Where Go the Boats?: Play-Poems of Robert Louis Stevenson
What’s inside...
Where Go the Boats?: Play-Poems of Robert Louis Stevenson is a collection of delightful poems for children by Robert Louis Stevenson, extracted from 'A Child's Garden of Verses'. These poems celebrate the innocence and adventure of childhood through playful rhythms and rhymes, covering themes of nature, play, and discovery. The selection includes the reflective 'Where Go the Boats?' which explores life's journey. Illustrated by Max Grover, this collection appeals to both children and adults, evoking the simple joys of childhood and life's timeless pleasures. Set sail in this accordion-style edition of Stevenson's classic children's verse.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happens to the boats when they float away? Where could they go?
How do the different seasons change the scenes in the poems? Which season would you like to write a poem about?
What sounds do you imagine hearing from the poems' settings? Can you make up a sound for one of the scenes?
In 'The Swing', how do you think it feels to swing so high? Have you ever felt the same?
What is your favorite poem from the book and why? How does it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes by asking them to draw their favorite poem setting.
As you read, place emphasis on emotive words and ask your child to express what those words make them feel.
Repeat or sing the poems together to enrich the reading experience and enhance memory of the verses.
Relate the experiences in the poems to your child’s personal experiences, such as playing in a park or by a stream.
After reading, ask your child to explain the story in their own words, which can aid in comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Imagination fuels learning
Explanation: Stevenson’s playful verses allow children to sail away on journeys of pure imagination, exploring rivers and seas.
Real-World Application: Children can use imaginative play to better understand and interact with the world around them, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: The poems highlight the beauty and wonder of natural landscapes, encouraging children to respect and enjoy the environment.
Real-World Application: This can foster a lifelong love and care for the environment, promoting activities such as hiking, gardening, or beach clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Language and rhythm
Explanation: The rhythmic pace and rhyme scheme of the poems introduces young readers to the musicality of language.
Real-World Application: Understanding the rhythm and flow of language can aid in the development of reading skills and oral communication.
Example Lesson: Exploration and curiosity
Explanation: Stevenson’s poems often involve journeys, whether on water or through dreamy landscapes, sparking curiosity about the world.
Real-World Application: Instigating questions and seeking answers through books, experiments, or exploration of new places helps nurture critical thinking.