Children Walk on Chairs to Cross a Flooded Schoolyard

What is happening in the poem? Describe the scene in your own words.

• Children are playing on a playground during recess.

• Children are crossing a flooded schoolyard on chairs.

• Children are participating in a school race.

Answer explanation

In the poem, children are navigating a flooded schoolyard by sitting on chairs, illustrating their creativity and resilience in a challenging situation. This scene captures a moment of playfulness amidst adversity.

Who are the main characters in the poem, and what are they doing?

• Teachers giving a lesson in a classroom.

• Parents watching their children play.

• Children using chairs to cross a flooded area.

Answer explanation

The main characters in the poem are children who are creatively using chairs to navigate a flooded area, highlighting their resourcefulness and playfulness in challenging situations.

How does the poet describe the children’s movement? What words show this?

• They are running and jumping quickly.

• They are hovering and pausing carefully.

• They are sitting still, waiting for instructions.

Answer explanation

The poet describes the children's movement as energetic and lively, using words like 'running' and 'jumping' to convey their quick and active nature, which aligns with the correct choice.

What kind of weather is described in the poem? How do you know?

• It’s sunny and bright; the sky is clear.

• It’s rainy and stormy; the sky is gray and flooded.

• It’s snowing; the ground is covered in snow.

Answer explanation

The poem describes rainy and stormy weather, indicated by references to a gray sky and flooding. These details suggest a lack of sunshine and clear skies, confirming the correct choice.

How does the poet describe the sky? What do you think that means?

• Bright blue and sunny, suggesting a happy mood.

• Dark and stormy, indicating danger.

• Cotton-like and heavy, suggesting it is holding back rain.

Answer explanation

The poet describes the sky as cotton-like and heavy, which suggests it is full of moisture and may rain soon. This imagery conveys a sense of anticipation and tension in the atmosphere.

What is the “makeshift bridge,” and why do the children need it?

• A real bridge that broke; they are fixing it.

• Chairs arranged in a line; they need to cross the flooded yard.

• A rope that the children are using to swing across a river.

Answer explanation

The "makeshift bridge" refers to chairs arranged in a line, which the children need to cross the flooded yard safely. This solution allows them to navigate the water without getting wet.

How do the children feel as they cross the chairs? What clues tell you that?

• They feel nervous but focused; they move carefully.

• They feel bored; they are not paying attention.

• They feel excited; they are running quickly.

Answer explanation

The children feel nervous but focused as they cross the chairs, indicated by their careful movements. This suggests they are aware of the challenge and are taking their time to avoid mistakes.

What do the children’s uniforms look like? Describe the boys’ and girls’ clothing.

• Boys in royal blue shorts and girls in white shirts and skirts.

• Boys in jeans and girls in colorful dresses.

• Both boys and girls are wearing sports uniforms.

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes boys wearing royal blue shorts and girls in white shirts and skirts, which matches the question's request for a description of the children's uniforms. The other options do not accurately reflect this.

Why do you think the poet compares the children to bells? What do bells do that the children are also doing?

• Bells make noise; the children are loud and noisy.

• Bells hang in the air; the children hover and pause like bells.

• Bells are shiny; the children’s uniforms are shiny.

Answer explanation

The poet compares children to bells because both hang in the air, creating a sense of pause and stillness. This imagery emphasizes the children's presence and the way they seem to float, similar to how bells might sway gently.

Who does the boy reach for in the poem? What does this action tell us about him?

• He reaches for another boy; he’s helping a friend.

• He reaches for an adult; he needs help.

• He reaches for a smaller girl; he is caring and helpful.

Answer explanation

The boy reaches for an adult, indicating he is in a situation where he needs assistance. This action reflects his vulnerability and reliance on others for support, highlighting a moment of seeking help.