Module 2: Traditional Tales - SCHOOLYARD RHYMES

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Sierra, Judy. 2005. SCHOOLYARD RHYMES: KIDS’ OWN RHYMES FOR ROPE SKIPPING, HAND CLAPPING, BALL BOUNCING, AND JUST PLAIN FUN. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375825169

PLOT SUMMARY:

This book contains a fantastic collection of children’s playground chants, rhymes, and songs. Sierra puts forth an extensive compilation of 50 fun and rhythmic rhymes, including some traditional rhymes that will be recognized by many as well as some newer rhymes that are sure to become favorites. From hilarious rhymes to downright grotesque rhymes, Sierra makes room for a little bit of everything in this collection. Adults and children alike will treasure seeing these lighthearted and memorable rhymes in print.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Many of the 50 rhymes contain an array of unforgettable characters. From “Cinderella, dressed in yella” to the lady with the alligator purse, the funny and often bizarre characters are full of energy and add a memorable quality to a lot of the rhymes.

The 50 playground rhymes, chants, and songs selected by Sierra are laid out in poetic form, making them easy to follow for readers of all ages. Sierra’s collection is careful to include a potpourri of the many different types of playground rhymes, both old and new. Some of the rhymes selected are sweet and comforting, such as the classic “Teddy bear, teddy bear” rhyme. Other rhymes will cause readers to laugh out loud, such as the cheetah’s hysterical assertion that he doesn’t need underwear in “Tarzan, Tarzan.” This extensive collection even includes many hilariously gross rhymes that kids will absolutely love, such as the step by step description of how to eat worms in “Nobody likes me.” There is a little bit of everything for everyone in this great collection of playground rhymes, reminding readers of all ages how much fun childhood can be. Also included are an introduction on schoolyard rhymes written by Judy Sierra and an index, arranged by first lines, of the 50 rhymes included in the collection.

Melissa Sweet’s colorful and captivating illustrations are a major component of this collection, drawing the reader further into the wonderful world of childhood. The illustrations have a child-like, almost “doodling” quality to them, adding a level of authenticity to the childhood rhymes. The illustrations fill the pages, and there is a lot of visual support for each rhyme. The excellent illustrations give life to the rhymes in comical ways, and the unforgettable visual images further cement the rhymes into readers’ minds. Sweet incorporates the rhymes into her drawings in charming and innovative ways. For example, the words of the rhyme may appear written on a child’s jump rope or the stems of roses. Sweet’s creative style enhances the fun and playful nature of this book.

This book will appeal to everyone due to its incredible ability to tap into the universal culture of childhood. SCHOOLYARD RHYMES will bring back great memories for some and reinforce the merit of popular rhymes for others. Even readers who have never heard the rhymes before can appreciate them for their comical and playful nature. Sierra does an outstanding job capturing the joy and humor of childhood and transferring it into a collection of playground rhymes that would enhance any children’s collection.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From HORN BOOK (September/October, 2005):
“Kids will enjoy this celebration of naughtiness and childhood fun.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (October 1, 2005):
“The rhythms and nonsense rhymes are irresistible, compelling memorization and participation in the fun…Sweet's animated watercolor-and-collage illustrations fill the pages with expressive faces, thin lines of verse shaped into jump ropes and borders, and hilarious interpretive scenes from the rhymes. This is a definite winner, as it will be enormously popular with children.”

CONNECTIONS:

Activities:
Encouraging students to practice rhymes such as these enhances listening, speaking, memorization, and rhyming skills.

Teaching children playground rhymes would make an excellent rainy day activity when students cannot go outside. Children could be taught or even encouraged to make up their own clapping games and hand signals to go along with the rhymes, allowing them some necessary physical activity on days when going to the playground is not possible.

Ask students to write variations to these rhymes or even make up their own from scratch, allowing students to use creativity and their imaginations.