Critters of the Night
Dark emperor & other poems of the night by Sidman, Joyce - Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, p2010, c2010--811--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 6.0 A collection of poems that celebrate the wonder, mystery, and danger of the night and describes the many things that hide in the dark. Listening for noises in the night? Come explore the shadowy sights and muffled sounds of the night as poetry blends artfully together with illustrations and scientifically correct explanations.
Rationale: You know I am not a fan of a month of poetry, but prefer poetry used as part of a larger lesson topic. Here we’re going to look at poetry as a means for research and oral expression. This is a lesson for all ages K-8. Team the older students with the younger students in a buddy system. My 8th grade teacher teams with morning kindergarten; the 7th grade teacher with afternoon kindergarten (Yes, we still have half day kindergarten in the private school); 6th with 1st; 5th with 2nd; and 3rd and 4th. We do these pairings because the youngest need the most help and the middle grades can help each other. My kindergarten teacher does a unit in the fall about nocturnal animals. This My Books Alive lesson works well for that project and “introduces” the very youngest to basic research and presentation. The 3rd and 4th graders do a biomes woodlands unit, and the lesson works well for that theme, too. The 1st & 2nd graders do a unit about the sun and moon. The suggestions are helpful for that unit, also. The bibliography is arranged by topic of animals found in the book (snail, primrose moth, owl, oak tree, spider, porcupine, cricket, mushrooms, eft, bats) and general poetry about animals, the night, sunrise, and sunset. Students third grade and up could work with partners within their grade level rather than cross-grade partners. Many of the discussion ideas are from Joyce Sidman’s website http://www.joycesidman.com/books/dark-emperor-and-other/dark-emp-rg.pdf
Grades K-8--Nocturne
Preparation: Arrange with the classroom teachers to pair older students with younger.
Computer with Internet access and projection capabilities.
Gather any books you have that feature the animals found in the poems. Use the prepared bibliography which is arranged by topic and search your catalog for other titles.
Purchase multiple copies of the Inspiration Book to be shared by the students, or, make a copy of each poem to give to one of the groups as their topic.
Make copies of the first poem “Welcome the Night.” Select students to read each stanza or break up by sentence with all reciting the last line “welcome the night.” Highlight lines on selected copies. Students receiving those copies will be readers.
Chart paper or chalk/whiteboard and appropriate markers.
Make copies of ideas for discussing several poems from the teacher guide: “Raccoon Hands,” “Mouse Ears,” “Moon’s Lament,” and “Night Spider’s Advice.” http://www.joycesidman.com/books/dark-emperor-and-other/dark-emp-rg.pdf
Give these ideas to struggling students.
Write names of animals and other topics found in the poems on 3 x 5 cards. These cards will be used to determine which partners will explore which animal.
Introduction: What does nocturne mean? What is a nocturnal animal? Tell me some examples of a nocturnal animal. (List on chart or white/chalkboard.) The Inspiration Book is about the night and night animals. Let’s look at a Book Trailer (book ad) to see if we mentioned the same animals.
View:
Book Trailer
Joyce Sidman, the author, tells us how and why she wrote the poems in this audio clip. Listen to her read the introductory poem. (Stop at the end of the first poem. We’ll listen to the next poem later.)
Listen:
Now let’s read the poem Ms. Sidman read together. If your copy has been marked as a reader, that’s your spot to read.
Choral read “Welcome to the Night.”
Ms. Sidman reads another poem, the title poem in this next audio clip.
Listen again:
This is the title poem. We can look at burrowing owls and barn owls on a webcam Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Wildlife
View:
Those photographs are beautiful pictures of owls. The illustrator of the book received an award for his illustrations, too.
Poetry is meant to be shared, shared orally. You have heard Ms. Sidman read some of her poems, we’ve read a poem. The Inspiration Book also tells us facts about the animals. Now you and your partner will have an opportunity to be creative and share one of the poems. How will you do that?
I’ve written the name of one of the animals on a 3 x 5 card.
Find the poem about that animal and read the poem with your partner.
Brainstorm ideas for sharing. You might read the poem together, divide the lines, find another poem to share in one of the other poetry books about your topic, find a picture book about your animal to share, draw a large picture, find pictures online and make a slide show, make a puppet to share the poem, find a song about the animal and sing, a craft or project.
Find facts about your animal in the nonfiction books on display. Use the sidebars of facts in the Inspiration Book. How will you share that information? On a chart? a speech? part of the slide show?
Prepare any visuals or audios you will need.
Practice.
Present.
You will be graded on how well you present the poem, the difficulty of your method of presenting (simply reading vs slides and pictures), the number of facts and the method the facts were presented.
You will have two days to work and practice, and then we’ll present.
Teacher Resource:
Teacher Guide (excellent) http://www.joycesidman.com/books/dark-emperor-and-other/book-trailer-dark-emperor.html
Alternative Presentation: Video each group individually, then show the entire video. This approach may help with jitters some children have about getting in front of a group. The better presentations could be saved, placed on a DVD and copied for distribution, or even posted on the web.
Other Titles by Topic, then Reading Level Order: Topics included in the poems are: snail, primrose moth, owl, oak tree, spider, porcupine, cricket, mushrooms, eft, bats, moon, night
SNAILS
Animal poems by Worth, Valerie — Farrar Straus Giroux, 2007. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.3. An illustrated collection of twenty-three poems about snails, whales, bats, camels, and other animals.
Beastly Verse by Yoon, JooHee — Enchanted Lion Books, 2015. Dewey: 808.81; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.4. Consisting of playful as well as powerfully memorable poems,Beastly Verse transports the reader into a richly worded world of tigers, hummingbirds, owls, elephants, pelicans, yaks, snails, and even telephones!
A whiff of pine, a hint of skunk : a forest of poems by Ruddell, Deborah - Margaret K. McElderry Books, p2009, c2009--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 4.8. An illustrated collection of whimsical poems about life in the forest through the seasons. Marvel at the overachieving beaver, applaud the race-winning snail and its perfect trail of slime, or head off to be pampered at a squirrel spa.
Bees, snails, & peacock tails : patterns & shapes--naturally by Franco, Betsy - Margaret K. McElderry Books, p2008, c2008--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 5.4. Rhyming text and illustrations depict the science and geometrical patterns of various animals, such as starfish, peacocks, diamondback snakes, and spiders.
MOTH
Fold me a poem by George, Kristine O'Connell - Harcourt, p2005, c2005--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 2.0. A collection of poems about origami animals. From roosters waking up and buffalo pawing the tablecloth to cheetahs racing lions and moths that yearn for butterfly colors, here is a glimpse into the vibrant imagination of a child. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.
Step gently out by Frost, Helen — Candlewick Press, 2012. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.4. What would happen if you walked very, very quietly and looked ever so carefully at the natural world outside? You might see a cricket leap, a moth spread her wings, or a spider step across a silken web.
OWL
Owl sees owl by Godwin, Laura — Schwartz & Wade Books, 2016. Dewey: -E-; Int Lvl: K-3. A baby owl leaves the nest one night, explores the world around him, sees his own reflection, and then returns to the safety of home
Whoo goes there? by Ericsson, Jennifer A - Roaring Brook Press, p2009, c2009--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 1.3. Colorful illustrations and simple text about a very hungry owl looking for just the right animal for his dinner.
Little Owl's night by Srinivasan, Divya - Viking, p2011, c2011--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 2.5. Little Owl enjoys a lovely night in the forest visiting his friend the raccoon, listening to the frogs croak and the crickets chirp, and watching the fog that hovers overhead.
The owl and the pussycat by Lear, Edward, 1812-1888 - Katherine Tegen Books, p2006, c2006--821--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 2.5. After a courtship voyage of a year and a day, Owl and Pussy finally buy a ring from Piggy and are blissfully married.
Sequoia by Johnston, Tony — Roaring Brook Press, 2014. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.7. His branches are home to owls and choirs of frogs. Beneath his broad canopy, a world grows.
This is his story told through controlled verse and luscious illustration.
Beastly Verse by Yoon, JooHee — Enchanted Lion Books, 2015. Dewey: 808.81; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 4.4. Consisting of playful as well as powerfully memorable poems,Beastly Verse transports the reader into a richly worded world of tigers, hummingbirds, owls, elephants, pelicans, yaks, snails, and even telephones!
I am phoenix : poems for two voices by Fleischman, Paul — HarperTrophy, c1985 p1989. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 6.0. I am phoenix. Introduction ; Dawn ; Morning ; Wandering albatross ; Actor ; Watchers ; Passenger pigeon ; Common egret ; Phoenix ; Warblers ; Cormorant's tale ; Sparrow ; Doves of Dodona ; Dusk ; Whip-poor-will ; Owls.
OAK TREE
Hootenanny! : a festive counting book by Ainsworth, Kimberly - Little Simon, p2011, c2011--513.2--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 1.6. Introduces the numbers one to five as some fun-loving owls get ready for a party at the old oak tree.
An oak tree's life by Dickmann, Nancy - Heinemann Library, p2010, c2010--583--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 1.6. Life cycles -- Seeds and shoots -- Becoming a tree -- Making acorns -- Life cycle of an oak tree. Simple text and photographs describe the life cycle of an oak tree.
Poetrees by Florian, Douglas — Beach Lane Books, 2010. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.7. Trees receive a witty and informative rhyming appreciation. Starting with a concrete poem about "The Seed" (which brilliantly snakes its way into the shape of the infinity sign) and moving into species both familiar--"Oak," "Giant Sequoias"--and less well known--"Scribbly Gum," "Bristlecone Pine
SPIDER
Step gently out by Frost, Helen — Candlewick Press, 2012. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.4. What would happen if you walked very, very quietly and looked ever so carefully at the natural world outside? You might see a cricket leap, a moth spread her wings, or a spider step across a silken web.
Bug off! : creepy, crawly poems by Yolen, Jane — Wordsong, 2012. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.3. The subjects will be familiar to kids--a fly, praying mantis, honeybee, butterfly, daddy longlegs, lovebug, dragonfly, tick, ladybug, spider, grasshopper, ants, and a swarm of bugs--but the poems, photographs, and nonfiction passages present them in eye-opening new ways.
The spider and the fly by Howitt, Mary Botham, 1799-1888 - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, p2002, c2002--821--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 5.2. An illustrated version of the well-known poem about a wily spider who preys on the vanity and innocence of a little fly.
Bees, snails, & peacock tails : patterns & shapes--naturally by Franco, Betsy - Margaret K. McElderry Books, p2008, c2008--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 5.4
Rhyming text and illustrations depict the science and geometrical patterns of various animals, such as starfish, peacocks, diamondback snakes, and spiders.
PORCUPINE
Hugs from Pearl by Schmid, Paul - Harper, p2011, c2011--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 1.8
A friendly porcupine figures out how to give hugs without hurting others with her sharp quills.
Pizza, pigs, and poetry : how to write a poem by Prelutsky, Jack — Greenwillow Books, 2008. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.9. Have you ever tried to write a poem about a pizza? How about a pig? How about a pigeon, penguin, potato, Ping-Pong, parrot, puppy, pelican, porcupine, pie, pachyderm, or your parents?
CRICKET
A whiff of pine, a hint of skunk : a forest of poems by Ruddell, Deborah - Margaret K. McElderry Books, p2009, c2009--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 4.8. An illustrated collection of whimsical poems about life in the forest through the seasons.
MUSHROOMS
Little Owl's night by Srinivasan, Divya - Viking, p2011, c2011--E--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 2.5. Little Owl enjoys a lovely night in the forest visiting his friend the raccoon, listening to the frogs croak and the crickets chirp, and watching the fog that hovers overhead.
EFT
BAT
Animal poems by Worth, Valerie - Farrar Straus Giroux, p2007, c2007--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 3.3. An illustrated collection of twenty-three poems about snails, whales, bats, camels, and other animals.
Song of the wild : a first book of animals by Davies, Nicola — Candlewick Press, 2017. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.3. The poems reveal fascinating facts about animals of every color, shape, size, and origin, from giant blue whales to bats as tiny as bumblebees.
MOON
Silver seeds : a book of nature poems by Paolilli, Paul - Puffin Books, p2003, c2001--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 1.1. Presents illustrated acrostic poems that explore various aspects of nature.
Once in a blue moon by Daniel, Danielle — Ground Books/House of Anansi Press, 2017. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.9. Inspired by the expression 'once in a blue moon,' Danielle Daniel has created a book of short poems, each one describing a rare or special experience that turns an ordinary day into a memorable one.
Comets, stars, the moon, and Mars : space poems and paintings by Florian, Douglas - Harcourt, p2007, c2007--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 3.1. A collection of twenty whimsical poems about comets, the stars, moon, and the planets.
A full moon is rising by Singer, Marilyn — Live Oak Media, 2013. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.1. A collection of illustrated poems about events and beliefs involving the full moon.
Shape me a rhyme : nature's forms in poetry by Yolen, Jane — Wordsong, an imprint of Highlights, 2015. Dewey: 811; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.3. Twelve poems and photographs explore the beauty and variety of shapes and forms in nature, examining such items as an egg, the sun, and the moon.
A whiff of pine, a hint of skunk : a forest of poems by Ruddell, Deborah - Margaret K. McElderry Books, p2009, c2009--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 4.8. An illustrated collection of whimsical poems about life in the forest through the seasons.
NIGHT
Silver seeds : a book of nature poems by Paolilli, Paul - Puffin Books, p2003, c2001--811--Int Lvl: K-3--Rd Lvl: 1.1. Presents illustrated acrostic poems that explore various aspects of nature.
