Lesson Plan Title:
Grade R Home Language Lesson Plan: Telling and Understanding a Simple Story
Materials Needed:
– A picture book or storybook (consider interactive digital storybooks if available)
– A flannel board and flannel pieces (characters and setting)
– Flashcards with key vocabulary
– Whiteboard and markers
– Drawing paper and crayons
– Picture cards related to the story
Learning Objectives:
– Students will be able to listen attentively to a story.
– Students will be able to identify the main characters and setting of the story.
– Students will be able to retell key events from the story.
– Students will enhance their vocabulary with new words from the story.
– Students will develop their own simple drawings related to the story.
Vocabulary:
1. Character – A person, animal, or figure in a story.
2. Setting – Where and when the story takes place.
3. Plot – The main events of the story.
4. Narrative – A spoken or written account of connected events.
5. Illustration – Pictures in a book that help tell the story.
Previous Learning:
Students have previously learned to follow simple instructions and to recognise the names of familiar objects and people. In earlier lessons, they have also participated in group discussions and shown an interest in books and storytelling.
Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
– Challenge: Some students may have difficulty staying focused during the story.
– Solution: Use an engaging, animated storytelling approach with interactive elements.
– Challenge: Students may struggle to understand and remember parts of the story.
– Solution: Use repetition and visual aids like a flannel board to reinforce understanding.
– Challenge: Language barriers for students with less developed language skills.
– Solution: Simplify language, use visuals, and provide extra support during activities.
Beginning Activities: (4 minutes)
1. Introduction to Learning Objectives:
– Briefly explain that today we will be listening to a story, learning about its characters, setting, and discussing what happens in the story.
2. Activate Prior Knowledge:
– Show students the cover of the book and ask them to predict what the story might be about.
– Encourage students to share any experiences they may have that relate to the story’s theme.
Middle Activities: (32 minutes)
1. Storytelling and Engagement: (15 minutes)
– Read the story aloud, using an animated voice and making use of the flannel board to display characters and settings as you go along.
– Pause periodically to ask predictive questions, such as “What do you think will happen next?”
– Use flashcards to introduce and explain new vocabulary words.
- Guided Practice: (10 minutes)
- Discuss the story with the students, focusing on the main characters, setting, and key events.
- Use the whiteboard to draw a simple diagram of the story’s plot and point out the characters and setting.
- Ask students to retell the story in their own words, prompting them and providing hints as necessary.
- Drawing Activity: (7 minutes)
- Provide students with drawing paper and crayons.
- Ask them to draw their favourite part of the story or the main characters.
- While students are drawing, circulate to ask them questions about their drawings and the story to reinforce comprehension.
End Activities: (4 minutes)
1. Sharing and Exit Ticket:
– Allow a few students to share their drawings and briefly explain them to the class.
– Hand out picture cards related to the story and ask students to match the cards to the correct parts of the story as an exit ticket activity.
Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Observation of students’ participation during storytelling and discussion.
– Evaluation of students’ ability to retell the story and identify key elements.
– Review of students’ drawings and their explanations.
– Exit ticket activity with picture cards accuracy.
Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
– Scaffolding: Pair students with stronger language skills with those who may need more support. Provide additional visual aids for students who need extra help understanding the story.
– Extension Activities: Encourage advanced learners to create their own short storybooks using the vocabulary and concepts from the lesson.
Teaching Notes:
– Remember to use plenty of gestures, expressions, and changes in voice to keep students engaged.
– Reiterate the new vocabulary multiple times throughout the lesson to aid in retention.
– Consider creating a comfortable storytelling corner with pillows or mats where students can sit and stay focused.
– Ensure materials are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. If a child has visual impairments, consider using larger or tactile story elements.
This lesson plan for Grade R focuses on engaging students with a simple story while developing their language and comprehension skills through interactive and creative activities.