NURSERY RHYME LESSON
Little Jack Horner

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Little Jack Horner
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 29

Nursery Rhyme Summary
Little Jack Horner is so thrilled about his Christmas pie that he can't resist digging in with his thumb. This classic nursery rhyme is presented in Reading A-Z's easy-to-read format, just in time for the holidays.

Build Background
Ask students what kinds of special foods they eat during the holidays. Ask them if they are familiar with the nursery rhyme Little Jack Horner. Because nursery rhymes are passed down orally, students may know a different version than the one in the book. Allow students to recite the nursery rhyme as they remember it.

Discuss poetry's rhymes and rhythms. Read the title and ask students to come up with a word that rhymes with Horner. Use other familiar rhymes as references. Also explain that poetry's syllables follow a rhythm or "beat."

Preview the Poem
Show students the cover of the book and read the title. Open the book to the title page and show students the illustrations. Have students identify the pictures in the book and link them to the verses they remember from the nursery rhyme.

During the Reading
Allow students to stop and ask questions during reading, especially if there is something they do not understand. If reading aloud, be sure to read with expression. Emphasize the rhyming words and the rhythm of the poem. You may wish to have students clap to the "beat" or raise their hands when they hear rhyming words. Use think-aloud strategies, and react to parts of the book with facial expressions and gestures.

After the Reading
Reader Response
Ask students what they thought of the poem. Have volunteers summarize the poem or name their favorite part.

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the poem.

• What was Jack eating?
  
• What did he find in the pie?
• Do you think Jack really was a good boy?