Poetry and the Refrain

Introduction

Ask the students where vegetables grow. They may say vines, plants, or even trees. Explain that they all start from the ground. Earth day is this month and we can show appreciation for the earth by keeping it clean. Show a picture of a rutabaga. Ask if anyone knows the name of the vegetable? Read the poem about rutabaga.

Carrots? No, Thank You!

Some vegetables are good to eat,
and some are just okay.
My favorite vegetable’s the one
that’s really fun to say—

........Rutabaga!
................Rutabaga!
........................Rutabaga!

It’s really kind of tasty,
whipped up hot like mashed potata.
But I always start to giggle
when I’m asked, “More rutabaga?”

..........Rutabaga!
.................Rutabaga!
.........................Rutabaga!

You may like another vegetable
That has a funny name.
Chickpeas, leeks, and parsnips
may tickle you the same.

But I think rutabaga
is the best veggie that grows.
It’s the only one I know of
I can laugh right my nose!

.......Rutabaga!
...............Rutabaga!
.......................Rutabaga!

Whitehead, Jenny. LUNCH BOX MAIL: and other poems. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2001.

Extension

Explain to the class the term "refrain." Read the poem again. Ask the children to make a list of vegetables or fruits that they enjoy eating. Have them choose one item from their list and write three reasons why they like that fruit. Have fun writing poems and using their fruits for the refrain.

(Note: I can't get my blog to post the space so I use periods.)