Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems
#2 in Out Loud Series
What’s inside...
From the fantastic duo behind Poems Aloud comes another compendium of poetry to read out loud and make you smile! Twenty five original poems from award winning poet Joseph Coelho designed to be read aloud to project confidence, conjure happiness, make you laugh or cheer others up. Some are odes, some can be said as personal mantras or just poems full of words that you can't help but smile when you hear them. This is a book for any child who wants to build confidence reading aloud, or wants a way to channel their speech and drama confidence. It is a book to foster a love of words and the power that comes with the spoken word. It will show children how speaking a poem aloud has a certain magic, almost like reading a spell. Poems can be read aloud to an audience, muttered quietly to oneself or whispered in the ear of someone who needs to hear some cheerful words.
Discussion points
Which poem made you smile the most and why?
How do you think the characters in the poems felt? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
What's your favorite word from the poems we read? Why do you like it?
If you could write a happy poem, what would it be about?
How do you think the author, Joseph Coelho, comes up with ideas for his poems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the poems in a lively and animated voice to convey the joy and energy of the book.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a scene from one of the poems, which helps visualize the happy themes.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free reading space to make reading time special and focused.
Encourage your child to express their feelings after reading each poem, fostering emotional intelligence and empathy.
Discuss the use of rhyme and rhythm in the poems and perhaps try to come up with your own rhyming lines together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions
Explanation: Through the diverse range of poems in 'Smile Out Loud,' children are introduced to the concept of expressing their feelings in creative ways.
Real-World Application: Children learn to articulate their emotions, helping them communicate more effectively with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Several poems celebrate the beauty of the natural world, encouraging children to notice and value their environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson fosters environmental awareness and can inspire children to participate in outdoor activities and conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Learning
Explanation: The poems in 'Smile Out Loud' subtly promote the delights of discovering new knowledge, whether about language, science, or art.
Real-World Application: Encouraging curiosity in children can lead to a lifelong love of learning, enhancing their educational journey and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Building Self-Esteem
Explanation: Many poems focus on themes of self-acceptance and confidence, reinforcing the idea that each child is unique and valuable.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing their individuality and feeling confident in their abilities and attributes.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The playful and sometimes whimsical nature of the poems inspires children to think outside the box and use their imaginations.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in problem-solving and creative expression, essential skills in both academic settings and personal development.