O'Connell George is an example of a Senryu poem, which doesn't rhyme, has a set number of syllables per line and its content focuses on human nature.

by Kristine O'Connell George

First day, new school year,
backpack harbors a fossil...
last June's cheese sandwich.

George's poem, although short, provides humor and irony for the reader. Any student between the ages of 10-13 will relate to this poem in that they haven't touched their backpack since the previous school year, although the unforgotten 'treasures' they find will vary!

Extension

On the first day of school and using this poem as an example, encourage students to write a poem about something interesting they found in their backpack or something they wished they had in their backpack. Display Janeczkos's book, along with other titles featuring different types of poems around the room to give the students ideas. Allow them to share their poems aloud with eachother.

Module 3: Poetry Review: Verse Novel

Sones, Sonya. 2004. One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 9780689858208.






After Ruby's mother dies she is sent to live with her father, who happens to be a big movie star. Ruby is grieving her mother's death and bitter about having to leave her friends to go live with a father she has never known.

This well thought out novel in verse is an earnest, quick read for readers 12 and up due to Sones' ability to accurately channel the thoughts and feelings of Ruby. The last verse from the poem entitled It Mega-stinks demonstrates this:

What's the point of having
a bathroom that could be featured
on MTV Cribs,
when there's no one around I care about
to show it to?

Because Ruby is portrayed in a realistic and complex manner, the reader will commit themselves to finding out what happens to her. She contemplates her life in the same ways any teenager would. A good example of her introspection comes from the final stanza of Lakewood Daze.

But most days,
I wander around Lakewood feeling invisible.
Like I'm just a speck of dust
floating in the air
that can only be seen

when a shaft of light hits it.

With it's extreme, raw emotion and the depth of the main character, it's apparent to see why this novel by Sones was named by the American Library Association as a 2005 Best Book for Young Adults and also a 2005 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

To find out more information about Sonya Sones and her novels, visit http://www.sonyasones.com.

Module 3: Poetry Break: Unusual Form (Concrete Poem)

Grandits, John. 2007. Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN: 978-0618568604.





All the poems found in John Grandits' book of Concrete Poems revolve around one central character named Jessie. The poems are very unique and clever, while also being relevant for children ages 11 and up. The very first poem from Blue Lipstick will draw the reader in, and compel them to read on immediately. I have provided an image of the poem below in order to give the full effect of the poem.

Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems. Source: Grandits, p. 1 (2007)


Stupor Farms
2%
AWAKE


Jessie,
wake up!
Eat your cereal.
What's wrong with you?
You look totally out of it.
Didn't you sleep well last night?



MISSING Have you seen Jessie's brain?
LAST SEEN: 2:45 this morning.
LAST KNOWN ACTIVITY: Staying up all night instant-messaging Lisa.
If you find this missing brain, contact Jessie immediately!


The most interesting component of this poem is the use of an already-formed, strategically placed picture/object (i.e. milk carton) on the page used as a vehicle for the text to help convey its mini story. This helps give it a dramatic edge.

Extension

Have students draw or cut out a shape. Then, have them write words/phrases or sentences on their picture which describe their shape or relate to it in some way. Allow them to share with eachother and/or post them up in the classroom or library.

Module 2: Poetry Choice: Douglas Florian

Florian, Douglas. 2003. Autmnblings. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0060092788.





Douglas Florian has created an entire book of poems devoted to Autumn. The title, Autumnblings, is modern and edgy and will immediately capture the attention of children ages 5 and older. Florian's poems are fun and tangible, and he has not tied himself down to any one particular style of poetry, which makes it exciting for the reader. A great example of Florian's animated poetry is What to do With Autumn Leaves:

What to do With Autumn Leaves
by Douglas Florian

Kick them.
Catch them.
Pick them.
Snatch them.
Romp them.
Stomp them.
Hurl them.
Heave them.
If you want to,
Even leave them.

Young readers will 'fall' for Florian's fun book of rhythmic, autumn poetry.

Extension

To start off the school year, have each child choose their favorite poem about autumn. Encourage them to read their choices out loud to their peers and to use props (umbrellas, leaves etc.) or draw a picture to go with the poem. It might even be fun to take this event outdoors into the autumn weather in order to experience poetry and the start of a new season. For those students looking for a bigger challenge, have them write their own poem about autumn to share.

Module 2: Poetry Book Review: Multicultural

Wong, Janet S. 1996. A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0689807886.




Janet S. Wong's collection of poems in A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems is autobiographical. She has cleverly organized the poems into 3 sections, each one representing a portion of who she is:

Part I: Korean poems (her mother's heritage)
Part II: Chinese poems (her father's heritage)
Part III: American Poems (her heritage)

This inspiring, multicultural book of poems is filled with short, thought-provoking poetry which clearly touch upon the difficulties and joys that come from mixing very different cultures. Wong's style is direct and clever, as demonstrated in Hospitality:

Hospitality
by Janet S. Wong

My guest
must not have noticed
how I removed my shoes
as we stepped inside my house.

My guest
must have missed
the neat line of freshly shined shoes
near the door.

My guest apparently did not see
my mother's shock as she watched
his shoes walking toward her,

muck-covered shoes
impossible to ignore
when she offered him
nothing to eat.

Subtle yet powerful poems such as these will be devoured by children ages 10 and up, especially those who come from diverse backgrounds or who have suffered through adversity.

Prefacing each section of poems are a few paragraphs which provide the reader with more information about Wong's cultural background.

If you would like even more information about Janet S. Wong, her website (http://www.janetwong.com/) is filled with her works and personal information. She even has audio clips of her reading her poetry!

Module 2: Poetry Break NCTE Award Poet Nikki Grimes

Grimes, Nikki. 2001. A Pocketful of Poems. Illus Javaka Steptoe. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0395938683.





Nikki Grimes is the 2006 recipient of the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Award for excellence in poetry for children. Her talent as a poet, as well as her ability to reach out to children through poetry is evident in her book entitled A Pocketful of Poems. Each topic in this anthology is conveyed in a free verse poem and then a haiku, as shown below in Grimes' Hot:


HOT
by Nikki Grimes

(Free verse)

HOT is a thirsty word that
wakes me from a deep sleep.
I leave my dreams and stumble to the kitchen.
I place the word in the sink, then
turn the cold water on full-blast.

(Haiku)

Hot days send me to
the water fountain where my
face goes for a swim.

Grimes' expertly creates a vivid image of what the word 'hot' looks (and feels) like. The accompanying art work by Javaka Steptoe, consisting of colorful collages, adds texture and depth to the Grimes' poems.

Extension

Have children create collages and when they are finished, encourage them to write a poem about their collage. For those children in need of a bigger challenge, encourage them to write several poems, using different formats/techniques (haiku, free verse, limerick etc.) for each. Give the children the opportunity to share their collages and poems with their classmates, either verbally or posted on a 'poetry wall'.

Module 1: Poetry Choice: African American Poetry

Giovanni, Nikki. 2008. Hip Hop Speaks to Children A Celebration of Poetry With a Beat. Illinois: Sourcebooks. ISBN 978-1402210488.





From Hip Hop Speaks to Children A Celebration of Poetry With a Beat, edited by Nikki Giovanni, comes a short, yet powerful poem written by the now-deceased songwriter/rapper, Tupac Shakur. Shakur clearly demonstrates his depth, and shows he was truly a great poet.

The Rose That Grew From Concrete
Tupac Shakur

Did u hear about the rose that grew from a crack
in the concrete
Proving nature’s laws wrong it learned 2 walk
without having feet
Funny it seems but by keeping its dreams
It learned 2 breathe fresh air
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
When no one else even cared!

This emotionally stimulating poem speaks metaphorically about never giving up your dreams and is just the right length for children to absorb. Shakur’s use of language and rhythm gives it a contemporary feel.

Extension

Play the audio CD, which accompanies Hip Hop Speaks to Children A Celebration of Poetry With a Beat, of Nikki Giovanni reading this poem. Have them discuss whether or not Shakur would have read his poem differently from Giovanni.

For older students and/or those interested in reading more poems by Shakur, recommend his collection of poems:
Shakur, Tupac. 1999. The Rose That Grew From Concrete. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0671028442.

Module 1: Poetry Book Review: Lee Bennett Hopkins Anthology

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2004. Days to Celebrate A Full Year of Poetry, People, Holidays, History, Fascinating Facts, and More. Illus Stephen Alcorn. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0060007652.





This is a comprehensive and impressive compilation of events and poems. Whether it is a holiday, a historical event or discovery, or the birth date of a notable person, Hopkins has found something significant for every day of the year. Additionally, he has selected special poems to represent a few of these dates. In honor of the Chinese New Year, which falls between January 21 and February 19, is this poem by Janet S. Wong.

Prayer for the Lunar New Year

This is the day
you grow another year wiser.

This is the day
you forget what you know to be impossible.

The moon loves to play a game.
Play.

Sweep your grudges out,
scatter them to nothing.

Scrub your wishes pure,
wash your heart clear.

Open your windows wide,
let the new year begin.

This rejuvenating poem falls inbetween the area for January and February, as Hopkin’s collection is broken into sections for each month of the year. The poems he has selected are from contemporary poets (Wong) and classic poets such as E.E. Cummings and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. There is even a smattering of poems by Lee Bennett Hopkins himself.

Not to be overlooked are the stunning and complimentary illustrations of Stephen Alcorn. His use of color and arrangement of artwork enhances the appeal of Hopkin’s anthology.

At the end of the book is an index of titles, first lines and author, which makes it easy to track down the poetry found within the collection.

Module 1: Poetry Break: School Poem

Nesbitt, Kenn. 2005. When the Teacher Isn't Looking And Other Funny School Poems. New York: Meadowbrook. ISBN 978-0684031286.







Kenn Nesbitt's collection of humourous poems, When the Teacher Isn't Looking And Other Funny School Poems, is full of surprises. A perfect example of his unique perspective on school is evident in:

Falling Asleep in Class

I fell asleep in class today
As I was awfully bored.
I laid my head upon my desk
and closed my eyes and snored.

I woke to find a piece of paper
sticking to my face.
I'd slobbered on my textbooks
and my hair was a disgrace.

My clothes were badly rumpled,
and my eyes were glazed and red.
My binder left a three-ring
indentation in my head.

I slept through class, and probably
I would have slept more,
except my students woke me
as they headed out the door.

Falling Asleep in Class is funny up until the very last line, when it suddenly becomes hilarious! Nesbitt's expert use of imagery and mesmerizing rhythm lead the reader to make the necessary assumptions that make this a brillantly funny and creative poem.

Extension:

Encourage children to discuss what they think the students in the poem did while their teacher was sleeping.

Ask students to share some funny things their teachers have done in class and then come up with a list of humorous adjectives to describe these events. Then, have the students choose one of those adjectives and try to create a short, funny poem or draw a funny scene.