A simple task such as reciting poems to a group of young children can begin to develop their early literacy skills. Preschool teachers, especially, are often very skilled at reading to children with enthusiasm and excitement. The poems and stories of Shel Silverstein lend themselves so easily to these traits. When preschool age children hear these rhymes and words spoken regularly, they help the student build vocabulary skills and begin to recognize letter patterns and letter sounds in spoken or read words. After they learn the words to some commonly used poems and rhymes, they will begin to recite them as well, further building their early literacy skills.
Listening Skills
When first using the poems of Shel Silverstein in the classroom, it is best to choose a poem that is short and exciting. Doing so will give children the motivation to listen attentively and strengthen their active listening skills. When reciting the same poem often, eventually children will be able to recite the poem themselves, giving you an avenue for assessment or the opportunity to scaffold that ability with a new poem or concept.
When first using the poems of Shel Silverstein in the classroom, it is best to choose a poem that is short and exciting. Doing so will give children the motivation to listen attentively and strengthen their active listening skills. When reciting the same poem often, eventually children will be able to recite the poem themselves, giving you an avenue for assessment or the opportunity to scaffold that ability with a new poem or concept.
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Here is an example of a Shel Silverstein poem to recite to a preschool group:
Children will understand that the snowball melted because it was too warm in the house! They will most likely want to retell this poem to others, or wish to hear it again because of the silly nature.
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