NURSERY RHYME LESSON
Mary Had a Little Lamb

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Mary Had a Little Lamb
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 47

Nursery Rhyme Summary
One of the most universally loved nursery rhymes gets an adorable updating from Reading A-Z. The original verse is presented in an easy-to-read, one-line-per-page format, and each page has a great original illustration.

Introduce the Poem
Show students the front cover and read the title of the poem. Then, flip through the pages and show students 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 rhyme.

Build Background
Ask students if they have heard the nursery rhyme Mary Had a Little Lamb before. If they know it, allow students to recite the rhyme. They may know only one verse, or they may know some of the many lesser-known other verses. Ask students if they know any other nursery rhymes or poetry. Ask students what a rhyme is. Have them name rhyming words from what they know of Mary Had a Little Lamb.

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. Encourage students to stop you as you read. Have them listen to the rhythm and rhyme of the poem.

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.

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

Comprehension
Ask questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the poem.
What color was Mary's lamb?
Where did it follow her one day?
What did the children do?