Understand Poetry: Shel Silverstein

The ability to read and understand poetry is an important part of learning literature. Reading and examining poetry allows students to use important analyzing skills without feeling overwhelmed by longer works of literature. 

Topics covered:

- Who was Shel Silverstein?
- Elements of poetry - Symbolism, figurative language, alliteration, personification, etc...
- What is theme?
- Explore how Shel Silverstein uses images and words to appeal to children, but also addresses deep topics that appeal to older readers

We will read and discuss these poems by Shel Silverstein in class (with permission):
- Masks
- Underface
- Where the Sidewalk Ends
- Growing Down
- The Clock Man
- Yesees and Noees