Where the Sidewalk Ends
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Where the Sidewalk Ends is a book of poems and drawings written by Shel Silverstein. It is currently published by HarperCollins Publishers. Books like Where the Sidewalk Ends are an integral part of language arts curriculum. This collection of 130 poems was created for children and includes many humorous titles, including one called “Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too.”
The poems begin with a small poem entitled “Invitation,” which invites children to dream and play pretend. Children will definitely utilize their imaginations as they begin their journey through Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends.”
Where the Sidewalk Ends’ summary continues with poems on Captain Hook, boa constrictors, deserted houses, magical erasers, gardens, hats, and even rules. Many of the poems also contain drawings to depict the funny scenes that are occurring throughout the poems.
This book is important for children to read because it not only provides students with stories that capture their imagination, but it also addresses some issues children are often concerned about.
This Where the Sidewalk Ends passage is from the poem “Early Bird.”
“Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird
And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.
If you’re a bird, be an early bird-
But if you’re a worm, sleep late.”
Another Where the Sidewalk Ends passage comes from the poem “Magic.”
“Sandra’s seen a leprechaun,
Eddie touched a troll,
Laurie danced with witches once,
Charlie found some goblins gold.
Donald heard a mermaid sing,
Susy spied an elf,
But all the magic I have known
I’ve had to make myself.”
Since Where the Sidewalk Ends is a collection of poems for students currently in second through fifth grade, teachers can implement a few games to remind them of some of the poems in the book. First, teachers can draw a large sack on the board to go with the poem “What’s in the Sack.” Each student can come up to the board and draw their favorite item inside the large sack. Additionally, teachers can put together a spelling list, or use this ready made third grade Where the Sidewalk Ends spelling list, and students can use this list to practice not only their spelling, but also their knowledge of the book. Finally, choose one boy in the classroom and ask him to hide so that he is invisible to go with the poem “Invisible Boy.” Give all of the other students a chance to find their invisible classmate.