Module 2: Poetry Choice: Douglas Florian, Poetry Break

Insectlopedia

by Douglas Florian

Introduction: I selected the poem The Daddy Longlegs, from Douglas Florian's, Insectlopedia for the sheer reason that I enjoyed how the words rolled off my tongue. This would be a wonderful poem to echo with the students. Read each line of the poem and have the students repeat each line after you.

The Daddy Longlegs

O Daddy

Daddy O

How'd you get

Those legs to grow

So very long

And lean in size?

From spiderobic

Exercise?

Did you drink milk?

Or chew on cheese?

And by the way,

Where are your knees?

O Daddy
Daddy O

How'd you get

Those legs to grow?

Extension Activity: Borrow jump ropes from the P.E. coach and encourage students to jump rope while you chant this poem. Students will not only enjoy using the poem in a different setting outside the classroom but also in love bringing it outside to the playground! Encourage the students to make up gestures that follow the poem as they jump! Endless possibilities!!

Florian, Douglas. 1998. Insectlopedia. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Photo Courtesy of http://www.alibris.com/