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Form 2 - I Wonder
Form 2 - I Wonder
Form 2
I wonder
Table of Contents
Synopsis
Elements
Activities
Assessment
Answer Key
Glossary
Panel of writers
I WONDER
POETRY
The Poem
I WONDER
I wonder why the grass is green,
And why the wind is never seen?
Who taught the birds to build a nest,
And told the trees to take a rest?
O, when the moon is not quite round,
Where can the missing bit be found?
Who lights the stars, when they blow out,
And makes the lightning flash about?
Who paints the rainbow in the sky,
And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?
Why is it now, do you suppose,
That Dad wont tell me, if he knows?
Jeannie Kirby
I WONDER
POETRY
Synopsis
The persona, a child, is wondering about the natural happenings, asking why the
grass is green (instead of being other colours) and why the wind is invisible. He or she
continues to ponder on how the birds know how to build nests without any instruction and
why the trees shed their leaves in autumn. He also wonders where the other part of the
moon is(when the moon shows up in the sky in a crescent shape).
He wonders about who makes the stars shine and what makes the lightning flash
about. He asks who colours the rainbow and puts the clouds high in the sky. His father,
however, would not answer the childs questions. He wonders why the father was unwilling
to give him the answers.
I WONDER
POETRY
Elements
Persona (Speaker)
- An inquisitive child who observes the world around him.
Point of view
- First person (I Wonder)
Setting
- Outdoor; in the countryside, during the day
green grass
windy day
nests on trees
Autumn
- Outdoor during the night
Stars in the sky
A crescent moon
A flash of lightning
- Outdoor after the rain
Rainbow in the sky
A crescent moon
- Indoors where the child is talking to his father
Theme
- Curiosity of a child
Children are by nature inquisitive and they like to ask questions. They do not take things
for granted and they like to ask questions, seeking answers to things that puzzle them.
This is evident in the numerous questions about the surrounding that the child poses in
the poem.
- The wonders of nature
The poem shows readers of how majestic and awe-inspiring nature can be for those who
take the time to stop and appreciate it. In the eyes of the persona, nature is just amazing:
the various wonders of the sky, the complexity exhibited by a humble bird in nest-making,
the tide of time shown by the surrounding trees.
- The thirst for knowledge
Humans, by nature, are inquisitive beings. We have the innate drive to seek knowledge
and information to better ourselves. It sets us apart from other creatures. As such, we
strive to obtain as much information in our daily undertakings. Life is a constant learning
process and this urge manifests itself from an early age. This is shown in the personas
incessant questioning.
3
Moral Values
- Cultivating a desire for knowledge
As humans, we must never be satisfied with the level of knowledge that we have
acquired. We must continue to try to better ourselves through acquiring more knowledge.
- Caring for our environment
Through the eyes of the poet, nature is portrayed as majestic, mysterious and beautiful.
As such, it gives readers a sense appreciation towards our environment. Therefore, it is
pertinent that we take measures to care for our environment.
- The existence of a creator or God
The poet exudes a sense of wonder at the grandeur and mystery of nature. He is amazed
that, even though he cannot see it, he knows that wind is there. He is also baffled how a
bird that has never gone to school can build a nest, much like an architect, having gone to
university, constructs a building. In the last stanza, the fathers not answering the poets
questions indicates how, for all our knowledge and technological superiority, humans will
never be able to provide all the answers to lifes mysteries.
Structure
- 6 stanzas (6 couplets)
Rhyme Scheme
- Regular (aa bb cc dd ee)
Tone
- Questioning and curious. The child employs an almost interrogative aura while posing
the questions. He gives us a glimpse of what goes on in his mind.
Mood
- Reflective
Language
- Simple, Wh-questions
Imagery
- Nature (grass, wind, bird, moon, stars, lightning, rainbow, clouds)
Poetic Devices
- Personification ("trees...take a rest")
- And told the trees to take a rest
- Who lights the stars when they blow out
- Alliteration ("grass is green", "birds to build")
http://biteenglish.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-wonder-by-jeannie-kirby.html
I WONDER
ACTIVITY 1
80 minutes
Aims
1
2
Materials
Handout 1
Worksheet 1
Steps
1
2
3
4
5
Notes
Encourage students to look up the possible answers using the Internet. This will help
them to increase their knowledge for future activities.
Handout 1 can be flashed on the projector if colour print is unavailable.
Alternative: bring the class outside to experience nature first-hand.
I WONDER
HANDOUT 1
I WONDER
WORKSHEET 1
2.
3.
How do birds know how to build nests even though they dont go to school?
___________________________________________________________________
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I WONDER
ACTIVITY 2
Tell me banners
Time :
80 minutes
Aims
1
2
3
Materials
Worksheet 2
Colouring materials,
strings and glue
Steps
1
2
3
4
Notes
You may watch a sample video of the class from Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbjXCJV_C-s
Activity adapted from The Big Book of Reading Response Activities 2007
I WONDER
WORKSHEET 2
Tell me banners
Draw a picture or scene that depicts the stanza. Then, re-write that stanza creatively in
the space provided.
STANZA : _________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
I WONDER
ACTIVITY 3
Blast off!!!
Time :
40 minutes
Aims
1
2
Materials
Worksheet 3
Steps
1
2
3
4
Distribute Worksheet 3. Students list THREE things they have learnt from the
poem.
Students list out TWO interesting facts about the poem.
Students list out ONE question on either the elements, facts and any other relevant
information found in the poem.
Select a few students to come forward and present their findings to the class.
Encourage the other students to answer the questions posed by the presenters.
Notes
For more advanced students, they can compose short essays for each category instead
of writing them in point form.
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I WONDER
WORKSHEET 3
Blast off!!!
Fill in the Blow-out spaces with the items indicated in the rocket.
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I WONDER
ACTIVITY 4
40 minutes
Aims
1
2
Materials
Dictionary
Worksheet 4a
Worksheet 4b
Colour pencils
Steps
1
2
3
Distribute Worksheet 4a. Students look up the meanings of the words in the
dictionary.
Students match words with their synonyms by colouring them in the same colour.
Use different colours for different pairs. Discuss the answers.
Distribute Worksheet 4b. Students study each stanza and decide on the character
traits demonstrated by the persona in I Wonder.
Notes
For advanced students, the teacher can instruct them to justify their answers with
reference to the poem.
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I WONDER
WORKSHEET 4a
Curious
Innocent
Mesmerised
Confused
In awe
Concerned
Observant
Inquisitive
Perceptive
Naive
Baffled
Worried
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I WONDER
WORKSHEET 4b
STANZA
CHARACTER TRAIT(S)
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I WONDER
ACTIVITY 5
Thoughts on Themes
Time :
40 minutes
Aims
Materials
Worksheet 5
Steps
Instruct individual students to attempt to identify possible themes from the poem.
Distribute Worksheet 5.
Instruct students to complete the chart with possible themes based on the selected
lines.
Notes
For advanced students, they can use their answers to construct an essay.
The answers for the exercise may be used inter-changeably. Therefore, accept any
logical answers given by the students.
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I WONDER
Worksheet 5
Thoughts on Themes
For the following lines from the poem I Wonder, provide a possible theme. Then,
justify your selection of theme on the space below.
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In the spaces below, provide your explanation for your choice of themes.
Theme 1
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Theme 2
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Theme 3
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Theme 4
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
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I WONDER
ASSESSMENT 1
Assessment 1
Answer the following questions based on the poem I Wonder by Jeannie Kirby.
1. Match the phrases in Column A with the correct phrases in Column B:
Column A
Column B
round.
the sky.
questions.
colours.
training.
2. In your opinion, what does the poet mean by the phrase told the trees to take a rest?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3. Which line shows us that the child is questioning the fathers wisdom?
A.
B.
C.
D.
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I WONDER
ASSESSMENT 2
Assessment 2
Extract the lines in the poem and categorise them in the right column.
I Wonder
Land-based questions
Sky-based questions
1 __________________________
1 __________________________
2 __________________________
2 __________________________
3 __________________________
3 __________________________
4 __________________________
4 __________________________
5 __________________________
5 __________________________
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
In approximately 50 100 words, discuss the following statement:
Childrens curiosity is natural and should be nurtured. Do you agree? Discuss
with reference to the poem.
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I WONDER
ASSESSMENT 3
Assessment 3
Give short responses to the following questions.
1.
2.
3.
In your opinion, how is this poem relevant to our personal life? Give your answer
with reference to the poem.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
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I WONDER
ASSESSMENT 4
Assessment 4
A. Select the correct answer.
1. The words I Wonder show that the persona is
A
B
happy
careful
C
D
curious
superstitious
stars
clouds
C
D
lightning
a rainbow
3. Which element of nature in this poem is round and changes its shape with
time?
A
B
star
clouds
C
D
moon
rainbow
______________________________________________________________
6. In your opinion, why doesnt the father answer the personas questions?
______________________________________________________________
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I WONDER
POETRY
Answer Key
ACTIVITY 1:
(These are suggested answers only. Accept any logical answers from the students)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Because the raindrops turn the sun rays into various colours.
9.
10.
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ACTIVITY 2:
TELL ME BANNERS
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ACTIVITY 3:
BLAST OFF!!
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Curious
Innocent
Mesmerised
Confused
In awe
Concerned
Observant
Inquisitive
Perceptive
Naive
Baffled
Worried
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WORKSHEET 4b
STANZA
CHARACTER TRAIT(S)
Curious
Innocent
Inquisitive
Perceptive
Baffled
Perceptive
In awe
Worried
Mesmerised
Baffled
Naive
Perplexed
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B:
(Accept any answers the is logical, acceptable, and can be justified by the students)
Sample:
THEME 1: Thirst for knowledge.
I choose this theme because the persona shows a keen interest in finding the reason behind
the fact that he feels the presence of wind, even though he cant see it.
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ASSESSMENT 1
1.
2.
The trees are shedding their leaves in preparation for the sunless winter.
3.
b) if he knows? (stanza 6)
ASSESSMENT 2
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DISCUSSION QUESTION:
AGREE
DISAGREE
can be dangerous
ASSESSMENT 3
1.
Nature can be wonderful. It is beautiful and amazing for those who stop to notice it.
We must be responsible for taking care of our natural surroundings. Also, children
have a natural sense of curiosity for wanting to know about things. Adults should
appreciate this nature and help them in any way possible.
2.
3.
We are a part of nature in many ways. What happens to nature affects us directly,
whether positively or otherwise. As such, it falls on us to be responsible human
beings and do whatever it takes to ensure that nature is preserved. In the poem, the
child is amazed and inquisitive about nature and her happenings. He shows keen
interest in nature and wants to know as much about it as he can. This is in stark
contrast to the father who appears uninterested. This is shown in his unwilling or
unable to help the child answer his questions.
ASSESSMENT 4
A:
B:
1. C
curious
2. D
a rainbow
3. C
moon
4. Jeannie Kirby
5. - appreciating nature
- thirst for knowledge
- existence of the Creator (choose one)
6.
Maybe the father doesnt know the answers. This shows that, even though adults
have learnt a lot of thing, there are still some things that remain a mystery. Only God
has the answer to these questions.
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I WONDER
POETRY
Glossary
WORDS
LINE
MEANING IN CONTEXT
take a rest
to stop producing
blow out
to stop shining
flash
paints
created
fluffy
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I WONDER
POETRY
Panel of Writers
Coordinators
Diana Fatimah Bt Ahmad Sahani
Masreen Wirda Bt Mohammad Ali
Tengku Ireneza Marina Tunku Mazlan
Eileen Jessie Ah Guan
Ng Yew Kee
Panel of Writers
Andrew Leong Kong Meng
(Panel Head)
Adrian Robert
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