Everything On It
By Shel Silverstein
Published by HarperCollins Publishers
Copyright 2011

Accelerated Reader: 3

Suggested Delivery: Independent Reading

WHACKY, WHIMSICAL, ADVENTUROUS, ZANY, ECCENTRIC

Even with his passing in 1999, Shel Silverstein was able to have another collection of poems completed in 2011 including 130 never before seen works.  Everything on it is based on its self-named poem in which the character asks for a hot dog with everything on it and receives a parrot, a flag, a mouse in a mask and endless other quirky items which Shel was so famous for incorporating.  Dirty Clothes, Italian Food and Happy Birthday are also among the new, never seen poems which Silverstein had never published.

Shel Silverstein's Offical Website

Shel Silverstein’s official website includes funny and silly animations that grabs the attention of the kids.  Youll find the latest news, all of Shel’s books and much more. A great feature includes the ideas for parents and teachers.  This includes activities, lesson plans, and other fun and interactive happenings for children. 

Giggle Poetry

Giggle Poetry is a site designed for the love of poems.  Here, kids can learn to write their own poetry, read famous authors and look at interviews and biographies.  There are games, poetry theater links and all sorts of links for teachers and parents plus sites to purchase merchandise. 

VOCAB: Tapioca, Perhaps, Genie, Bidding, Slightly, Guarantee, Porcelain, Twine, Brook, Transparent, Swivel, Paralyze, Obliged, Dim, Chlorophyll

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS:

-Use this book in language arts to help students better grasp the format of poetry. 

-Use this book during morning meeting to start the day off with a goofy poem to get students excited about learning for the day.

-Use this book when studying famous writers and further discuss Shel’s importance in children’s literature. 

Before: Pick out titles from Shel’s book, such as Mask, and give them to the children to write their own poem using the title given.  After reading Silverstein’s version, compare and share the differences and similarities within small groups or as a whole class.
During: While reading this collection of poems, occasionally project some of them onto the board and read the poem together as a whole class.  Then, provide small groups with an envelope containing individually cut out words that make up the Silverstein poem.  Challenge students to create their own poems using the same words but in a different order.  Share these new outrageous poems out loud. 
After: Have a debate!  Choose one poem and let the children decide if they like it or not.  Then divide them into groups where they will discuss with one another and debate with the other team why or why they should change their opinion.  Give students the opportunity to switch teams half way through and then continue the debate.  Have questions prepared to keep the debate going. 
Writing: Although Shel has since passed, have students write a letter to the author in which they would have sent to him.  Encourage them to include their feelings about his poems, what they liked, didn’t like and even a poem of their own.