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Poetry for Children
Poetry Break #19

Matching a poem and a picture book

I woke up this morning
by Karla Kuskin

I woke up this morning
At quarter past seven.
I kicked up the covers
And stuck out my toe.
And ever since then
(That's a quarter past seven)
They haven't said anything
Other than "no."
They haven't said anything
Other than "Please dear,
Don't do what youre doing,"
Or "Lower your voice."
Whatever I've done
And however I've chosen,
I've done the wrong thing
And I've made the wrong choice.
I didn't wash well
And I didn't say thank you.
I didn't shake hands
And I didn't say please.
I didn't say sorry
When passing the candy.
I banged the box into
Miss Witelson's knees.
I didn't say sorry.
I didn't stand straighter.
I didn't speak louder
When asked what I'd said.
Well, I said
That tomorrow
At quarter past seven
They can
Come in and get me.
I'm Staying In Bed.

Dogs and Dragons, Trees and Dreams;
Harper and Row, 1980

Introduction
Poems can also be matched with favorite picture books. For example, the following poem seems meant to be shared with the classic picture book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.

Extension
Invite the children to share humorous stories of "bad days" they have had. (Handle with care: some children experience real trauma in their young lives.)