Poetry Break #3

Introduction: This is a fun shape poem written by Jack Prelutsky that can be shared anytime with a small group or large group of children. Here are some questions that can introduce the reading of the poem: “What do you think a shape poem could look like? What would be some shapes that you would write a poem in? I am going to show you a poem and read it to you as you follow along. It is called I Was Walking in a Circle by Jack Prelutsky.” Read the poem while turning the book to show the words as they wrap around a circle. It might be easy to have the words on a separate sheet for you to read so that the students can see the words and picture.

Extension: Have the children share what they were thinking when you kept reading the poem. Have the children write their own shape poem and share with a partner, in small groups or with the class. Introduce more shape poems to the students or have them search for some on their own.

Prelutsky, Jack. 1984. I was walking in a circle in Prelutsky, Jack. 1999. The 20^th century children’s poetry treasury, 42. Ill. by Meilo So. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.