Introduction

Before reading this poem, share with children things you were fearful of as a child and discuss how you overcame these fears.

LIFE DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME AT ALL

Shadows on the wall

Noises down the hall

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Bad dogs barking loud

Big ghosts in the cloud

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Mean old Mother Goose

Lions on the loose

They don't frighten me at all.

I go boo

Make them shoo

I make fun

Way they run

I wont cry

So they fly

I just smile T

They go wild

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Tough guys fight

All alone at night

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Panthers in the park

Strangers in the dark

No, life doesn't frighten me at all.

That new classroom where

Boys all pull my hair

(Kissy little girls

with their hair in curls)

They don't frighten me at all.

Dont show me frogs and snakes

And listen for my scream

If Im afraid at all

Its only in my dreams.

I've got a magic charm

That I keep up my sleeve

I can walk the ocean floor

And never have to breathe

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Not at all

Not at all

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

                                                                                        Maya Angelou

Extension

Encourage children to create journals disclosing their fears and how they will overcome these fears in the future. Allow those who wish to share their entries to do so.