Poetry By Kids: Review # 16

What Does the X-Ray Say?

Longfellow Elementary Second Grade. What Does the X-Ray Say? New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2011.
ISBN: 978-0545402910

Critical Analysis:

In this clever and insightful book all about x-rays, the second grade students of Longfellow Elementary share everything they know and have experienced themselves with x-rays.  This entire book is written as a poem picture book, and the black and white illustrations which are also masterpieces of the students, really do compliment the selection.  The rhyming within the text is very concrete as well as the subject matter presented, however the theme of what happens when you get an x-ray can be new and a little scary for children.  This book is both comical and creative, while also serious at times, as the mood alternates from a child hurt at the hospital, to other silly situations when an x-ray may need to be taken such as the dog swallowing 33 golfballs.  Above all, this book is relatable in the vocabulary presented as well as the thematic approach used to explain x-rays.  The repetition of the word revealed is a powerful clue in guiding younger students to a clear and precise understanding of how an x-ray works as well as what it is used for.  The words are rhythmical and the cadence will allow this book to be read aloud as a whole group or as choral reading.  What a fun way to explore such a mature concept….AN X-RAY!

POEM SPOTLIGHT (Excerpt)

What Does the X-Ray Say?

One day, Rayann sat in the

Hospital with a sore neck

Waiting for the doctor

to give her a check.

Jumping on her parent’s bed

was a big mistake.

Now she had a pain

That ached and ached.

The doctor said she

teeded an x-ray

To see what happened

inside her that day.

A huge machine

Started clicking away.

Rayann was

worried

what the

x-ray

would say.

Longfellow Elementary 2^nd Grade Class

Analysis:

As I read this poem picture book I couldn’t help but become involved in the pictures, which compliment the book so well.  The expression on Rayann’s face is touching, and the teacher could use this as a the basis of why x-rays are usually taken; to help someone who has been hurt or is sick.  Students will enjoy the rhythm and cadence of the text and will want to participate as the book begins sharing new experiences of what an x-ray can show.  This book reminds me of the “I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly” books, as it continues to unwrap a new mystery page after page.  Students will continue to stay involved with the text and participate as they book is read.  The connection between the text and pictures will help smaller children understand the new information and what is being discussed.  This selection will prepare the students in the event that they themselves have to get an x-ray, or help them share what happened when they had an x-ray.  This book is sure to spur discussion of prior experiences and students will want to make personal responses once they fully understand what an x-ray does.

Classroom Connections:

This book is a great resource for younger elementary teachers!  How fun would it be to have an actual radiologist come and read the book aloud to students, and then share some real x-rays!  X-rays, are most generally hard to explain to children, however they are routinely discussed when students learn about the letter “x”.  What a great tool for sharing the “big picture” of an x-ray to the class!  This book could lead students into an even broader discussion of the skeletal system.  Preschool and Kinder teachers are always looking for artistic contributions and the black and white images in this book seem so life like and real, and serve as a great way to connect the class to the concept.  Students could use black paper and noodles of all sorts as they make noodle skeletons.  These artistic creations could be displayed with a catchy phrase, No Bones About It! Our body has OODLES of Bones!

Another great connection would be to create a prop box with items in it that the different x-rays show, such as the rubber duck, a dime, a collar bell, and golf balls.  As the book is read aloud students could act out and take part in what is happening in the story.