POETRY BREAK: A poem with a refrain or chorus (and indicate refrain)

Introduction:
The author's note at the beginning of the book talks about the history of "talking" drums in West African culture. Discuss the origins of this drum. Tell the students that traditional West African waterpots are called udo and are made of clay.

Toodle-loo! Toodle-lei! (refrain)
My water pot is made of clay;
Woodle-loo! Woodle-lei! (refrain)
It never has a word to say;
Toodle-loo! Toodle-lei! (refrain)
Once I went to the square to play;
Woodle-loo! Woodle-lei! (refrain)
My water pot in a corner, lay;
Toodle-loo! Toodle-lei! (refrain)
When I came back into the house,
Woodle-loo! Woodle-lei! (refrain)
It was singing with the mouse!

by Uzo Unobagha

[From: OFF TO THE SWEET SHORES OF AFRICA AND OTHER TALKING DRUM RHYMES, Chronicle Books, 2000]


Extension:
After reading the poem, read it again with the children participating in the refrain. See if you and your students can put the poem to music. Compare and contrast this type of poem to Mother Goose poems by considering their origins and styles.