Peeling the Onion: An Anthology of Poems (A Charlotte Zolotow Book)
#3 of 20 in Charlotte Zolotow Book Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
An international anthology of poems about animals, seasons, games, and other topics, by such authors as Octavio Paz, Boris Pasternak, and Walt Whitman.
Discussion points
How do the different poems make you feel?
Which poem was your favorite, and why?
What images do these poems create in your mind?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to a character or theme in a poem?
How do you think the author felt when writing these poems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each poem, ask your child to predict what it might be about based on the title.
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes described in the poems. You can even draw them together!
Discuss the emotions depicted in the poems and relate them to real-life situations your child might experience.
After reading, connect the themes of the poems to daily life to enhance understanding and retention.
Use expressive reading techniques, altering your tone and pace to match the mood of each poem, making the reading session dynamic and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Exploring Emotions
Explanation: Through its diverse range of poems, 'Peeling the Onion' gently guides children through various human emotions, offering them a rich palette of feelings to understand and express.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to better articulate their feelings and empathize with others, improving their emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Poetry and Language
Explanation: The anthology introduces children to the beauty of poetry and the power of words, showcasing how language can evoke imagery and stir emotions.
Real-World Application: This fosters a love for reading and literature, enhancing vocabulary and encouraging creative expression through writing and storytelling.
Example Lesson: Coping with Change
Explanation: Several poems in the collection deal with themes of growth and change, helping children to grasp these inevitable parts of life.
Real-World Application: Armed with this knowledge, children can approach personal changes and challenges with resilience and a positive outlook, aiding their adjustment and development.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individuality
Explanation: The poems emphasize the uniqueness of each individual’s experiences and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value their own thoughts and feelings and recognize the worth in others' differences, promoting inclusivity and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Understanding Time
Explanation: Time as a theme is explored through reflections on memories and future aspirations, enabling a deeper understanding of past, present, and future.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the concept of time and its impact on life, aiding them in planning, patience, and appreciating the moment.