Where the Sidewalk Ends is a compilation of poems and and drawings by famous children's Author and illustrator Shel Silverstein. This book, from the poetry/verse genre, is full of fun poems that are perfectly paired with zany illustrations to capture the creativity and joy of childhood. The playful illustrations are done as black and white sketches which give it a very young, rough feeling that alludes to the doodling of young children. Silverstein does an amazing job, throughout this volume of children's poetry, of making connections through his words and artwork to a time in adolescence when everything is new and exciting. However, this book of poems is geared best toward children in grades 2-5. Originally published in 1974, this book was just recently released as a 40th Anniversary edition only further proving the notoriety and lovable nature of this book and its hold upon the minds and hearts of young children.
Here's a musical and animated presentation of one of the poems in Where the Sidewalk Ends
Here is another video that is a more realistic and visual interpretation, that would be great for older students, of the title poem Where the Sidewalk Ends
Discussion Questions:
- When you hear this poem what does it make you picture in your mind?
- How does this poem make you feel?
- Describe those feelings and explain why it makes you feel that way.
- Describe those feelings and explain why it makes you feel that way.
- Do you think that you could write poetry like this author?
- If you wrote your own poems what would they be about and why?
- Why do you the author, Shel Silverstein wrote these poems?
Motivational Activity:
After reading a few poems from this book throughout the week, Students will have an opportunity to write their own poem like Mr. Silverstein. They will be given time to choose their own topic for their poem that they will submit to the teacher for approval. Then they will be given time to brainstorm and pre-write. Students will then be taught about the principle and value of respect, a core value taught through word and deed at Saint Leo University. They will discuss how important it is to show respect to others and their creative work when shared within the classroom and outside of it. Teacher will then share their own pre-written poem with the class before opening up a discussion about what the students liked and what they thought was unclear or may need editing. Teacher will model how to take constructive criticism and make edits they deem important. Students will then form small groups where they will help one another give constructive feedback before they work independently on the finished product of their poem. Students will get the opportunity to each stand and share, or have teacher read their poem, for the whole class to appreciate and support.
If you like this Poetry Book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:
*A Light in the Attic (1981) : Grades 2-5
*It's Raining Pigs and Noodles (2000) : Grades 1-5
Resource:
Silverstein, S. (1974). Where the sidewalk ends. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers
Shel Silverstein’s signature style of art is with a simple black pen. As part of a poetry unit, students will learn how to illustrate using Silverstein’s artistic style. Students will be given a Silverstein poem that has no illustrations and will use their black pen to create a character that is similar to Silverstein’s work. Encourage students to be creative and to go with their very first thought when making this artwork. Students can build on each other’s drawings and create a mural of Silverstein that can be shared for poetry week within the classroom or out in the hallway for others to see.
ReplyDeleteAnother great idea, Joseph! You are really good at thinking outside the box. Here I was focusing on the poetry itself and you bring in that added visual layer of illustration to focus on. The illustrations in Silverstein's books are among some of my favorites just because of that simple black pen style that is used.
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