Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Read the selected children’s poems rhythmically 
2. Identify the key words or lines that introduce the main ideas in the poems 

iii. Construct sentences with the selected words in another context with the words in the poems iv. Answer questions on the poems

Learning Activities

1. Pupils in groups read the poems rhythmically 
2. Pupils in pairs write out the main ideas or words in the poems iii. The check up the meaning of the new words in sentences iv. Pupils in smaller groups analyse the passage to derive the hidden meaning in the passage

Embedded Core Skills

1. Communication and Collaboration ii. Critical thinking and problem solving iii. Leadership skills and Personal Development iv. Creativity and Imagination

Learning Materials

• Wall charts
• Audio player
• Video clip
• Wall charts
• Laptop

Content

Selected children’s poems can be a great way to develop both comprehensive and vocabulary skills. Poems often use descriptive language and imagery, which can help children learn new words and expand their understanding of the world around them. Additionally, the rhyme and rhythm of poems can make them more engaging and memorable for children, helping to build their comprehension skills.

Some examples of children’s poems that are known for their vocabulary and comprehension-building content include:

“The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear,

“The Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll, and

“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

Who sat and watched my infant head, when sleeping on my cradle bed, And tears, sweet drops, did stand in eyes, Like pearls upon her feathers dress?

Who passed her gentle hand above, My lowly form, and kissed my brow And, whispering, “Weep not, my sister ‘Tis but a flower scarce hushed, or know?

My mother. Where her tender hand Smoothed the pillow of my head, And where her love and watch did stand, The night and every night she slept

And, in my soul, the thought doth dwell, That, one sweet day I’ll know full well, All love and truth my mother taught, And the hej joy and crown in heaven”

1. What is the main subject of the poem? a) An infant b) A mother c) A bird d) A pillow 
2. Who is the speaker in the poem? a) The infant b) The mother c) A narrator d) A bird 
3. What is the tone of the poem? a) Romantic b) Nostalgic c) Melancholic d) Joyful 
4. What is the main metaphor used in the poem? a) Pearls on feathers b) A cradle c) A pillow d) A crown 
5. Who is the person who sat and watched the infant’s head? a) The father b) The bird c) The mother d) A stranger 
6. How are the person’s eyes described in the poem? a) Teary b) Happy c) Angry 
7. Who whispered “weep not, my sweet”? a) The mother b) The bird c) The father d) The nurse 
8. What is the main emotion conveyed by the poem? a) Love b) Sorrow c) Anger d) Hope 
9. What is the main theme of the poem? a) The love of a mother b) The love of a child c) The beauty of nature d) The passing of time 
10. What is the imagery used to describe the mother’s love in the poem? a) Tender hand b) Smoothed pillow c) Watching eyes d) All of the above 

poem: “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear

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The Owl and the Pussycat went to sea in a beautiful pea green boat, They took some honey, and plenty of money, Wrapped up in a five pound note.

The Owl looked up to the stars above, And sang to a small guitar, “O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love, What a beautiful Pussy you are, You are, You are! What a beautiful Pussy you are!”

The Pussycat smiled as she sailed away, with a “meow, meow” and a “purr, purr” “I love you, Owl, but please save our grinning, until we were a five pound note.”

So they lived happily ever after, The Owl and the Pussycat in the boat, And if they haven’t drowned, they’re still alive and well, Sailing on the deep sea in their beautiful pea green boat.