Dirt on my Shirt

"Dirt on my Shirt"
Written by Jeff Foxworthy and Illustrated by Steve Bjorkman
Published:Harper Collins
2008
Grades: 1-3
Themes: family, friends, nature and poetry

Summary: This a book of poetry filled with humor and rhyme. Children in elementary school classrooms can relate to the poems. Some of the topics include friends, family members, outdoors and nature.

Reflection: This is a great way to introduce poetry to students. It is humorous and the topics are all age appropriate. The text is simple and easy to follow so children will not feel overwhelmed. The illustrations are kid friendly, colorful and dramatic. I like how there is a table of contents because you can teach children what a table of contents is. Some of my favorite poems are Friends, Are We There Yet?, Auntie Brooke, Uncle Moe and Sharing a Bed.

Pre-Reading: Before reading the book have the children brainstorm what they know about poetry on chart paper. You could also complete a KWL Chart with children. Talk with the children and write down some examples of different kinds of poetry.

Post Reading: Have the students write a poem about a family member, friend or animal. Children will be instructed to either write a Limerick or Acrostic Poem. We will review the Limerick and Acrostic Poems before they begin writing.

About the Author:

Jeff Foxworthy is a comedian. He is a Grammy Award Nominee and the best selling author of 11 books. Foxworthy stars in and executive produces the Television Series Blue Collar TV. Jeff is also the voice of Reggie the Rooster in the Warner Brother's film Racing Stripes and the voice of Lyle in the film, The Fox and the Hound 2. He has greeting cards through American Greetings at Walmart. He lives in Georgia with his wife and two daughters.