Module 5: Poetry Break - Favorite Newer Poem (since 2008)

THE BIGGEST TREE HOUSE By Jeff Foxworthy
(Found in: Foxworthy, Jeff. 2009. SILLY STREET. Ill. by Steve Bjorkman. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780061719196)

Children will easily relate to the imaginative quality of this poem. This rhyming poem captures the magic of childhood by describing the adventures a child could have in the biggest tree house imaginable. Steve Bjorkman’s colorful illustration of dozens of children frolicking, swinging, and playing in a gigantic tree house stretching high in the sky will certainly capture young children’s attention.

INTRODUCTION: As a group, ask students to help you draw and design “the ultimate tree house” for children. Lay out a large piece of butcher paper on the floor and allow students to work together to design one large tree house complete with the coolest features imaginable. As students are working, ask volunteers to share their ideas of what features would make the tree house fun.

THE BIGGEST TREE HOUSE
By Jeff Foxworthy

On the side of the street
In a fabulous tree
Is the biggest tree house
You ever will see.

You are welcome to climb
Clear up to the sky.
Wave the flag at the top
‘Cause you’re higher than high.

You could meet with your club,
Yell hello to your friends,
‘Cause in the great tree house
The fun never ends.

You can wave to the birds,
You can sing really loud,
And on the right day
You can hide in a cloud.

EXTENSION: Since this poem wraps up its imaginative quality with hiding in a cloud, it opens the door to a fun discussion of clouds and their various shapes. Read the story LITTLE CLOUD by Eric Carle to spark even more interest in clouds and the power of imagination. Then, keep the creative juices flowing by taking children outside to gaze at the clouds to see where their imaginations can take them! Children could even create artwork (using paint or even cotton balls to form clouds) that showcases the various shapes that can be seen in the clouds.