Central Heating: Poems About Fire and Warmth
What’s inside...
As a companion volume to her poetry collections about earth and water, Marilyn Singer now examines the nature of fire. This collection of lyrical poems covers various forms of fire, from natural wildfires and backyard grills to symbolic fires like birthday candles and holiday lights. Singer offers a fresh and insightful perspective on this often overlooked subject, while Meilo So provides striking illustrations that complement the vivid imagery of the poems with strong linocut art and brushwork in fire-red.
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you feel when you sit by a warm fire? Can you describe the sensations and emotions?
Why do you think fire is important in these poems? What different meanings does it have?
Which poem was your favorite and why? What images or words stood out to you?
How do the poems make you think differently about warmth and fire?
Can you think of a time when you felt warmth like in the poems? What was happening around you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each poem, ask your child to predict what the poem might be about based on its title.
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes described in the poems. Ask them to draw a picture or describe aloud a scene inspired by one of the poems.
Discuss the use of metaphors and similes in the book. Help your child come up with their own metaphor for warmth or fire.
After reading, relate the themes of warmth and fire to your child’s own experiences, such as sitting by a campfire or wrapping up in a warm blanket during winter.
Use the poems as an opportunity to teach about the dual nature of fire—both beneficial and dangerous—and discuss safety measures around fire.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of warmth and safety
Explanation: Through poems about fire and warmth, the book teaches children about the significance of warmth for comfort and safety, especially during colder seasons.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and responsibly use sources of warmth like clothing layers and heating systems in their homes during winter.
Example Lesson: Learning about different states of matter
Explanation: The book explores the concept of fire, which is a plasma, and relates it to other states like solid, liquid, and gas through engaging and thoughtful poems.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand basic scientific concepts about matter, which can be applied in their science classes and everyday observations of the world around them.
Example Lesson: The significance of emotional warmth
Explanation: Some poems highlight the metaphorical aspect of warmth, relating it to kindness, love, and emotional support.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share kindness and support with family and friends, fostering a warm, loving environment in their personal interactions.
Example Lesson: Fire safety awareness
Explanation: While celebrating the benefits of fire and warmth, the book also addresses the dangers of fire, promoting caution and respect for its power.
Real-World Application: This knowledge is crucial for children to practice fire safety measures like not playing with matches or lighters and understanding emergency protocols.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for natural and cultural aspects of fire
Explanation: The book delves into how fire is used in various cultural practices and the natural phenomena of fire, enhancing cultural and environmental awareness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect cultural diversity and understand ecological processes, promoting a broader worldview and environmental stewardship.