STAAR Prep Poem Buttons

The final line is important because it suggests that –

• saying goodbye is often very difficult

• buttons usually come back at some point

• things are coming to a close or end

• the poem is about more than just buttons

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

What is the poem mainly about?

• Love will grow over the course of time.

• Buttons are important parts of our lives.

• Children will grow up and live their    

        lives.

• A family can change as time passes.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In contrast to the first stanza, stanza three shows that the once tightly fastened buttons -

• can come off

• will stay attached

• may try and fall

• won’t unravel

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

Read this dictionary entry.

Which definition of the word token is used in line 1?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Select two conclusions that describe the buttons in stanza 4.

• The buttons are difficult.

• The buttons are eyes.

• The buttons are important.

• The buttons are helpful.

• The buttons are loved.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

The poet uses the words “love token” and “keep close” to -

• suggest that buttons can be used for 

        many things

•  illustrate what buttons are like

• describe why the buttons are important

• show his fondness for the buttons

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Part A: Which sentence states the theme?

• People feel sad when they lose buttons.

• All things must move on with time.

• Parents always love their children.

• Everything grows old.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Part B: Select the line that supports the answer in Part A.

• we will miss your bright shine, and miss your 

       click-clack

• the things that we love we keep close as can 

       be

• but sometimes our love means we let 

      them go free 

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

The poet uses a simile in line 4 to -

• explain how the button is sewn down

• describe how permanent they hope   

        the button is attached

• create an image of a stamp sticking 

        on an envelope

• establish a sad mood that will carry  

       throughout the poem

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

The poet’s use of sensory language in line 11 is intended to help the reader -

• imagine the sound of a clock as time 

        passes

• realize that time is not important

• understand what happens to the 

       buttons

• know what the plans are at that 

       time

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4