Chip Chop

Purpose:  The rhythm of this poem and its simple hand motions are loved by children of all ages.  The rhythm also helps children to learn the poem quickly.   For children who are becoming more conscious of letters and sounds, you can write the words "chip" and "chop," look at them, and talk about what makes the words the same and what makes them different.  Most important, the children move and hear the wonderful rhythm and rhyme of this poem.  This provides practice reading with expression, which aids comprehension.  Discussing the meaning of the poem, especially line 4, will also help develop comprehension.

 

Chip Chop

Chip chop chip chop
Chop the wood for the winter's cold
Chip chop chip chop
More precious than silver, more precious than gold
Chip chop chip chop
Pile it on the fire so bright
Chip chop chip chop
We'll all be warm in our houses tonight

 

Directions:
Stand before the children and use your hands to make gentle chopping motions:
Left hand chops right, then right hand chops left.
Do this in the rhythm of the poem.

 

Notes:  Although the blended sound of "ch" may be too complicated for many young children, they can all hear it.  Use the opportunity to get children to hear and say other words that start with this sound. 

 

Eric Gidseg

 

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