A Classroom Lesson

Sometimes going to bed at night can be scary. This is a poem to help children to not be afraid of the dark, but think about it in a positive way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The thunder boomed outside the room

as children gathered ‘round.

‘T’was story time ‘though darkness loomed

amidst the eerie sounds.

 

The teacher gasped as lights went out

and children huddled close.

“We’re scared!” came frightened little shouts

as teacher quickly rose.

 

“Stay calm my dears, I’ve found a light,

I’ll brighten up the room.”

Though try she did with all her might

the candle stayed in gloom.

 

“Oh dear, it looks as though we’re stuck.”

“Ms. Rogers help us please!”

“I know my dears, what rotten luck,

here’s cookies to appease.”

 

So in a huddle they all sat

and chomped on sweets galore.

Soon one, then two began to laugh,

a joyful sound for sure!

 

“I know, let’s tell some nursery rhymes

to drive away the clouds.”

With funny rhymes they spent their time,

took turns to speak out loud.

 

All of a sudden, lights came on

and much to their surprise,

they felt regret the dark had gone

and let out lots of sighs.

 

“Wait!” yelled a girl called silly Nell

who giggled with such glee.

“Turn off the lights, so we can tell,

of Contrary Mary.”

 

Jack Sprat; One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

made eyes shine with delight.

Come blow your horn, Little Boy Blue,

while Jack and Jill take flight.

 

Oh what a day the children shared

when “light‘s out” made them grin.

So don’t let bedtime leave you scared,

ne’er fear the dark again.

　

　

Author's Note

Iambic tetrameter and trimeter (4/3/4/3 iambic ‘feet” per stanza (8/6/8/6 syllables).
I've used an unstressed “feminine” syllable at the end of a line or two.
List of Mother Goose rhymes: http://www.fidella.com/trmg/title.html
Photo courtesy of unc.edu

Reviews

[Dr. Wood ?]

i'm afraid tetrameters etc leave me cold...all i do is write for kids.... This was pretty good though

[Brittany]

Bravo! Bravo! Very well done with the rhythm, rhyme, and flow. This was very enjoyable.

[Ceri]

This is a very comforting poem, the unstressed syllables are a nice touch. With my twisted mind though, it seemed like Ms Rogers put something special in those cookies. As a side note, if I were a teacher I would actually be Ms Rogers.