Poems to Learn by Heart

by Caroline Kennedy

This diverse collection includes more than a hundred poems that speak to all of us: the young and young at heart, readers new to poetry and devoted fans. These poems explore deep emotions, as well as ordinary experiences. They cover the range of human experience and imagination. Divided into sections about nature, sports, monsters and fairies, friendship and family, this book is full of surprises.

Activity: Two by Two

First, read “Don’t Worry if Your Job is Small,” by Anonymous (p. 26) with students, inviting them to repeat each line after you read it aloud. Then divide the class into two groups. Direct the first group to say the first two lines and have the second group say the last two lines. Then reverse the groups so that everyone can have a turn saying the last line. Lead students to determine the theme of the poem. For added fun, guide students to sing the words of the poem to the tune of “99 Bottles of Pop on the Wall.” (Common Core Standards RL.4.2; RL.4.5; RL.5.2; RL.5.4; RL.5.6; RL.6.4; RL.6.9; RL.6.10)

Click here to get the complete teacher's guide.