IAA Poetry Breaks 2015-2016
The small troupe of performers open the classroom door. One spins the Kenyan drum to sound their arrival and the others cry, “Poetry Break!” No matter what they are doing, the students in the class turn their heads towards the entering performers and get immediately ready for a short break and another inventive presentation of a poem. When the performers finish their lively presentation, they leave to travel to the next teacher’s room who has requested a Poetry Break -- and the class returns to work. Through the bi-weekly Poetry Breaks, students in the school are introduced to a whole variety of poems and small groups of students are given opportunities to hone their performing skills.
"Go to the Back,
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Performed by 4th graders
Angelee, Jonah, Kieran, Robin and Zora. Performed by 5th graders Julia, Liam, Masey, Mikayla, Nico, and Norah,
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"Getting Dressed in School"
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Performed by 5th graders Japhary, Juni, Lydia,
Tyler, Zoe |
Performed by 3rd graders Alexa, Emma, Johali, Jonah, Robin and Vivienne.
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"Things to Do If You are the Snow"
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Performed by 4th graders Amelia, Jarfary, Kaydance, Kiki and Liam.
"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch the woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep , And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep. |
Performed by 4th graders Anjela, Ben, Habiba, Julia and Lydia.
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"Foul Shot" by Edwin A.Hoey
With two 60s stuck on the scoreboard
And two seconds hanging on the clock, The solemn boy in the center of eyes, Squeezed by silence, Seeks out the line with his feet, Soothes his hands along his uniform, Gently drums the ball against the floor, Then measures the waiting net, Raises the ball on his right hand, Balances it with his left, P Calms it with fingertips, Breathes, Crouches, Waits, And then through a stretching of stillness, Nudges it upwards. The ball Slides up and out, Lands, Leans, Wobbles, Wavers, Hesitates, Plays it coy Until every face begs with unsounding screams-- And then And then And then, Right before ROAR-UP, Drives down and through. "It's Halloween"
by Jack Prelutsky It's Halloween! It's Halloween!
The moon is full and bright And we shall see what can't be seen On any other night. Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls, Grinning goblins fighting duels, Werewolves rising from their tombs, Witches on their magic brooms. In masks and gowns we haunt the street And knock on doors for trick or treat. Tonight we are the king and queen, For oh tonight it's Halloween! "I'm Late For School"
by Gareth Lancaster |
Performed by 5th graders Amy, Colby, Elena, Sharras, Sloane, Tommy, and Victoria.
Performed by 5th graders Ayan, Jacob, Lia, Richa, and Tony.
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I got up late for school today,
And nearly missed the bus! I hurried down the stairs, Wolfed my toast, and caused a fuss! I quickly threw books in my bag, My pens, my lunch and shorts. Grabbed my coat from out the cupboard, Took my bat and ball for sports. I slid across the kitchen floor, And hopped around the cat! Then expertly rolled over, Jumped back up and grabbed my hat! I belted out of our front door, Spun round and swung it shut. Saw the bus was waiting for me, I felt I had time to strut! I climbed aboard and then froze still, And knew that things weren't right! My friends fell down in fits of fun, And pointed with delight! My face went red, I couldn't breathe, For in my haste I knew! I'd forgotten to wear trousers, Jumper, shirt, my socks and shoes! |
Performed by 5th graders Agath, Dicksha, Eli, Ronan, and Safiya
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