Materials
Chart paper
crayons or markers
assorted nursery rhymes charts
Instructions
1. Tell the children about Phyllis Wheatley, who was the first African American
to write poetry. She even wrote a poem for our country's first president,
George Washington.
2. Explain what a poem is to the children, and tell them that they will be writing
their own poems about the seasons.
3. Title the poem "Spring Is...," "Fall Is...," "Summer Is...," or "Fall Is..." To
help the children get started, the teacher should begin the poem. For
example, "Summer is hot sun, summer is so much fun." The children can
complete the poem.
4. Show the children assorted nursery rhymes on charts.
5. Say the following poems with the children.
Phyllis Wheatley by Patricia Murchison
Phyllis Wheatley loved to write,
She wrote poems into the night.
A poem is a rhyme you see,
A verse for you.
A verse for me.
Stephen Square by Patricia Murchison
Stephen Square is my name,
My four sides are the same.
You can turn me around I'm not ashamed,
And I don't change.
Stephen Square is my name.
