My Shadow – Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Spotlight: My Shadow

Welcome to the STEMHAX Book Spotlight. Today we are exploring My Shadow by Robert Louis Stevenson. This is a poem that was first featured in A Child’s Garden of Verses in 1885. There have many versions over the years and they are all worthy of exploring.

The version we used was illustrated by Penny Dale, and first published in America in 1999 by Candlewick Press, but is now out of print. This version can be purchased used online or from used book stores. The lesson can be adapted to use a modern version.

Overview

Children are curios about all the things they can observe. A shadow of themselves is something they can’t and usually don’t want to escape. This poem is about a child who observes and analyzes his shadow in depth. Even though it was written over a century ago, shadows are still relevant and a timeless subject.

There have been many illustrators who have taken on the task of bringing this poem to life in the modern era. We chose this particular book because it held true to the original poem. In addition, Penny Dale is a talented children’s illustrator. She is famous for her dinosaur series books for young learners. Available on Amazon.

My Shadow – Read Aloud

FREE Book Companion

My Shadow is in the Public Domain and is a lovely poem to use in so many different areas of STEMHAX. If you are looking to explore this poem we have a FREE download available on Teachers Pay Teachers website. This can be differentiated to many academic levels. The download crosscuts history, language arts and art/illustration.

The download includes open ended questions, vocabulary discussion, an some blank illustration sheets for students to illustrate this poem.

Exploring My Shadow with Young Learners

First, start with a book cover inspection. Show children the cover of the book, and ask, “what do you think this book is about?” Follow this with some open ended questions to get their minds warmed up.

• What kinds of shadows have you noticed?
• What kinds of sizes were they?
• What are some of the things shadows can do?

After reading the book for the first time, ask more open ended questions. Remember there are no wrong answers . Some questions might include:

• What is the subject of the poem?
• When does the shadow appear?
• Describe what the shadow looks like, is it always the same?
• What patterns did you notice in the poem?
• How does the child feel about his shadow?
• What are some of the same things your shadow does?

Vocabulary

This poem although written for children, was published over one hundred years ago. To enjoy or understand the authors intent of the poem, a fun lesson would be to explore the terms and vocabulary.

• proper children – real or genuine children (as opposed to the shadow)
• india-rubber ball – this is a ball that was made from the sap various trees that primarily grow in India. This was a big deal for kids back in 1885.
• hasn’t got a notion – the shadow has no idea; clueless.
• make a fool of me – to trick someone (as in the children form the shadow of an elephant)
• he’s a coward – scared easily
• stick to nursie – afraid and wants to stay near the nurse/adult/nanny/babysitter, etc.
• shining dew – glistening/sparkling moisture on plants
• buttercup – a yellow flower
• arrant – total or complete
• sleepy-head – someone who loves to sleep

Fun Facts

Penny Dale uses her art to explain why the shadow stays in bed. All the illustrations are bright and sunny until the reader reaches the two dark pages. The child wants to explore the early morning, this contrasts to transition how lazy the shadow is by not following, staying “…fast asleep in bed.”

Interview with Penny Dale

Learn a little more about the illustrator, Penny Dale. Check out this interview on Luke’s English Podcast. Penny is a fantastic artist. She has been illustrating children’s books for over 30 years. In this interview, the podcast host, Luke, explores some of the inspiration and experiences an artist uses to create their art. This interview will help teachers learn a little more about illustration.

More Shadow Lessons

Thank you

We appreciate you taking the time to learn about the classic children’s poem and read aloud book, My Shadow. Please consider following our YouTube Channel for more read aloud books relating to academic interest subjects.

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