Writing of Poem: “Once I Saw a Little Bird” Composition English Grammar Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Week 3: Composition – Writing of Poem: “Once I Saw a Little Bird”

Objectives

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

1. Read a class-selected poem.
2. Recall the poem accurately.
3. Write out lines of the poem.
4. Identify moral lessons from the poem.

Lesson Plan

Subject: English Studies

Class: Primary 3

Term: First Term

Week: 3

Period: Fifth

Age: 7 years

Topic: Composition

Sub-topic: Writing of Poem: “Once I Saw a Little Bird”

Duration: 60 minutes

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

1. Read a class-selected poem.
2. Recall the poem accurately.
3. Write out lines of the poem.
4. Identify moral lessons from the poem.

Keywords: Poem, composition, writing, recall, moral lessons

Set Induction: Begin with a discussion on what makes a poem interesting to read.

Entry Behavior: Pupils have basic reading comprehension and writing skills.

Learning Resources and Materials: Poem “Once I Saw a Little Bird”, paper, pencils, markers.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge: Relate to previous lessons on reading comprehension and poetry appreciation.

Embedded Core Skills: Reading fluency, writing, recall, moral reasoning.

Learning Materials: Poem “Once I Saw a Little Bird”, paper, pencils, markers.

Reference Books: Lagos State Scheme of Work, Primary English Textbook.

Instructional Materials: Poem “Once I Saw a Little Bird”, paper, pencils, markers.

Content:

1. Introduction to the Poem:
   • Introduce the poem “Once I Saw a Little Bird” to the class.
   • Discuss the theme and emotions conveyed in the poem.
2. Reading and Recalling the Poem:
   • Read the poem aloud to the class.
   • Discuss key elements of the poem and encourage pupils to recall it.
3. Writing Out Lines of the Poem:
   • Pupils copy down lines of the poem from the board or handouts.
   • Practice writing neatly and accurately.
4. Identifying Moral Lessons:
   • Guide pupils to identify moral lessons or messages conveyed in the poem (e.g., kindness, nature appreciation).

Example Poem: “Once I Saw a Little Bird”

• “Once I saw a little bird, Come hop, hop, hop; So I cried, ‘Little bird, Will you stop, stop, stop?'”

Evaluation 

1. Poems teach us about ______.
   a) animals
   b) values
   c) colors
   d) food
2. Sarah showed ______ to her friend.
   a) sadness
   b) anger
   c) kindness
   d) fear
3. Kindness is important in ______.
   a) reading
   b) friendship
   c) games
   d) dancing
4. The poem talks about helping a ______.
   a) teacher
   b) friend
   c) dog
   d) bird
5. Sarah listened to her friend when he felt ______.
   a) happy
   b) sad
   c) angry
   d) surprised
6. Helping others shows ______.
   a) kindness
   b) fear
   c) sadness
   d) anger
7. What did Sarah do for her friend?
   a) Ignored him
   b) Helped him
   c) Laughed at him
   d) Scolded him
8. Why is kindness important in friendship?
   a) Because it makes friends happy
   b) Because it makes friends angry
   c) Because it makes friends sad
   d) Because it makes friends scared
9. The poem teaches us about ______.
   a) games
   b) values
   c) sports
   d) food
10. What did Sarah show to her friend?
    a) Kindness
    b) Anger
    c) Sadness
    d) Fear
11. What is important in friendship?
    a) Kindness
    b) Games
    c) Books
    d) Movies
12. What did Sarah do for her friend?
    a) Helped him
    b) Ignored him
    c) Laughed at him
    d) Scolded him
13. What did the poem talk about helping?
    a) A friend
    b) A dog
    c) A bird
    d) A teacher
14. What did Sarah listen to when he felt sad?
    a) Angry
    b) Sad
    c) Happy
    d) Surprised
15. What does kindness in friendship?
    a) Makes friends happy
    b) Makes friends angry
    c) Makes friends sad
    d) Makes friends scared

Class Activity Discussion 

1. Q: What do poems teach us about?
   A: Poems teach us about values and life lessons.
2. Q: What did Sarah show to her friend in the poem?
   A: She showed kindness.
3. Q: Why is kindness important in friendship?
   A: It helps friends support and care for each other.
4. Q: Who did Sarah help in the poem?
   A: She helped her friend.
5. Q: How did Sarah help her friend?
   A: She listened to him and made him feel better.
6. Q: What does kindness show to others?
   A: It shows care and consideration.
7. Q: Why is it important to help others?
   A: Helping others makes a positive difference in their lives.
8. Q: What does the poem teach us about friendship?
   A: It teaches us that kindness is important in friendship.
9. Q: How can you show kindness to others?
   A: By helping, listening, and being supportive.
10. Q: What values did Sarah demonstrate in the poem?
    A: She demonstrated kindness and empathy.
11. Q: What makes a good friend according to the poem?
    A: Someone who shows kindness and supports others.
12. Q: Why is listening important in friendship?
    A: It shows that you care about what your friend is feeling.
13. Q: What did Sarah listen to her friend when he felt sad?
    A: She listened to him.
14. Q: Why is it important to care for others?
    A: Caring for others creates strong and supportive relationships.
15. Q: How does kindness affect friendships?
    A: It strengthens friendships and builds trust.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: Revising the previous topic
   • Recap the importance of reading and understanding poems.
2. Step 2: Introducing the new topic
   • Introduce the poem “Once I Saw a Little Bird” and discuss its theme.
3. Step 3: Allowing pupils to contribute and correcting them as necessary
   • Facilitate discussion on the meaning of the poem and its moral lessons.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Read aloud the poem “Once I Saw a Little Bird” to the class.
2. Guide pupils in writing down lines of the poem.
3. Discuss the emotions and themes portrayed in the poem.
4. Help pupils identify moral lessons from the poem.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Listen attentively to the poem being read aloud.
2. Copy down lines of the poem neatly.
3. Discuss in groups the meaning of the poem and its lessons.
4. Share their interpretations with the class.

Assessment:

1. Oral questions to check understanding of the poem’s themes and moral lessons.
2. Review of pupils’ written lines of the poem for accuracy.
3. Feedback on participation and understanding of the poem’s message.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What do poems teach us about?
2. What did Sarah show to her friend in the poem?
3. Why is kindness important in friendship?
4. Who did Sarah help in the poem?
5. How did Sarah help her friend?
6. What does kindness show to others?
7. Why is it important to help others?
8. What does the poem teach us about friendship?
9. How can you show kindness to others?
10. What values did Sarah demonstrate in the poem?

Conclusion:
Summarize the lesson by emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating poems, and how they teach us valuable life lessons. Encourage pupils to reflect on the moral lessons learned from the poem “Once I Saw a Little Bird.”

More Useful Links 

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