About the Author
Michael Rosen is a fun British writer and poet who loves making poems about kids and family life. He was born in 1946 and has written over 140 books for children. His words are simple and funny, like chatting with a friend about silly things at home or school. Rosen often shares his own childhood stories to make kids laugh and think.
What’s the Story About?
This is not a long tale with adventures, but a short, funny poem about a kid who feels fed up with grown-ups always telling him what to do. Imagine you're a child trying to eat lunch or play, but every second, your mum or dad says, "Do this!" or "Don't do that!" The poet lists all these bossy words in a quick, grumpy way, like he's rolling his eyes.
The poem starts with things like "Speak up" when you're too quiet, or "Don't talk with your mouth full" while eating. Then it goes on: "Don't stare," "Don't point," "Don't pick your nose." It's like a never-ending list of rules for being polite and neat. Next come sitting rules: "Sit up," "Say please," "Less noise," "Shut the door behind you." Even walking gets bossed: "Don't drag your feet," and "Haven't you got a hankie?" for wiping your nose.
It keeps going with "Pull your socks up," "Stand up straight," "Say thank you," "Don't interrupt." Eating manners too: "No one thinks you're funny," "Take your elbows off the table." And at the end, the poet bursts out, "Can't you make your own mind up about anything?" It's like the kid is yelling inside, "Let me decide for myself!"
In simple words, the poem shows how parents try to teach good habits, but it feels like too much nagging to the child. It's like when your parents keep saying "Button your shirt" or "Wash your hands" ten times a day. The poet makes it funny so we smile and nod, remembering our own home rules.
Who’s Who in the Story
This poem has just a few simple people, like in a family chat:
- The Poet (as a Child): The main voice. He's a kid who feels annoyed by all the orders. He speaks for all children who want a little freedom.
- The Mother (or Grown-ups): The bossy ones giving instructions. They mean well, teaching manners, but come across as always nagging.
- Grown-ups in General: Any adults like dads, teachers, or uncles who tell kids how to behave every day.
Themes and Moral
The poem talks about a few big ideas in a light, happy way:
- Too Much Nagging: Kids feel trapped when adults give orders non-stop. It shows how home can feel like a rule book sometimes.
- Learning Good Manners: Parents push for polite ways, like saying "please" and sitting straight, to help kids grow nice and tidy.
- Wanting to Choose: The last line asks for space to decide things alone, like picking your own clothes or games.
The main lesson is: Parents nag because they care and want you to be well-behaved, but kids need some room to learn on their own. Try following rules with a smile—it makes family life smoother. For us students, it says listen to elders but also speak up if it's too much!
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and fun phrases from the poem. I explained them like telling a pal at school—super easy. Say them out loud to remember!
- Speak up: Talk louder so everyone hears you clearly. (Like when teacher calls your name softly.)
- Mouth full: Your mouth stuffed with food or words. (Don't chew and chat at the same time—bits might fly!)
- Stare: Look hard at someone without blinking, like glued eyes. (It's rude; just smile instead.)
- Point: Stick your finger to show something. (Use words like "Look there" to be polite.)
- Pick your nose: Dig in your nostril with a finger—yuck! (Use a hankie if itchy.)
- Sit up: Keep your back straight, not bending like a banana. (Good for school desks too.)
- Say please: Add "please" when asking, like magic words for nice requests.
- Less noise: Be quieter, turn down the volume on your voice. (Whisper in class.)
- Drag your feet: Walk lazy, shuffling shoes on the ground. (Lift them high for quick steps!)
- Hankie: A soft cloth for nose wipes or pockets. (Short for handkerchief—keep one handy.)
- Pull your socks up: Tug socks higher so they don't bunch at ankles. (Or it means try harder!)
- Stand up straight: Body tall like a tree, shoulders back. (Helps you look strong.)
- Interrupt: Jump into talk when someone's speaking. (Wait your turn, it's fair.)
- Elbows off the table: Keep arms away from dinner plates. (Makes space for food.)
- Phrase: "Make your own mind up": Decide by yourself, no help needed. (Like choosing ice cream flavor alone.)
- Phrase: "Don't talk with your mouth full": Wait till you swallow before chatting. (No food showers!)
- Phrase: "Shut the door behind you": Close it after going in or out. (Keeps bugs and cold away.)
Practice these at home—your mum will be happy, and you'll giggle like the poet!