After the poem has been read to give a general idea of the story, the teacher should proceed with it in detail, much in the same spirit as he would carry on a bright conversation with the pupils about something in which they were all equally interested.
Stanza I
How do I know my shadow is very fond of me? He "goes in and out with me".
What does that mean? It means he goes wherever I go.
What is "the use of him"? That "is more than I can see".
What is he like? He is just "like me from the heels up to the head".
What does he do when I go to bed? He jumps into bed "before me".
MEMORIZATION
Now, children, four of you may each recite one line. What have you, Susie? "I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me."
What is the use of your shadow, John? "And what can be the use of him is more than I can see."