We Must Send Them out to Play
The poem explores the importance of allowing children to engage in outdoor play and experience nature firsthand. It argues that this type of play is essential for their physical, emotional, and spiritual development. The speaker emphasizes that by sending children out to play, they will develop a strong connection with nature, which will have a positive impact on their overall well-being.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1888 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Philosophical · 433 words
First lines
Now much there is need of doing must not be done in haste; But slowly and with patience, as a jungle is changed to a town. But listen, my brothers, listen; it is not always so: When a murderer's hand is lifted to kill, there is no time to waste; And the way to change his purpose is first to knock him down And teach him the law of kindness after you give him the blow.
What this Textopian page supports
We Must Send Them out to Play is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, Philosophical, Inspirational, Didactic
- Length: 433 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for We Must Send Them out to Play by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering We Must Send Them out to Play?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Coming Man by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Our Atlas by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Graduates by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Call by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Gods Kin by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- True Brotherhood by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Social Commentary — The themes address societal issues such as justice, greed, and the welfare of children.
- Philosophical — The work explores deep moral and ethical questions about human behavior and societal change.
- Inspirational — The text aims to motivate and inspire action towards social betterment.
Tags
Children's Literature · Poetry · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Inspirational · Motivational · Uplifting · Optimistic · Youth · Play · Outdoor Activities · Nature