Lesson Plan Title:
Grade R Additional Language – Listening and Responding to Questions in Storytime Activities
1. Materials Needed
- A selection of age-appropriate storybooks (ensure they reflect diverse South African cultures)
- Visual aids (pictures related to the story)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Listening chart (for recording answers)
- Props related to the story (e.g., puppets, toys)
- Paper and crayons for drawing
- Audio recording of sounds (if available) to enhance the listening warm-up
2. Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
1. Actively listen to a story.
2. Appropriately respond to questions asked during the storytelling session.
3. Illustrate and share their predictions or understandings of the story.
3. Vocabulary
- Listen
- Respond
- Question
- Story
- Picture
- Compare
- Predict
4. Previous Learning
Learners have been introduced to stories and basic comprehension skills. They have explored the concepts of characters, settings, and events through guided discussions and picture books.
5. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions
- Challenge: Learners may struggle to sit still during the reading.
- Solution: Incorporate movement through storytelling by using engaging props and inviting learners to act out parts of the story.
- Challenge: Some learners may be shy or hesitant to answer questions.
- Solution: Foster a supportive environment by encouraging peer participation and using pair-share techniques to build confidence before sharing with the whole group.
6. Beginning Activities (10% of time)
- Listening Warm-up (5 minutes):
Begin the lesson with a fun listening game. Play a sound (e.g., animal noises) and ask learners to identify the sound. Reinforce the importance of listening carefully by discussing why listening is important in stories. -
Introduction to Story (5 minutes):
Introduce the chosen storybook by showing the cover and discussing the title and author. Prompt learners to predict what the story might be about, providing them a chance to express their thoughts.
7. Middle Activities (80% of time)
-
Story Reading (20 minutes):
Read the story aloud with expressive voices and engaging body language. Display visuals to support comprehension and encourage interaction by asking learners what they notice about the pictures. -
Interactive Listening (30 minutes):
Pause at various points in the story to ask open-ended questions. Use prompts such as:- “What do you think will happen next?”
- “How do you think the character feels?”
- Encourage learners to share their thoughts and create a space for dialogue.
- Group Discussion (10 minutes):
After finishing the story, hold a discussion. Ask learners about their favorite part and why, and use a listening chart to record their responses, helping in visual comprehension. Summarize the discussion by highlighting key insights shared by learners. -
Creative Response Activity (20 minutes):
Learners will draw their favorite character or scene from the story. Afterward, they will take turns sharing their drawings with the class, linking back to the story and responding to questions about their choices. Remind them to use descriptive language.
8. End Activities (10% of time)
-
Review and Reflect (5 minutes):
Recap the story by asking learners to summarize what they remember. Highlight key events, characters, and themes they might connect with in their own lives. -
Closing Game (5 minutes):
Play a quick recall game where learners raise their hands to answer rapid-fire questions about the story, reinforcing their listening skills and comprehension.
9. Assessment and Checks for Understanding
- During the interactive listening segment, assess comprehension through learners’ responses to questions.
- Evaluate illustrations and their discussions to check for understanding of the story’s main points.
- Use informal assessment through observation during group discussions and shared drawing activities, noting both content understanding and participation.
10. Differentiation Strategies
- For Support: Pair struggling students with partners who can help elaborate on questions during discussion.
- For Challenge: Provide advanced learners with additional scenarios to consider based on the story’s resolution or alternate endings.
- Visual Learners: Use visuals and props throughout the lesson to engage learners effectively.
11. Teaching Notes
- Ensure the chosen story aligns with Grade R themes and is culturally relevant. Consider incorporating local languages or dialects relevant to the learners.
- Foster a positive and encouraging atmosphere where all learners feel valued and comfortable participating.
- Adjust the pacing of the lesson based on learners’ responsiveness and engagement levels, ensuring every child has the opportunity to contribute.
12. Indigenous Knowledge Integration
- Consider integrating indigenous stories or themes that reflect learners’ backgrounds, enhancing cultural relevance and connection.
This refined lesson plan is designed to engage Grade R learners through active listening and thoughtful responses during storytime activities, adhering to the CAPS curriculum while promoting foundational language skills in a culturally inclusive manner.