What's In The Sack

The other day I read the kids the poem, "What's in the sack" by Shel Silverstein.  Then I set them free on their own pieces of paper.

Naomi's sack was full of people holding onto balloons.

Ethan filled his sack with the letters of himself and his siblings.

Abigail has started to really love to read recently, thus her bag was full of books.

It was a really fun project that had guidelines but also let each of the kids be creative in their own thoughts.  One of the requirements of projects such as these are that the kids can't look at each other's work until the end.  I think this is their favorite part.  The chance to work away at their own level and ideas without comparison.  Then getting the chance to "show off" to everyone later.  A fun project for all.

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 ol' 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!