Stopping by The Woods on a Snowy Evening (Poetry)

This copy of Robert Frost's Stopping by The Woods on a Snowy Evening was illustrated by Susan Jeffers and published by Dutton Children's Books in 2001. It's recommended for first grade.

Stopping by The Woods on a Snowy Evening is a very popular Robert Frost poem. It's about a man stopping by some snowy woods to enjoy the peacefulness and beauty. He couldn't stay long though because he has a long way to go and "promises to keep."

This poem is a good source of literature for children because it's an enjoyable narrative poem that reminds us how beautiful snow can be. Frost describes it perfectly I think, and reading this could change the way children normally view snow. The rhyme scheme flowed naturally, but there were no examples of similes or metaphors. This poem has a light-hearted tone and was free of didacticism and patronizing language. Every child should read this short poem at some point.

Jeffers' illustrations in this book are personally some of my favorites ever. I could not find anything that says what Jeffers used, but most of the pictures look like they were done in pencil. The tone of the story was reflected by each illustration, and all pictures and details were in harmony with the text. The illustrations enhanced the poem greatly.

While reading this story, pause after each page and talk with the class as a group about how each line makes them feel. For example, when it says, "The only other sound's the sweep of easy wind," ask them how the man must feel in the poem. They should agree that he is probably cold, and the wind is the only thing he can hear. When it says, "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep," have them talk about a time they've experienced the snowy woods too. This will familiarize them with poetry and the poem itself.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.