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

Lesson 39: Birds' Names

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 poem describes the characteristics and appearance of various birds.

Vocabulary

Philomel: Princess of Athens in Greek mythology who turns into a nightingale.
Philomelos: Refers to the Turdus philomelos, the song thrush.
Eaves: The part of a roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a building.
Perk: Become more cheerful, lively, or interesting.
Hedge: A fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs.
Grub: The larva of an insect.
Cunning: Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion.
Chattering: Make a series of quick high-pitched sounds.
Fie: Used to express disgust or outrage.
Rogue: A dishonest or unprincipled man.
Uproar: A loud and impassioned noise or disturbance.

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.

The painting shows birds from around the world including the cassowary (far left), the golden pheasant (second from the left), the black crowned crane (second from the right), and the Indian peafowl (far right).

Find the following in the companion painting:

• Flying Bird
• Largest Bird in the Painting
• Blue and Gold Bird
• Red-Breasted Bird
• Blue Bird
• Bird with One Leg Raised

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 42 of 'Poetry Coloring Pages for First Grade.'

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the poem?

1 / 5

Answer 1

The title of the poem is 'Birds' Names.'

1 / 5

Question 2

What happens in the poem?

2 / 5

Answer 2

The poem describes the characteristics and appearance of various birds.

2 / 5

Question 3

Who are the characters in the poem?

3 / 5

Answer 3

The narrator and the many birds they describe.

3 / 5

Question 4

What does the Mag do that upsets the other birds?

4 / 5

Answer 4

She steals their eggs.

4 / 5

Question 5

How do the birds get revenge on Mag?

5 / 5

Answer 5

They pluck all her feathers off.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the poem? The title of the poem is 'Birds' Names.'
2. What happens in the poem? The poem describes the characteristics and appearance of various birds.
3. Who are the characters in the poem? The narrator and the many birds they describe.
4. What does the Mag do that upsets the other birds? She steals their eggs.
5. How do the birds get revenge on Mag? They pluck all her feathers off.