Where The Sidewalk Ends

written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein

Where The Sidewalk Ends is a

 wonderful book of poems and

 pictures that set the tone for a 

funny, unusual, heartfelt and 

sincere experience for all. 

This book of poems speaks to

 the great imagination of 

Shel Silverstein. Originally

 published in 1974, this classic

 poem book continues to wow

 its readers with witty poems 

and entertaining illustrations.

Where the Sidewalk Ends fits into the poetry and verse genre because it contains figurative language that expresses imaginative thoughts and uses devices of sound such as rhythm and assonance. 

The illustrations are completed in black and white and help the reader interpret the poems beyond the literal meaning. Shel Silverstein uses thin sketched lines to achieve his awesome illustrations.

 Motivational Activities &

 Reader Response Questions

Create a Reader Response Journal

• Allow students to create a journal for all of the poems that they read. Have students answer questions such as : What was the poem about? What literary elements can you point out? What did you like or dislike about the poem? If there are illustrations, do they help convey the poems meaning?
• Students will be encouraged to share their journals for classmates.  

Illustrate a Poem

• Each student will pick a poem that he/she likes
• Draw a picture or series of pictures that compliment the poem
• Provide the written or typed poem on or around the illustration
• Answer questions: What types of drawing do you think are appropriate for your poem? What visual art techniques will you try to accomplish? What media will you use?

If you enjoy this book you may also enjoy other works by Shel Silverstein such as: The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, Runny Babbit, Lafcadio, and the Lion Who Shot Back 

References

 Hoffman, A. (n.d.). Reader's Response -- Activities and strategies to  engage students in reading. Retrieved September 24, 2014. 

 Silverstein, S. (2014). Where the sidewalk ends: The poems & drawings of Shel Silverstein. New York: Harper and Row.