Module 5-Performance Poetry/LS-5663-20

Franco,Betsy. Messing around on the monkey bars and other school poems for two voices. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0-7636-3174-1
Poetry is meant to be shared and this book provides many excellent opportunities for performing with others. The author has provided a guide for using each of these poems by writing each of the lines with different levels of boldness. Different strategies are provided for reading the poems, such as by two individuals, two groups, or all together. The call and response strategy for performing is probably best suited for this work.
Each of the poems have a definite rhythm, and would work well with clapping or snapping by the students as they read them. The rhyming of each of the poems is natural and flows well. The following poem will appeal to students and can be used as a poetry break or even used during physical education classes.
Messing Around on the Monkey Bars
Time for recess!
Here we are,
Messing around on the monkey bars!
Hand over hand,
Fast or slow,
Calling to our friends below.
Skipping two bars,
Skipping three,
Dangling down by just our knees.
Swinging up
Above the ground,
Missing bars and tumbling down.
Hooting, howling,
Here we are,
Messing around on the monkey bars!
This poem could be acted out with students moving the hands and body to match the motions mentioned in each of the lines.
Each of the poems touch upon an area that each student will encounter ,or has already encountered in their school experience. The poems help the reader to see the school experience from the student perspective. Students will share their honest feelings about topics, and many will be able to identify with each of these poems. A multitude of thoughts and emotions will be felt and expressed as the reader journeys through this book.
I would use the following poem as a way to welcome a new student in the classroom. The poem could calm fears of being the new kid and would help the other students have a fun way to introduce themselves. Each student could write their own version after modeling and performing the poem with the class. Younger students could write a class version, instead of individual poems.
New Kid at School
Where did you come from?
Far away.
Miss your friends?
Every day.
Where do you live?
Maple Street.
What’s your name?
Call me Pete.
How old are you?
Just turned eight.
You like hoops?
Yeah, great.
Got any friends?
Nope, not yet.
Wanna play?
You bet!