Poetry Break # 3: School Poem

Introduction

In a simple manner, this poem questions why must the school year begin again.  The most popular question asked by children every September! Share with children your favorite memories of school and why you looked forward to school each year.

September

I already know where Africa is

and I already know how to

count to ten and

I went to school everyday last year,

why do I have to go again?

                              Lucille Clifton

Extension

Encourage students to share their favorite memories of school. Have students create a memory book to place collected  drawings or polaroid pictures of their favorite school memories during the upcoming school year.

Shine, Deborah ed. 1991. Make a joyful sound: poems for children by african-american poets. Scholastic: New York ISBN: 0590674323