Every Thing On It



Last updated Thursday, February 29, 2024

Author: Shel Silverstein
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0061998168
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2024

Synopsis: Have you ever read a book with everything on it? Well, here it is! You will say Hi-ho for the toilet troll, get tongue-tied with Stick-a-Tongue-Out-Sid, play a highly unusual horn, and experience the joys of growing down.

What's that? You have a case of the Lovetobutcants? Impossible! Just come on in and let the magic of Shel Silverstein bend your brain and open your heart.

Note to readers:
•  There are many poems and pictures in this book. You may want to flip through with your reading group prior to arriving in the classroom to decide which pages you would like to read.
•  Suggestions: page 11, 13, 15,16, 18, 19, 20, 23/24,27, 29, 32, 36, 38, 40, 42, 48, 49, 51, 57, 63/64, 65, 77,99, 108,111,120, 131,158/159,165.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What does it mean to for words to 'rhyme'?
•  What is a poem?
•  Can anyone give me two words that rhyme?

Vocabulary
•  bonnet: a woman's or child's hat tied under the chin and with a brim framing the face.
•  wrench: a tool used for gripping and turning nuts, bolts, pipes, etc.
•  fiddle: a violin, especially when used to play folk music.
•  tapioca: a starchy substance in the form of hard white grains, obtained from cassava and used in cooking for puddings and other dishes.
•  flask: a container for liquids.
•  aquiver: in a state of trepidation or vibrant agitation; trembling; quivering

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Question on page 20's poem 'Masks': What do you think this poem is about?
•  Question on page 27s poem 'Wall Marks': Does anyone here have marks in their house with their heights? Why do you think the mother cries?
•  Question on page 36s poem "Pro's Advice": What is this poem trying to tell you? What is sportsmanship?
•  Question on page 42s poem "The Lovetobutcants": Have you ever suffered from the same disease as the man in the poem?
•  Question on page 65s poem "Yesees and Noees": What is the meaning of this poem to you?
•  Do you like poem?
•  What are the qualities you noticed about poems in this book?
•  Which poem was your favorite?

Craft ideas:
•  Based on the poem that titled the book "Every Thing On It" found on page 11, have students draw their version of a hot dog with 'every thing on it'.
•  Inspired by his style of poems and drawings, have students write a short poem along with a doodle.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!