December 2003     Vol.4 Issue 12

Suggested lesson plan for "Kids find
out what 'onomatopoeia' means"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Keysor Elementary School, Abby Lewis, Megan Miener, Leah Davidson, Christine Hakenjos, Amy Glaser Gage, Connie McIntyre
Other words: onomatopoeia, unique, repetition, veterinarian, dolphins

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the names and words for the possible hard words list. Provide help as needed, keeping track of how many items called for assistance. Of the twelve items, if no more than three required help, ask the child to read the article silently. If four to six words required assistance, ask the young reader to read the article aloud. If six items called for help, you offer to read the article aloud to the child. In all three instances, note that questions will be asked after the reading.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help out with any names or words, if asked. For the child reading aloud, supply any troublesome words fairly quickly in order to keep the reading fluent. If you read the article aloud, model fluent, expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as the following to check understanding and stimulate a discussion.

1. Explain what "onomatopoeia" means and give a couple of examples.
2. Do you think "Thanksgiving" is a good topic to write a poem about? Why or why not?
3. What other poetic devices were mentioned besides onomatopoeia?
4. How do you feel about poetry? Do you have a favorite poem or have you written any poems?