NURSERY RHYME LESSON
Little Boy Blue

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Little Boy Blue
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 47

Nursery Rhyme Summary
Like all little boys, Little Boy Blue prefers dozing away his summer day, rather than doing his chores. But when the livestock run amok, someone must find the rascal under a haystack. But how to wake him without making him cry?

Introduce the Poem
Show students the cover of the book. Flip through the pages and display the illustrations. Tell students that you are going to read a famous poem called a nursery rhyme. They may be familiar with parts or all of the poem.

Build Background
Ask students if they have heard the nursery rhyme Little Boy Blue before. If they know it, allow students to recite the rhyme. Ask students if they know of any other nursery rhymes or poetry. Ask students what a rhyme is. Have them name rhyming words from Little Boy Blue.

Before Reading
Invite students to ask questions as you read. Since many nursery rhymes are passed down orally, students may remember a slightly different version of the rhyme. Allow students to tell you the versions they are familiar with, but also encourage them to listen to the version you will read. Have them listen to the rhythm and rhyme as you read.

During the Reading
Be sure to read slowly and with expression. Read the nursery rhyme as though you were reading for meaning rather than from memory. This will draw students into the poem. Use think-aloud strategies and react to parts of the poem by asking questions and showing emotional responses such as laughter or surprise.

After the Reading
Reader Response
Ask students what they thought of the rhyme. Ask them to describe their favorite part or their favorite illustration. Ask volunteers to summarize what happened in the poem.

Comprehension
Ask questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the poem.
Where were the sheep and the cow?
Where was Little Boy Blue?
What might happen if Little Boy Blue is woken up?