Lost Tooth Poem: A Morning Meeting Group Activity Idea

Lost Tooth Poem

Children will relate to this poem about a missing tooth!

My Tooth   — anonymous

My tooth fell out and left a space
(pantomime tooth falling out)
So big my tongue can touch my face
(spread arms out wide)
And every time I smile I show
(make a big smile)
The place where something used to grow.
(point to “empty” space in mouth)
I miss my tooth as you can guess
(make a sad face)
But now I have to brush one less!
(smile and pretend to brush teeth)

Directions

1. Read the poem to the class, pointing to each word as you read. Read it again, with the class echoing each line. Then read it as a class without the echoes.
2. Brainstorm actions for each line, or use the examples above.
3. Read the poem again as a group, incorporating the actions.

Tip for Success

Help children engage with the poem by asking questions, such as “What kinds of feelings do you have about losing a tooth?” and “Why do you think a poet might want to make us giggle about losing a tooth?”

Variations

• Read and act out other “lost tooth” poems, such as “Wiggly Tooth” and “My Wobbly Tooth.” (You can find these online.)
• Assign partners or small groups a line from the poem to read and act out.

More Ideas

Lost Tooth Poem can be found in 80 Morning Meeting Ideas for Grades K–2, along with seventy-nine other developmentally appropriate greeting, sharing, activity, and message ideas you can use to create engaging, interactive Morning Meetings for your students.