What’s in Your Backpack?

Here’s a poem you can share at an orientation meeting for parents.  You could also include it in a newsletter to remind parents of all the ways children are developing and learning as they play at school.

What’s in your backpack?                            
It’s empty today.                                         
Where’s your work?                                      
Did you just play?                                        

When I built with blocks                                              
I learned about shapes.                                              
I balanced and shared –                                            
Our skyscraper was great.                                        

I played in the windy house                                         
And talked with my friends.                                         
I rocked a baby                                                           
And played pretend                                                    

In science I observed,                                                 
Guessed, and experimented, too.                                
The same things grown up                                          
Scientists do.                                                              

Art was messy.                                                                        
I created and explored.                                              
I solved my own problem                                            
When I spilled glue on the floor.                                

My fingers got a work out
With puzzles and clay.
Those same muscles
Will help me write one day.


I counted and sorted and
And measured, too.
I used my brain
Like a math whiz would do!

Out on the playground
I ran like the wind.
I learned to take turns
And helped a hurt friend.

Story time is what 
I always like best.
I can use my imagination
And give my body a rest.

I sang and danced -
Learned a finger play, too.
I answered questions
and said, “Please” and “Thank you.”

There will be time 
for worksheets and tests,
But talking and playing
Is how I learn best.

I love to go to school.
I’m glad I’m me.
An empty backpack
Means I’m learning, you see!

 

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