Poetry of Fables, Fairies, and Fauna Fables, Fairies, and Fauna    

Lesson 43: Ambition

by William Allingham

Performer: Librivox - Julia Layne

Directions

Study the poem for one week.

Over the week:

• Read or listen to the poem.
• Review the synopsis.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

The narrator suggests building a city by the sea and hopes to be made king of it.

Vocabulary

Ambition: A strong desire to do or to achieve something.
Cliff: A steep rock face, especially at the edge of the sea.
Harebells: A widely distributed bellflower with slender stems and pale blue flowers.
Rampart: A defensive wall of a castle or walled city, having a broad top with a walkway.
London: The capital city of the country of England.
House of Sand: Something that won't last or a plan that is likely to fail.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Recite the Title, the Poet's Name, and the Poem

• Each day this week, recite aloud the title of the poem, the name of the poet, and the poem. Instructors may need to prompt children line-by-line.

Activity 2: Study the Poem's Companion Picture

• Study the picture below and describe it in your own words.

Find the following in the companion picture:

• Three Hats
• Water
• Sand
• Bow
• Beach Toys
• Umbrella Post
• Shadow of Umbrella

Activity 3: Narrate the Poem

• After reading or listening to each verse of the poem, narrate the verse events aloud using your own words.

Activity 4: Color the Poem   

• Click the crayon above, and complete page 46 of 'Poetry Coloring Pages for First Grade.'

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the poem?

1 / 3

Answer 1

The title of the poem is 'Ambition.'

1 / 3

Question 2

What happens in the poem?

2 / 3

Answer 2

The narrator suggests building a city by the sea and hopes to be made king of it.

2 / 3

Question 3

Who are the characters in the poem?

3 / 3

Answer 3

The narrator and the reader or listener he's asking for help from.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the poem? The title of the poem is 'Ambition.'
2. What happens in the poem? The narrator suggests building a city by the sea and hopes to be made king of it.
3. Who are the characters in the poem? The narrator and the reader or listener he's asking for help from.