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Iwonder

Table of ContentsSynopsis Elements Activities Assessment Answer Key GlossaryCurriculum Development Division.Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010

I WONDERPOETRY

The Poem

I WONDERI wonder why the grass is green, And why the wind is never seen?Who taught the birds to build a nest, And told the trees to take a rest?O, when the moon is not quite round, Where can the missing bit be found?Who lights the stars, when they blow out, And makes the lightning flash about?Who paints the rainbow in the sky, And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?Why is it now, do you suppose, That Dad wont tell me, if he knows?Jeannie Kirby

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1I WONDERPOETRY

Synopsis

The persona, a child, is wondering about the natural happenings, asking why the grass is green (instead of being other colours) and why the wind is invisible. He or she continues to ponder on how the birds know how to build nests without any instruction and why the trees shed their leaves in autumn. He also wonders where the other part of the moon is(when the moon shows up in the sky in a crescent shape).

He wonders about who makes the stars shine and what makes the lightning flash about. He asks who colours the rainbow and puts the clouds high in the sky. His father, however, would not answer the childs questions. He wonders why the father was unwilling to give him the answers.

I WONDERPOETRY

Elements

Persona (Speaker) An inquisitive child who observes the world around him.

Point of view First person (I Wonder)

Setting Outdoor; in the countryside, during the day green grass windy day nests on trees Autumn

Outdoor during the night Stars in the sky A crescent moon A flash of lightning

Outdoor after the rain Rainbow in the sky A crescent moon

Indoors where the child is talking to his father

Theme Curiosity of a childChildren are by nature inquisitive and they like to ask questions. They do not take things for granted and they like to ask questions, seeking answers to things that puzzle them.This is evident in the numerous questions about the surrounding that the child poses in the poem.

The wonders of natureThe poem shows readers of how majestic and awe-inspiring nature can be for those who take the time to stop and appreciate it. In the eyes of the persona, nature is just amazing: the various wonders of the sky, the complexity exhibited by a humble bird in nest-making, the tide of time shown by the surrounding trees.

The thirst for knowledgeHumans, by nature, are inquisitive beings. We have the innate drive to seek knowledge and information to better ourselves. It sets us apart from other creatures. As such, we strive to obtain as much information in our daily undertakings. Life is a constant learning process and this urge manifests itself from an early age. This is shown in the personas incessant questioning.

Moral Values Cultivating a desire for knowledgeAs humans, we must never be satisfied with the level of knowledge that we have acquired. We must continue to try to better ourselves through acquiring more knowledge.

Caring for our environmentThrough the eyes of the poet, nature is portrayed as majestic, mysterious and beautiful. As such, it gives readers a sense appreciation towards our environment. Therefore, it is pertinent that we take measures to care for our environment.

- The existence of a creator or GodThe poet exudes a sense of wonder at the grandeur and mystery of nature. He is amazed that, even though he cannot see it, he knows that wind is there. He is also baffled how a bird that has never gone to school can build a nest, much like an architect, having gone to university, constructs a building. In the last stanza, the fathers not answering the poets questions indicates how, for all our knowledge and technological superiority, humans will never be able to provide all the answers to lifes mysteries.

Structure 6 stanzas (6 couplets)

Rhyme Scheme Regular (aa bb cc dd ee)

Tone Questioning and curious. The child employs an almost interrogative aura while posing the questions. He gives us a glimpse of what goes on in his mind.

Mood Reflective

Language Simple, Wh-questions

Imagery Nature (grass, wind, bird, moon, stars, lightning, rainbow, clouds)

Poetic Devices Personification ("trees...take a rest") And told the trees to take a rest Who lights the stars when they blow out

Alliteration ("grass is green", "birds to build")

http://biteenglish.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-wonder-by-jeannie-kirby.html

I WONDERACTIVITY 1

And the answer is

MaterialsTime :80 minutes

Aims

1Responding to questions based on elements of nature in the poem2Understanding the poem better by answering pre-questions about the poem12Handout 1Worksheet 1

Steps

1Organise students into groups of 3-4.

2Distribute Handout 1 to the groups.

3Instruct the groups to formulate Wh-questions and answers for each picture. Call on a few groups to pose their questions and get the other groups to answer them.

4Distribute Worksheet 1 to the groups.

5Instruct them to complete the worksheet. Discuss their answers in class.

NotesEncourage students to look up the possible answers using the Internet. This will help them to increase their knowledge for future activities.Handout 1 can be flashed on the projector if colour print is unavailable. Alternative: bring the class outside to experience nature first-hand.

I WONDERHANDOUT 1

And the answer is

I WONDERWORKSHEET 1

And the answer is

Answer the following questions using short answers.

1. Why is grass green in colour and not blue?

2. How do we know that there is wind when we cant see it?

3. How do birds know how to build nests even though they dont go to school?

4. Why do trees turn golden brown during Autumn?

5. What does it mean when the moon is not a complete circle?

6. Why do stars twinkle in the sky?

7. Why is lightning dangerous?

8. Why does a rainbow have many colours?

9. Are clouds made of soft, fluffy cotton?

10. Does everybody know the answers to all of these questions?

NotesMaterialsI WONDERACTIVITY 2

Tell me bannersTime :80 minutesAims

1To appreciate the poem through recitation.2To recite the poem with expression.3To comprehend the poem through visual/pictorial depiction of the poem.1Worksheet 22Colouring materials, strings and glue

Steps

1Phase 1: recite the poem with expression.

2Students recite the poem, supervised by the teacher.

3Teacher discusses the stanzas with the class

4Phase 2: Distribute Worksheet 2 to the students. Instruct them to draw a visual representation of the respective stanzas (i.e. draw the scene or image discussed in the stanza). Then, on the bottom space of the handout, students re-write the corresponding stanza as creatively as they can.

5Get some students to display their work at the English Corner.

You may watch a sample video of the class from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbjXCJV_C-sActivity adapted from The Big Book of Reading Response Activities 2007

I WONDERWORKSHEET 2

Tell me bannersDraw a picture or scene that depicts the stanza. Then, re-write that stanza creatively in the space provided.

STANZA :

I WONDERACTIVITY 3

Blast off!!!


Aims

1To identify the information that the students have learnt from the poem.2To highlight possible issues in the poem.1Worksheet 3

Steps

1Distribute Worksheet 3. Students list THREE things they have learnt from the poem.

2Students list out TWO interesting facts about the poem.

3Students list out ONE question on either the elements, facts and any other relevant information found in the poem.

4Select a few students to come forward and present their findings to the class. Encourage the other students to answer the questions posed by the presenters.

NotesFor more advanced students, they can compose short essays for each category instead of writing them in point form.

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Blast off!!!I WONDERWORKSHEET 3

Fill in the Blow-out spaces with the items indicated in the rocket.

I WONDERACTIVITY 4

That Makes You.


Aims

1Analysing the character and his characteristicsin a poem.2To make word association through synonyms.1Dictionary2Worksheet 4a3Worksheet 4b4Colour pencils

Steps

1Distribute Worksheet 4a. Students look up the meanings of the words in the dictionary.

2Students match words with their synonyms by colouring them in the same colour. Use different colours for different pairs. Discuss the answers.

3Distribute Worksheet 4b. Students study each stanza and decide on the character traits demonstrated by the persona in I Wonder.

NotesFor advanced students, the teacher can instruct them to justify their answers with reference to the poem.

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13I WONDERWORKSHEET 4a

That Makes You.

Using a dictionary, find out the meaning of the following words. Then, match the words with similar meanings by colouring the space with the same coloured colour pencil.

CuriousInnocent

MesmerisedConfused

In aweConcerned

ObservantInquisitive

PerceptiveNaive

BaffledWorried

I WONDERWORKSHEET 4b

That Makes You.

Read the following stanzas. Then, using the words from Worksheet 4a, decide what character trait(s) the persona demonstrates in each of the stanza. You may use the traits more than once.

STANZACHARACTER TRAIT(S)

I wonder why the grass in green, And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest, And told the trees to take a rest?

O, when the moon is not quite round, Where can the missing bit be found?

Who lights the starts, when they blow out? And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky, And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

Why is it now, do you suppose, That Dad wont tell me, if he knows?

I WONDERACTIVITY 5

Thoughts on Themes


Aims

1To identify possible themes from the poem.2To develop rationalising skills through explaining ones answers.1Worksheet 5

Steps

1Discuss possible themes with the students.

2Instruct individual students to attempt to identify possible themes from the poem.

3Distribute Worksheet 5.

4Instruct students to complete the chart with possible themes based on the selected lines.

5Students justify their selection on the space provided.

6Discuss the students answers in class.

NotesFor advanced students, they can use their answers to construct an essay.The answers for the exercise may be used inter-changeably. Therefore, accept any logical answers given by the students.

I WONDERWorksheet 5

Thoughts on ThemesFor the following lines from the poem I Wonder, provide a possible theme. Then, justify your selection of theme on the space below.

In the spaces below, provide your explanation for your choice of themes.

Theme 1

Theme 2

Theme 3

Theme 4

I WONDERASSESSMENT 1

Assessment 1

Answer the following questions based on the poem I Wonder by Jeannie Kirby.

1. Match the phrases in Column A with the correct phrases in Column B:

Column AColumn B

The child wonders why the grass--when the moon is not completely round.

The child is amazed that birds know--arch with brilliant colours across the sky.

The child wonders where the missing bits go--refuses to answers his/her questions.

The child wonders who makes the stars--is green in colour instead of other colours.

The child wonders who makes the rainbow--how to build nests without prior training.

The child is slightly disappointed that the father--twinkle brightly in the dark sky.

2. In your opinion, what does the poet mean by the phrase told the trees to take a rest?

3. Which line shows us that the child is questioning the fathers wisdom?

A. When they blow out (stanza 4)B. If he knows? (stanza 6)C. Where can the missing bit be found? (stanza 3)D. I wonder why the grass is green, (stanza 1)


Assessment 2Extract the lines in the poem and categorise them in the right column.

I Wonder

Land-based questions1 2 3 4 5

Sky-based questions1 2 3 4 5

DISCUSSION QUESTION:In approximately 50 100 words, discuss the following statement: Childrens curiosity is natural and should be nurtured. Do you agree? Discusswith reference to the poem.


Assessment 3

Give short responses to the following questions.

1.What is the message of the poem?2.What natural element of nature is discussed in stanza 4? How is this elementpowerful?3.In your opinion, how is this poem relevant to our personal life? Give your answerwith reference to the poem.

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Assessment 4I WONDERASSESSMENT 4

A. Select the correct answer.

1. The words I Wonder show that the persona is

AhappyCcurious

BcarefulDsuperstitious

2. What does the persona see after a downpour?

AstarsClightning

BcloudsDa rainbow

3. Which element of nature in this poem is round and changes its shape with time?

AstarCmoon

BcloudsDrainbow

B. Provide short answers for the following questions

4. Who wrote the poem I Wonder?

5. State one value that we can learn from this poem.

6. In your opinion, why doesnt the father answer the personas questions?

I WONDERPOETRY

Answer Key

ACTIVITY 1:AND THE ANSWER IS....

(These are suggested answers only. Accept any logical answers from the students)

1. Because it has a chemical called Chlorophyll that makes it green.

2. Because it is transparent to light.

3. They know it instinctively.

4. Because there is no sun in winter, so they dont need leaves.

5. The sun shines on different parts of the moon.

6. It only seems to twinkle because of the gasses around our earth.

7. Because it can destroy anything it strikes.

8. Because the raindrops turn the sun rays into various colours.

9. No, theyre water turned to gas.

10. (Accept any logical answers)

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23ACTIVITY 2:TELL ME BANNERS

(Sample picture of a completed product)

ACTIVITY 3:BLAST OFF!!

(Sample answers. Accept any acceptable response)

ACTIVITY 4 : THAT MAKES YOU....

WORKSHEET 4a

CuriousInnocent

MesmerisedConfused

In aweConcerned

ObservantInquisitive

PerceptiveNaive

BaffledWorried

WORKSHEET 4b

STANZACHARACTER TRAIT(S)

I wonder why the grass in green, And why the wind is never seen?Curious Innocent

Who taught the birds to build a nest, And told the trees to take a rest?Inquisitive Perceptive

O, when the moon is not quite round, Where can the missing bit be found?Baffled Perceptive

Who lights the starts, when they blow out? And makes the lightning flash about?In awe Worried

Who paints the rainbow in the sky, And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?Mesmerised Baffled

Why is it now, do you suppose, That Dad wont tell me, if he knows?Naive Perplexed

ACTIVITY 5 : THOUGHTS ON THEMES

(NOTE: The themes may be used inter-changeably. A:THEME 1: Thirst for knowledge THEME 2: Greatness of the Creator THEME 3: Wonders of nature THEME 4: The mysteries of nature

B:

(Accept any answers the is logical, acceptable, and can be justified by the students) Sample:THEME 1: Thirst for knowledge.

I choose this theme because the persona shows a keen interest in finding the reason behind

the fact that he feels the presence of wind, even though he cant see it.

ASSESSMENT 1

1.2. The trees are shedding their leaves in preparation for the sunless winter.

3. b) if he knows? (stanza 6)

ASSESSMENT 2

DISCUSSION QUESTION:

AGREEDISAGREE

normal process of growing up

helps children to learn about things around them

helps to develop their minds can expose them to undesirable elements

may lead to disappointment from uncooperative adults

can be dangerous

ASSESSMENT 3

1. Nature can be wonderful. It is beautiful and amazing for those who stop to notice it. We must be responsible for taking care of our natural surroundings. Also, children have a natural sense of curiosity for wanting to know about things. Adults should appreciate this nature and help them in any way possible.

2. Lightning. It is dangerous because of its destructive nature.

3. We are a part of nature in many ways. What happens to nature affects us directly, whether positively or otherwise. As such, it falls on us to be responsible human beings and do whatever it takes to ensure that nature is preserved. In the poem, the child is amazed and inquisitive about nature and her happenings. He shows keen interest in nature and wants to know as much about it as he can. This is in stark contrast to the father who appears uninterested. This is shown in his unwilling or unable to help the child answer his questions.

ASSESSMENT 4

A:1. Ccurious

2. Da rainbow

3. Cmoon

B:4. Jeannie Kirby5. - appreciating nature thirst for knowledge existence of the Creator (choose one)

6. Maybe the father doesnt know the answers. This shows that, even though adults have learnt a lot of thing, there are still some things that remain a mystery. Only God has the answer to these questions.

I WONDERPOETRY

Glossary

WORDSLINEMEANING IN CONTEXT

take a rest4to stop producing

blow out7to stop shining

flash8sudden, bright light

paints9created

fluffy10puffy and soft

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