The Stick that Sings

A poem (or story seed) for children 'stuck' in gun play, and for children

who like to use sticks in hurting or aggressive ways. This idea could be

used to encourage positive use of sticks for children aged three to eight.

A child is playing outside and a small stick falls from a tree and lands

in front of the child. It is long and smooth and straight. The child

picks it up and the stick sings to it - it is a magic stick and here is

its song!

I am your new friend, a magic stick,

With your help I can work many tricks,

There are more like me, lying under trees.

Look around - you'll be surprised what you see!

Many long ones of me can build a tee-pee,

Use small ones for houses for garden pixies.

Make long roads or fences - what else can you try?

Two crossed sticks can start a woven god's-eye.

Use me for digging holes in the sand,

And drawing pictures, what fun for your hands.

Jump over many of me laid out on the ground,

Or hold one stick to roll a big ball around.

For catching fish, I can hold a strong line,

Make a flag for my end, or a banner fine,

Two of us can make music, in rhythm we clap,

Or bang on a drum, rap-a-tap-tap.

With a sock on my end I turn into a horse,

You can ride me inside (not too fast of course!).

You can ride me outside, have adventures all day,

Lets go - over hills and away, faraway!