Mary E. Burt (1850–1918)

Summary
The first poem is Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, a classic poem. This is a poem seemingly written from a child’s viewpoint wondering what the stars really are. This poem shows how the stars are almost made into people and how they never shut their eyes or go away until the sun comes up.
Personal Reaction
I grew up hearing this poem. Until today I never realized that it was a poem and not a nursery rhyme. I love this poem, and most children that I know all know at least the first half.
Classroom Extension
1. Make out own stars.
2. Rhyming words.

Summary
The second poem is Let Dogs Delight to Bark and Bite, a poem with a lesson. The lesson is that although barking and biting is in a dog’s nature, it is not supposed to be in children’s. Their little hands were not meant to get angry or hurt others.
Personal Reaction
I have never heard this poem before today, but I think that it’s a great poem for children to hear, especially if they are having a problem treating others kindly.
Classroom Extension
1. Talk about manners, and how we use them. Talk about how to treat others.
2. Anatomy- How else are we different from dogs?… (mer)