Take a Bite Out of Rhyme is a language arts activity book designed to expose learners to a variety of poetic devices and forms. A food theme prevails throughout as a tempting tool for promoting literary fun, fostering an interest in poetry, providing a sensory subject to write about, and sharing of common experience.

When using Take a Bite Out of Rhyme, read the poetry examples aloud to your students. Have them observe both visual and auditory patterns that occur. Discuss the student activities that follow each example so that the purpose of each is clear. I find it more conducive to creative thinking processes. If students do not have to worry about spelling errors. I encourage mine to spell phonetically and channel their energies toward the creation of ideas and the application of the various poetic forms. As a follow-up to each activity, I always allow ample time for my students to share and discuss their poetry.

Upon completion of Take a Bite Out of Rhyme, students can rewrite their poems, correcting any errors in spelling, and compile them into illustrated poetry books. Shape books lend themselves nicely to the food theme. My students enjoy holding authors’ teas. We arrange to use the school library and then design and send invitations to parents, telling them of the day, place, and time. During the reception, parents are greeted at the door by some of the students. Other students are stationed around the room to give information about the project or to serve refreshments. The poetry books are displayed on library tables and an “About the Author” card, which includes a wallet sized photo of the child, is placed with each student’s book.

—Cindi Nolen Adams

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 3–5.

The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.
Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or poem.

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors in context.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers
Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts
Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C.
Copyright Date: 2010