Welcome!

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”

–Nursery Rhyme first recorded in the 1800s

Explain why you agree or disagree with this saying, providing support for your answer. THEN determine what message this is sending to children (it is a nursery rhyme). Do you think it is a positive message to send to young children? Why or why not?

A Note Before the PoemThis poem is by Shane Koyczan. It can have a rather strong

emotional effect. Because of this, for 10 minutes after the poem, I am going to ask you NOT to speak. I will put up a prompt for you to work on in your journal.

The following discussion should be respectful, sensitive, and serious.

Response to “To This Day” In your journal, write a response to the poem. Aim for about

half a page or 10 sentences worth of writing. Not sure what to write about? Here are some ideas:

-This poem made me feel… -This poem reminded me of…

-I agree/disagree with -I could really imagine/feel…

-My favorite part was… -This poem made me think about…

-This poem made me want to… -This poem should have…

-OR write a poem -OR write a letter -OR tell a story `

PAPA Square “To This Day”

Purpose: Why did Koyczan create this poem?

Audience: Who does he want to hear this poem?

Persona: What type of person does Koyczan seem to be? What is his attitude that is coming across when you read the poem?

Argument: What is his main claim or idea?

Remember…

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

-Ronald Reagan

Baby Animal Pictures! To boost your Friday mood after the serious poem!

Closure

What concrete things can you do to prevent bullying, lessen the effects of bullying, provide awareness about bullying, or provide support for those who have been bullied?