Module 5: Poetry Break - Poem With Refrain

ONCE UPON A TIME by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson
(Found in: Martin Jr., Bill, ed. 2008. THE BILL MARTIN JR BIG BOOK OF POETRY. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416939719)

This mesmerizing poem captures the amazing ability of storytellers to entertain people from all walks of life. Just as storytellers have the ability to draw people in, this rhyming and rhythmic poem will capture children’s attention easily. The refrain used in this selection is: “Tell it again, Storyteller, / Tell it again, / Onceupona / Onceupona / Onceuponatime, / Tell it again, Storyteller / Tell it again.” Additionally, David Gordon’s illustration of a variety of individuals, such as a mummy, a witch, and several children, all huddled around a campfire while listening intently to a storyteller matches the entrancing nature of the poem well.

INTRODUCTION: Prior to reading this poem aloud, write the phrase “once upon a time” on the board. Ask students to share what they think that phrase means. Then, as a group, brainstorm the thoughts and images that come to mind whenever “once upon a time” is heard. Students will likely state that “once upon a time” evokes images of fairy tales and imaginative stories that take place in faraway lands. Briefly remind students of the power of great stories to take people and their imaginations to amazing places.

ONCE UPON A TIME
By Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson

The storyteller came to town
To share his gifts sublime,
Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again,
Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,
Tell it again, Storyteller
Tell it again,
Doors flew open to him,
Kings begged him not depart,
And children tucked his stories
In the pockets of their heart,
Tell it again, Storyteller
Tell it again,
Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,
Tell it again, Storyteller
Tell it again,
He told of scary ghosts
And of witches who became toast,
Of knights of old
And outlaws bold,
Oh
Onceupona
Onceupona
Onceuponatime,
Tell it again, Storyteller,
Tell it again.

EXTENSION: After sharing the poem, briefly share a story that you remember being shared with you as a child (for me personally, I remember hearing “The Three Little Pigs” story being told to me by my parents from memory). Then, allow student volunteers to share a few stories that are a part of their families’ storytelling traditions. Close the poetry break with a quick reminder of how exciting both listening to and telling stories can be for people of all ages.