The Ants Go Marching

Go Rhyming!
An Early Elementary Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

As a result of this lesson students will use word analysis skills to recognize new words and read with increased fluency and accuracy.

Materials and Resources

An overhead projector with screen, a transparency of the poem, marker, slips of paper and pencils. Make sure there is a clear path around the room so students have room to march.

Before Reading Activities

Using the transparency, begin by reading the poem aloud to the students. As the students pick up the rhythm of the poem, have them begin to read with the teacher.

During Reading Activities

While the class reads the poem aloud again, circle the rhyming words on the transparency. Work through the poem again asking students questions about the rhyming words; i.e. "Thumb almost rhymes with one, but it's spelled differently, is there a letter you can't hear?” "What letters are different?” Have the students begin to march around the room as they read. Begin with one student, then two, then three, etc.

After Reading Activities

Leave the overhead on while students work in small groups writing other words that rhyme with the numbers using the attached worksheets. When the students are finished, read the poem again letting them substitute their words for the words in the poem. Discuss the difference between real words and nonsense words by having the students use each word in a sentence. In another activity students can also write their own poem using different animals and different rhyming words.

Assessment

Informal assessment can be achieved by monitoring each group. Students may use developmental spelling so this is an excellent teaching opportunity to review word patterns and phonics. A formal assessment can be made when students produce their own poems.

Reflection

By reading the poem several times students can increase fluency and focus on the rhythm and intonation. When movement (like marching) is included, young students have the opportunity to link reading, speaking, and motor skills all together.

Illinois Standards:
1.A.1a) Apply word analysis skills (e.g., phonics, word patterns) to recognize new words.
1.B.1d) Read age-appropriate material aloud with fluency and accuracy.