This Big Sky (Module 2- Multicultural Award)

Mora, Pat. This Big Sky. Ill. by Steve Jenkins. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1998. ISBN 0590371207

This Big Sky is crammed with succinct, image evoking language in its 14 poems featuring the magical southwest region of the United States. Poems range in topic from proud grandmother to horned lizard and yet all manage to convey a sense of sacred awe. Crisp, simple illustrations of cut paper evoke Mora’s emotional intent in each poem. The lyrical and rhythmic nature of the poems are best enjoyed out loud. Listening, however, may not be enough as certain phrases and words, such as “cinnamon hills” and “thorny silence” beg to be tested oneself.

This Big Sky

This sky is big enough
for all my dreams.

Two ravens burst black
from a piñon tree
into the blare
of blazing sun.

I follow their wide ebony flight
over copper hills,
down canyons shimmering gold
autumn leaves.

Two ravens spread their wings, rise
into whispers
of giant pines, over mountains blue
with memories.

This sky is big enough
for all my dreams.

Presentation of Poem: Read this poem aloud to the class slowly. After allowing students to absorb the oral reading, post a copy of the poem so that students can silently read along as it is read a second time. Allow students to share thoughts and opinions on the poem.

Activity: Have students come up and underline color words in the poem. If necessary, show examples of ebony and gold. Read the poem again, this time having students chime in to read the different colors. Ask students why the poet might have used so many color words. You may hear students say that the poet likes colors or that the colors make a picture in your head. Ask students if the colors show feelings. You will get a variety of answers. Next, ask students what blue memories might be. How might these be different than red memories? Yellow memories?

Extension Project: Students will all choose a color to work with. Then they will brainstorm what emotions they attach to their color. Give students the choice of two products that demonstrate understanding. Students may create a detailed picture or piece of art in different shades of a color that express their take on the color’s emotion. The second choice would allow students to create a poem that demonstrates the color’s emotion.