Dear Year 4 ,
I hope you are having a good winter break. I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you to our "winter break " blog journals. In preparation for our next unit, I would like you to read the poem, “What’s in the Sack” by Shel Silverstein. A copy of the poem is included with this letter. As you read the poem, consider the messages in the poem. I encourage you also to share the poem with your family. Once you have read the poem, prepare a sack (or paper bag) that contains three or four items that represent you. You will be asked to share the items in your sack with your classmates in our two minute talk "Sharing Carpet". Please do not bring any items of value to class just in case they should be lost or damaged and remember that this activity is OPTIONAL.
WHAT'S IN THE SACK
by Shel Silverstein
What's in the sack? What's in the sack?
Is it some mushrooms or is it the moon?
Is it love letters or downy goosefeathers?
Or maybe the world's most enormous balloon?
What's in the sack? That's all they ask me.
Could it be popcorn or marbles or books?
Is it two years' worth of your dirt laundry,
Or the biggest meatball that's ever been cooked?
Does anyone ask me, "Hey, when is your birthday?"
"Can you play Monopoly?" "Do you like beans?"
"What is the capital of Yugoslavia?"
Or "Who embroidered that rose on your jeans?"
No, what's in the sack? That's all they care about.
Is it a rock or a rolled-up giraffe?
Is it pickles or nickels or busted bicycles?
And if we guess it, will you give us half?
Do they ask where I've been, or how long I'll be stayin',
Where I'll be goin', or when I'll be back,
Or "How do?" or "What's new?" or "Hey, why are you blue?"
No, all they keep asking is, "What's in the sack?"
"What's in the sack?" I'm blowin' my stack
At the next one who asks me, "What's in the sack?"
What?
Oh no. Not you, too!
Here is what I would put in my sack:
1. A picture of my family . My family is very important to me. I feel very blessed to have such a loving family.
2. A scented candle. This year I have been trying to learn how to make candles. I have a great collection of scented candles, I try to get one every time I travel.
3. A book. I love to read. I enjoy reading many different types of books. I like to read because I can learn new things, I can explore many new places, and most of all, I can learn about how other people think and feel.
Let me know if you liked the poem! Feedback is really important to get to know you all better. In my next post I will be sharing some challenges and holiday reading suggestions. I am eager to show you my " winter favorites" booklist with you. Can´t wait! How is YOUR winter break going so far?
Love,
Ms. Carla
