Shel Silverste

in“If there is a book you want to read but isn`t written

yet, write it.”

Shel Silverstein was born in Chicago in 1930 . He began to write and had no author to mimic so he started writing in his own style. He enlisted in the army and started his career as a cartoonist in the

Korean War. Shel has won many awards for his unique writing style shown in his books and poems.

Shel also wrote music. He composed the song “A boy named Sue” and was nominated for awards for

others. Shel wrote plays produced in New York City. His work has been translated into more than 30

languages.

I would put Shel Silverstein books out front to create emphasis in the

reading area.

For a K-2 classroom I would use the “A Giraffe and a Half” book. I would read the book to the students and have them help me say the rhyming words in the book. I would then set up tables where 2-3 students at a time could come up with their own set of two words that rhyme. They would draw a picture of a giraffe and then incorporate their rhyming words into the picture as well.

For a 2-4 classroom I would use the book “The Giving Tree.” I would read the book to the students . I would have them write about someone who gives to them;

maybe the person gives to the students more than they give back. I would have them include the words “It makes me feel…” so they can identify what feelings

they attach to the person who gives to them.

For a 4-6 classroom I would use the book “Runny Babbit.” I would explain Silverstein’s style of writing he uses in this book and read a few poems

including “Rount Mushmore” since it ties to South Dakota . I would have the students research a famous landmark or monument. They would write a few

descriptive verses, in Silverstien style, about the monument and include a picture they found online.

Shel Silverstein’s Work

• Take Ten (1955)• Grab Your Socks! (a paperback version of "Take Ten)

(1956)• Report from Practically Nowhere: illustrated by Shel

Silverstein Now Here's My Plan: A Book of Futilities (1960)

• Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book: A Primer for Tender Young Minds (1961)

• Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back (1963)• A Giraffe and a Half (1964)• The Giving Tree (1964)• Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros? (1964, later revised in

1983)• Uncle Shelby's Zoo: Don't Bump the Glump! (1964)• Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974)• The Missing Piece (1976)• Different Dances (1979)• A Light in the Attic (1981)• The Missing Piece Meets the Big O (1981)• Falling Up (1996)• Everything On It

Related websites

http://www.shelsilverstein.com/indexsite.htmlKid friendly website

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets/shel_silverstein

http://shelsilverstein.tripod.com/aardvark.htmlThis interview provides an in-depth look.

http://www.poets.org