Monday, January 17, 2011

Hug O' War

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day I would like to share with you a favorite poem of mine by Shel Silverstein.  This poem is from his book Where the Sidewalk Ends.  If you have never read his work I encourage you to run to your nearest library or bookstore and  immerse yourself in his children's poetry and stories.    If you are familiar with him I encourage you to run to your nearest library or bookstore and immerse yourself as well.   


Share this poem with your class and see what images and ideas they come up with. Can they make a hug dance? Tug and hug are opposites. What is the difference between the two? How can they show you this with movement. What does a giggle or a smile look like in dance?


Can your children/students create a dance where a tug o' war becomes a hug o'war? What is the importance of working together and teamwork? Everyone has a body. With our bodies we can share our feelings, ideas and create together. What can they learn from each other?  What can they create together?

Share this poem this week with the children in your life and enjoy the dances and conversations it inspires!

Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sincerely,
Stacey   

4 comments:

  1. Another poetry book for kids which has been favorably compared with Shel Silverstein's poetry is WAITING TO SEE THE PRINCIPAL AND OTHER POEMS. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

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  2. Great Poem! :) I have this book on my bookshelf and you have inspired me to get it out and look through it! :)

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  3. Yay! Maria one of my all time favorites is Ickly Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too.

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