Chivvy

Working with the Poem

1. Discuss these questions in small groups before you answer them.

(i) When is a grown-up likely to say this? Don’t talk with your mouth full.

The grown-ups are likely to say this when kids are eating and have their mouths full, and are trying to speak simultaneously.

(ii) When are you likely to be told this? Say thank you.

Grown-ups instruct kids to say thank you when someone offers them something or when someone helps them.

(iii) When do you think an adult would say this? No one thinks you are funny.

Adults would say this when children are told to perform some activity and they are feeling shy.

2. The last two lines of the poem are not prohibitions or instructions. What is the adult now asking the child to do? Do you think the poet is suggesting that this is unreasonable? Why?

The poem's end isn't rules, it's a joke. Adults want kids decide. Poet shows it's silly as grown-ups always lead.

3. Why do you think grown-ups say the kind of things mentioned in the poem? Is it important that they teach children good manners, and how to behave in public?

Grown-ups talk as in  the poem is to teach kids good manners. Learning from them is important, but too much seriousness hides fun.

4. If you had to make some rules for grown-ups to follow, what would you say? Make at least five such rules. Arrange the lines as in a poem.

• Don’t shout at children.
• Don’t beat them.
• Don’t use your mobile while eating.
• Don’t use abusive language for anyone.
• Spend more time with pets and children.
• Don’t stop children from playing.