DRAFT

Form 2
I wonder

Table of Contents
Synopsis Elements Activities Assessment Answer Key Glossary Panel of writers

Curriculum Development Division.Ministry of Education Malaysia . 2010

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 un willing 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

And the answer is

Time : 80 minutes

Aims
1 2

Materials
Handout 1 Worksheet 1

1 2

Responding to questions based on elements of nature in the poem Understanding the poem better by answering pre-questions about the poem

Steps
1 2 3 4 5 Organise students into groups of 3-4. Distribute Handout 1 to the groups. 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. Distribute Worksheet 1 to the groups. Instruct them to complete the worksheet. Discuss their answers in class.

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

And the answer is

I WONDER

WORKSHEET 1

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 cant see it? ___________________________________________________________________ 3. How do birds know how to build nests even though they dont 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? ___________________________________________________________________ 9. Are clouds made of soft, fluffy cotton? ___________________________________________________________________ 10. Does everybody know the answers to all of these questions? ___________________________________________________________________

I WONDER

ACTIVITY 2

Tell me banners
Time : 80 minutes

Aims
1 2

Materials
Worksheet 2 Colouring materials, strings and glue

1 2 3

To appreciate the poem through recitation. To recite the poem with expression. To comprehend the poem through visual/pictorial depiction of the poem.

Steps
1 2 3 4 Phase 1: recite the poem with expression. Students recite the poem, supervised by the teacher. Teacher discusses the stanzas with the class 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. Get some students to display their work at the English Corner.

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

Materials
Worksheet 3

1 2

To identify the information that the students have learnt from the poem. To highlight possible issues in the poem.

Steps
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.

1 2 3 4

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

That Makes You.

Time : 40 minutes

Aims
1 2 3 4

Materials
Dictionary Worksheet 4a Worksheet 4b Colour pencils

1 2

Analysing the character and his characteristics in a poem. To make word association through synonyms.

Steps
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.

1 2 3

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

That Makes You.

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.

Curious

Innocent

Mesmerised

Confused

In awe

Concerned

Observant

Inquisitive

Perceptive

Naive

Baffled

Worried

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I WONDER

WORKSHEET 4b

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.

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 wont tell me, if he knows?

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I WONDER

ACTIVITY 5

Thoughts on Themes
Time : 40 minutes

Aims
1

Materials
Worksheet 5

1 2

To identify possible themes from the poem. To develop rationalising skills through explaining ones answers.

Steps

1 2 3 4

Discuss possible themes with the students. 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.

5 6

Students justify their selection on the space provided. Discuss the students answers in class.

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 The child wonders why the grass The child is amazed that birds know The child wonders where the missing bits go The child wonders who makes the stars The child wonders who makes the rainbow The child is slightly disappointed that the father Column B

- when the moon is not completely

round.

- arch with brilliant colours across

the sky.

- refuses to answers his/her

questions.

- is green in colour instead of other

colours.

- how to build nests without prior

training.

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

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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
1 __________________________

Sky-based questions
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. 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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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

2. What does the persona see after a downpour? A B 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

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 doesnt the father answer the personas questions?

______________________________________________________________
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I WONDER

POETRY

Answer Key
ACTIVITY 1: AND THE ANSWER IS.... (These are suggested answers only. Accept any logical answers from the students) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Because it has a chemical called Chlorophyll that makes it green. Because it is transparent to light. They know it instinctively. Because there is no sun in winter, so they dont need leaves. The sun shines on different parts of the moon. It only seems to twinkle because of the gasses around our earth. Because it can destroy anything it strikes. Because the raindrops turn the sun rays into various colours. No, theyre water turned to gas. (Accept any logical answers)

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ACTIVITY 2:

TELL ME BANNERS

(Sample picture of a completed product)

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ACTIVITY 3:

BLAST OFF!!

(Sample answers. Accept any acceptable response)

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ACTIVITY 4 : THAT MAKES YOU.... WORKSHEET 4a

Curious

Innocent

Mesmerised

Confused

In awe

Concerned

Observant

Inquisitive

Perceptive

Naive

Baffled

Worried

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WORKSHEET 4b

STANZA

CHARACTER TRAIT(S)

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

Curious Innocent

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

Inquisitive Perceptive

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

Baffled Perceptive

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

In awe Worried

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

Mesmerised Baffled

Why is it now, do you suppose, That Dad wont tell me, if he knows?

Naive Perplexed

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ACTIVITY 5 : THOUGHTS ON THEMES (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 cant see it .

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ASSESSMENT 1 1.

2. 3.

The trees are shedding their leaves in preparation for the sunless winter. b) if he knows? (stanza 6)

ASSESSMENT 2

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DISCUSSION QUESTION:

AGREE
normal process of growing up helps children to learn about things around them helps to develop their minds -

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

2. 3.

ASSESSMENT 4 A: 1. C 2. D 3. C curious a rainbow moon

B:

4. Jeannie Kirby 5. - appreciating nature - thirst for knowledge - existence of the Creator (choose one) 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.

6.

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I WONDER

POETRY

Glossary
WORDS take a rest blow out flash paints fluffy LINE 4 7 8 9 10 MEANING IN CONTEXT to stop producing to stop shining sudden, bright light created puffy and soft

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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 Bahagian Pembangunan Kurikulum, KPM Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia Aras 4-8, Blok E9 Kompleks Kerajaan Parcel E Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan 62604 Putrajaya SMK Bintulu, Peti Surat 97 97007 Bintulu, Sarawak.

Jimmy Then Choon Jing

Panel of Writers
Andrew Leong Kong Meng (Panel Head) Adrian Robert SMK Air Itam, Jalan Thean Teik, 11500 Pulai Pinang SM La Salle, P.O. Box 10282 88803 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. SMK Tun Habab, Jalan Tajul. 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor.

Vasanthi Sandra Gasam

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