Form 2I wonder

Table of Contents

SynopsisElementsActivitiesAssessmentAnswer KeyGlossaryPanel of writers

Curriculum Development Division. Ministry of Education Malaysia. 2010

DRAFT

The Poem

I WONDER POETRY

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 won’t tell me, if he knows?

Jeannie Kirby

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Synopsis

I WONDER POETRY

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 child’s questions. He wonders why the father was unwilling

to give him the answers.

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Elements

I WONDER POETRY

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.

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- The thirst for knowledgeHumans, 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 persona’s incessant questioning.

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 father’s not answering the poet’s questions indicates how, for all our knowledge and technological superiority, humans will never be able to provide all the answers to life’s 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")

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Aims Materials

Steps

Notes

I WONDER ACTIVITY 1

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And the answer is…

http://biteenglish.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-wonder-by-jeannie-kirby.html

1 Responding to questions based on elements of nature in the poem

2 Understanding the poem better by answering pre-questions about the poem

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Handout 1

Worksheet 1

Time : 80 minutes

1 Organise students into groups of 3-4. 2 Distribute Handout 1 to the groups.3 Instruct the groups to formulate Wh-questions and answers for each picture. Call on

a few groups to pose their questions and get the other groups to answer them.4 Distribute Worksheet 1 to the groups. 5 Instruct them to complete the worksheet. Discuss their answers in class.

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

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And the answer is…

I WONDER WORKSHEET 1

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And the answer is…

Answer the following questions using short answers.

1. Why is grass green in colour and not blue?

___________________________________________________________________

2. How do we know that there is wind when we can’t see it?

___________________________________________________________________

3. How do birds know how to build nests even though they don’t go to school?

___________________________________________________________________

4. Why do trees turn golden brown during Autumn?

___________________________________________________________________

5. What does it mean when the moon is not a complete circle?

___________________________________________________________________

6. Why do stars twinkle in the sky?

___________________________________________________________________

7. Why is lightning dangerous?

___________________________________________________________________

8. Why does a rainbow have many colours?

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9. Are clouds made of soft, fluffy cotton?

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10. Does everybody know the answers to all of these questions?

___________________________________________________________________

I WONDER ACTIVITY 2

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‘ Tell me’ bannersTime : 80 minutes

Aims Materials

Steps

Notes

I WONDER WORKSHEET 2

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1 To appreciate the poem through recitation.2 To recite the poem with expression.3 To comprehend the poem through

visual/pictorial depiction of the poem.

1 Worksheet 2

2 Colouring materials, strings and glue

1 Phase 1: recite the poem with expression. 2 Students recite the poem, supervised by the teacher.3 Teacher discusses the stanzas with the class4 Phase 2: Distribute Worksheet 2 to the students. Instruct them to draw a visual

representation of the respective stanzas (i.e. draw the scene or image discussed in the stanza). Then, on the bottom space of the handout, students re-write the corresponding stanza as creatively as they can.

5 Get some students to display their work at the English Corner.

You may watch a sample video of the class from Youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbjXCJV_C-sActivity adapted from The Big Book of Reading Response Activities © 2007

‘ Tell me’ banners

Draw a picture or scene that depicts the stanza. Then, re-write that stanza creatively in the space provided.

I WONDER ACTIVITY 3

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Blast off!!!

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

STANZA : _________

Aims Materials

Steps

Notes

I WONDER WORKSHEET 3

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1 To identify the information that the students have learnt from the poem.

2 To highlight possible issues in the poem.

1 Worksheet 3

Time : 40 minutes

1 Distribute Worksheet 3. Students list THREE things they have learnt from the poem.

2 Students list out TWO interesting facts about the poem.

3 Students list out ONE question on either the elements, facts and any other relevant information found in the poem.

4 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.

For more advanced students, they can compose short essays for each category instead of writing them in point form.

Blast off!!!

Fill in the Blow-out spaces with the items indicated in the rocket.

I WONDER ACTIVITY 4

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That Makes You….

Aims Materials

Steps

Notes

I WONDER WORKSHEET 4a

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1 Analysing the character and his characteristics in a poem.

2 To make word association through synonyms.

1 Dictionary

2 Worksheet 4a

3 Worksheet 4b

4 Colour pencils

Time : 40 minutes

1 Distribute Worksheet 4a. Students look up the meanings of the words in the dictionary.

2 Students match words with their synonyms by colouring them in the same colour. Use different colours for different pairs. Discuss the answers.

3 Distribute Worksheet 4b. Students study each stanza and decide on the character traits demonstrated by the persona in “I Wonder”.

For advanced students, the teacher can instruct them to justify their answers with reference to the poem.

That Makes You….

Curious Innocent

Mesmerised Confused

In awe Concerned

Observant Inquisitive

Perceptive Naive

Baffled Worried

Using a dictionary, find out the meaning of the following words. Then, match the words with similar meanings by colouring the space with the same coloured colour pencil.

I WONDER WORKSHEET 4b

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That Makes You….

Read the following stanzas. Then, using the words from Worksheet 4a, decide what character trait(s) the persona demonstrates in each of the stanza. You may use the traits more than once.

I WONDER ACTIVITY 5

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STANZA CHARACTER TRAIT(S)

I wonder why the grass in 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 starts, 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 won’t tell me, if he knows?

Thoughts on Themes

Aims Materials

Steps

Notes

I WONDER Worksheet 5

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1 To identify possible themes from the poem.

2 To develop rationalising skills through

explaining one’s answers.

1 Worksheet 5

Time : 40 minutes

1 Discuss possible themes with the students.

2 Instruct individual students to attempt to identify possible themes from the poem.

3 Distribute Worksheet 5.

4 Instruct students to complete the chart with possible themes based on the selected

lines.

5 Students justify their selection on the space provided.

6 Discuss the students’ answers in class.

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.

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.

In the spaces below, provide your explanation for your choice of themes.

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Theme 1

__________________________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________________________

I WONDER ASSESSMENT 1

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Assessment 1

Theme 2

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

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Theme 3

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

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Theme 4

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

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

The child wonders why the grass

- - when the moon is not completely round.

The child is amazed that birds know

- - arch with brilliant colours across the sky.

The child wonders where the missing bits go

- - refuses to answers his/her questions.

The child wonders who makes the stars

- - is green in colour instead of other colours.

The child wonders who makes the rainbow

- - how to build nests without prior training.

The child is slightly disappointed that the father

- - twinkle brightly in the dark sky.

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 father’s wisdom?

A. When they blow out (stanza 4) B. If he knows? (stanza 6) C. Where can the missing bit be found? (stanza 3) D. I wonder why the grass is green, (stanza 1)

I WONDER ASSESSMENT 2

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Assessment 2

Extract the lines in the poem and categorise them in the right column.

I WONDER ASSESSMENT 3

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I Wonder

1 __________________________

2 __________________________

3 __________________________

4 __________________________

5 __________________________

Land-based questions

1 __________________________

2 __________________________

3 __________________________

4 __________________________

5 __________________________

Sky-based questions

DISCUSSION QUESTION:In approximately 50 – 100 words, discuss the following statement:

“Children’s curiosity is natural and should be nurtured”. Do you agree? Discuss with reference to the poem.

Assessment 3

Give short responses to the following questions.

I WONDER ASSESSMENT 4

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1. What is the message of the poem?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

2. What natural element of nature is discussed in stanza 4? How is this element powerful?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

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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Assessment 4

Answer Key

A. Select the correct answer.

1. The words ‘I Wonder’ show that the persona is

A happy C curiousB careful D superstitious

2. What does the persona see after a downpour?

A stars C lightningB clouds D a rainbow

3. Which element of nature in this poem is round and changes its shape with time?

A star C moonB clouds D rainbow

B. Provide short answers for the following questions

4. Who wrote the poem ‘I Wonder’?

______________________________________________________________

5. State one value that we can learn from this poem.

______________________________________________________________

6. In your opinion, why doesn’t the father answer the persona’s questions?

______________________________________________________________

I WONDER POETRY

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ACTIVITY 1: AND THE ANSWER IS....

(These are suggested answers only. Accept any logical answers from the students)

1. Because it has a chemical called Chlorophyll that makes it green.

2. Because it is transparent to light.

3. They know it instinctively.

4. Because there is no sun in winter, so they don’t need leaves.

5. The sun shines on different parts of the moon.

6. It only seems to twinkle because of the gasses around our earth.

7. Because it can destroy anything it strikes.

8. Because the raindrops turn the sun rays into various colours.

9. No, they’re water turned to gas.

10. (Accept any logical answers)

ACTIVITY 2: ‘TELL ME’ BANNERS

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(Sample picture of a completed product)

ACTIVITY 3: BLAST OFF!!

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(Sample answers. Accept any acceptable response)

ACTIVITY 4 : THAT MAKES YOU....

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Curious Innocent

Mesmerised Confused

In awe Concerned

Observant Inquisitive

Perceptive Naive

Baffled Worried

WORKSHEET 4a

WORKSHEET 4b

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ACTIVITY 5 : THOUGHTS ON THEMES

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STANZA CHARACTER TRAIT(S)

I wonder why the grass in green,And why the wind is never seen?

Who taught the birds to build a nest,And told the trees to take a rest?

CuriousInnocent

InquisitivePerceptive

O, when the moon is not quite round,Where can the missing bit be found?

BaffledPerceptive

Who lights the starts, when they blow out?And makes the lightning flash about?

Who paints the rainbow in the sky,And hangs the fluffy clouds so high?

In aweWorried

MesmerisedBaffled

Why is it now, do you suppose,That Dad won’t tell me, if he knows?

NaivePerplexed

(NOTE: The themes may be used inter-changeably.

A:

THEME 1: Thirst for knowledge

THEME 2: Greatness of the Creator

THEME 3: Wonders of nature

THEME 4: The mysteries of nature

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 can’t see it.

ASSESSMENT 1

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1.

2. The trees are shedding their leaves in preparation for the sunless winter.

3. b) if he knows? (stanza 6)

ASSESSMENT 2

DISCUSSION QUESTION:

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AGREE DISAGREE

- normal process of growing up

- helps children to learn about things around them

- helps to develop their minds

- can expose them to undesirable elements

- may lead to disappointment from uncooperative adults

- 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. Lightning. It is dangerous because of its destructive nature.

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: 1. C curious

2. D a rainbow

3. C moon

B: 4. Jeannie Kirby

5. - appreciating nature

- thirst for knowledge

- existence of the Creator (choose one)

6. Maybe the father doesn’t 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.

I WONDER POETRY

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Glossary

WORDS LINE MEANING IN CONTEXT

take a rest 4 to stop producing

blow out 7 to stop shining

flash 8 sudden, bright light

paints 9 created

fluffy 10 puffy and soft

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Panel of Writers

I WONDER POETRY

Coordinators

Diana Fatimah Bt Ahmad Sahani Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum, KPMMasreen Wirda Bt Mohammad Ali Kementerian Pelajaran MalaysiaTengku Ireneza Marina Tunku Mazlan Aras 4-8, Blok E9Eileen Jessie Ah Guan Kompleks Kerajaan Parcel E Ng Yew Kee Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan

62604 Putrajaya

Jimmy Then Choon Jing SMK Bintulu, Peti Surat 9797007 Bintulu, Sarawak.

Panel of Writers

Andrew Leong Kong Meng SMK Air Itam, Jalan Thean Teik, (Panel Head) 11500 Pulai Pinang

Adrian Robert SM La Salle, P.O. Box 1028288803 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Vasanthi Sandra Gasam SMK Tun Habab, Jalan Tajul.81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor.

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