“The Irritating Creature”: A Poetry Lesson

Author: Cathy McKenzie

Grade: 3-4

NE Standards: 4.1.5 By the end of the fourth grade, students will identify characteristics of different types of text.

Objectives: The student will:

1. Read the poem “An Irritating Creature” silently or orally with a partner.

2. Participate in a classroom discussion about the poem.

3. Draw a picture of “the irritating creature”.

4. Share and explain their illustration to the class.

Materials: Copy of “The Irritating Creature”, found in New Kid on the Block by Jack Prelutsky. Also, drawing paper and crayons or markers.

Procedures:

Anticipatory Set: Explain what they will be doing by reading the poem. Talk to them about poems and how they are different from other literature. Find out what they already know about poems and explain to them what they need to know.

Vocabulary: Any words that you think your class may need some additional help with. This will vary from class to class.

Activities: 1. Read the poem orally to the class twice. 2. The students will get into pairs and readit to eachother. 3. Discuss as a class- rhyming patterns, ambiguity, ect. 4. Have groups list many unusual and different thing “the irritating creature” could be. 5. Have the students draw what they think the creature would look like. 6. Share them with the class and tell them why they think it would look like they drew it.

Provisions for Special Needs: Allow extra time for them to read it, they could take it home with them or, if they get help in reading, they could read it with that teacher for extra practice. If they have motor skill problems, they can explain what it looks like while someone else draws it, or they could do it on the computer, if that would work better for their needs.

CLOSURE: The students will be able to view poetry openly and experience success in their interpretations. It will help them think of poetry and its meaning.

ASSESSMENT: They will be judged only on participation and how they interpreted the looks of the creature. It will not matter how perfect the picture is, just that they understood the story, and demonstrated this.

References: ASKEric.com

Reflection: (on back of page)