For want of a
nail…
Origin of the poem:
Written in the late
1300’s
 First published in
England

A little more about horses….
Blacksmiths fashion a
“U” shape out of iron or
steel.
The horseshoe was
made to fit the horse’s
hoof and then nails
were used to attach
horseshoes to the
horse’s hoof
For want of a nail
•For want of a nail, the shoe was lost.
•For want of a shoe, the horse was lost.
•For want of a horse, the rider was lost.
•For want of a rider the battle was lost.
•For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
•And all for the want of a horseshoe nail!
What does the poem mean for us
today?
What are the consequences of your
actions?
 What may seem as a small action may
lead to a bigger problem.
 Think ahead to what your actions may
lead to farther down the road.

All for the want of a
nail…
In your journal, write down an example of a time when one small action
caused a much bigger problem.
Or
Think of an example where one small action could cause a much bigger
problem.