Parent Guide > Where the Sidewalk Ends

This week in class, we’re reading "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein.

Sheldon Allan "Shel" Silverstein (1930-1999) was an American poet, cartoonist, and author of children's books. "Where the Sidewalk Ends" is one of Silverstein's most famous poems, in which the sidewalk represents the path from childhood to adulthood.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Growing Up and Human vs. Nature as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"Who's in control: humanity or nature?" and "Why should we value our youth?"

Ways to support your child:

• Ask your child about this poem at home:
  • What was "Where the Sidewalk Ends" about?
  • What did you learn about Growing Up?
  • What did you learn about Human vs. Nature?
• Watch the following clips with your child at home:
  • 'Kids Talk About Their Dreams'
  • 'Where the Sidewalk Ends - Video by Rodrigo Riedel'