Lunch Money And Other Poems About School

Lunch Money And Other Poems About School

By Carol Diggory Shields

Illustrated by Paul Meisei

Puffin Books

Copyright 1995

pp.40

Lunch Money And Other Poems About School

Themed Poem Collection by a Single Author

     This collection of poems by Carol Diggory Shields is sure to become a favorite among the elementary set. The twenty-four humorous poems about all aspects of dealing with school are certain to tickle the funny bones of many students. Students will be able to easily grasp the meaning of each poem because the poems are about many familiar events and because they can draw on their personal experiences. When the poems are read aloud, the rhythm and tempo help to create vivid images in the listeners’ minds. I believe these poems would make a great lesson about how to read a poem. These poems would help students experiment with varying their reading by using rhythm, pitch, tempo, and expression. The illustrations are enchanting and colorful. Students will find them visually appealing because they are representative of their own lives and classrooms.

     Two of my favorites are Clock-watching and Code. When one begins reading Clock-watching, he or she assumes it is about a student waiting for the end of the day.  However, there is a twist at the end; it is really the teacher. I think students will truly get a laugh out of this poem when they figure it out. I also enjoyed Code, which is about a student who has to stay home from school because he has a code (cold). The play on words is sure to amuse when read aloud.