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

Lesson 48: A Riddle

by William Allingham

Performer: Librivox - JP4KJV

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 poem is a riddle about a little boy who dances, smiles, and nods but cannot speak, breathe, cry, or kiss. (The answer is the little boy is a reflection in a mirror.)

Vocabulary

Scarce: Only just; almost not.
Deceive: Cause someone to believe something that is not true.
Statue: A carved or cast figure of a person or animal.

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 Painting

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

Find the following in the companion painting:

• Reflection
• Window
• Ring
• Ruffles
• Hair Part

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 51 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 'A Riddle.'

1 / 3

Question 2

What happens in the poem?

2 / 3

Answer 2

The poem is a riddle about a little boy who dances, smiles, and nods but cannot speak, breathe, cry, or kiss. (The answer is the little boy is a reflection in a mirror.)

2 / 3

Question 3

Who are the characters in the poem?

3 / 3

Answer 3

A real little boy and his lifelike reflection in a mirror.

3 / 3

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the poem? The title of the poem is 'A Riddle.'
2. What happens in the poem? The poem is a riddle about a little boy who dances, smiles, and nods but cannot speak, breathe, cry, or kiss. (The answer is the little boy is a reflection in a mirror.)
3. Who are the characters in the poem? A real little boy and his lifelike reflection in a mirror.