POETRY LESSON
Susan

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Susan
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 374

Poem Summary
Susan, like any child, has all sorts of moods. This loving book of poetry and paintings, written and illustrated by a mother about her daughter, chronicles the daily emotions of a young girl. Approximate book level: T.

Build Background
Ask students how many different feelings or moods they have. Prompt them by modeling facial expressions such as smiling, laughing, frowning, sneering, and so on. Ask students how they feel during certain activities, such as playing, reading, or doing schoolwork. How are people around them affected by students' emotions?

Discuss poetry's rhymes and rhythms. Read the first line of the first poem and ask students to come up with a word that rhymes with rope. Use other familiar rhymes as references. Also explain that poetry's syllables follow a rhythm or "beat."

Preview the Poem
Show students the cover of the book and read the title. Open the book to the title page. Ask students to predict what the poems will be about based on the photos and the titles at the tops of the pages.

During the Reading
Allow students to stop and ask questions during reading, especially if there is something they do not understand. Emphasize the rhyme and the rhythm of the poems, and point out repeated phrases such as Everybody says (blank) whenever Susan (blank). Explain that repeated lines in poetry are called the refrain.

If reading aloud, be sure to read with expression. Use think-aloud strategies and react to parts of the book with facial expressions and gestures.

After the Reading
Reader Response
Ask students what they thought of the poem. Have volunteers summarize the poem or name their favorite part.

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the poem.

• How does everybody feel when Susan's sick?
  
• Is it nice when Susan sneers?
  
• When did Susan look the happiest?