### Lesson Plan: Poems and Rhymes - "Hush, Little Baby"
**Grade Level:** Nursery 2
**Duration:** 30 minutes
**Objective:**
1. Introduce and recite the lullaby "Hush, Little Baby".
2. Enhance listening and memorization skills through repetition and engagement.
3. Foster an appreciation for rhythm and rhyme in poetry.
**Materials:**
- A printed copy of the "Hush, Little Baby" lyrics
- Poster with lyrics and illustrations
- Audio version of the lullaby (optional)
- Picture cards/props related to the lullaby (e.g., mockingbird, diamond ring)
---
**Lesson Activities:**
**1. Introduction (5 minutes)**
- Greet the students and gather them in a circle.
- Introduce the topic: “Today, we’ll be learning a beautiful song called ‘Hush, Little Baby’. It’s a lullaby that you might hear when it’s time for bed.”
**2. Listening Activity (5-7 minutes)**
- Play an audio version of "Hush, Little Baby" or sing it to the children.
- Encourage them to listen carefully to the words and rhythm.
- Ask a few simple questions to ensure they were following: “What did the parent promise first?” “What animal did they mention?”
**3. Recitation and Actions (10-12 minutes)**
- Break the lullaby down into small sections and recite each line. Have the children repeat after you.
- Use picture cards/props to visually represent parts of the lullaby (e.g., show a picture of a mockingbird when the line mentions it).
- Incorporate simple actions that go along with the lyrics (e.g., flapping hands for a bird, pretending to wear a ring).
**Lyrics Breakdown:**
```
Hush, little baby, don’t say a word, (whisper 'hush')
Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird. (flap hands like a bird)
And if that mockingbird won’t sing,
Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring. (pretend to wear a ring)
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass. (pretend to look in a mirror)
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat. (pretend to pull a goat's leash)
And if that billy goat won’t pull,
Mama's gonna buy you a cart and bull. (pretend to drive a cart)
And if that cart and bull fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.
```
**4. Interactive Discussion (5 minutes)**
- Discuss the meaning and themes of the lullaby. “Why do you think the parent promises all these things?”
- Relate it to their own experiences with bedtime and what helps them feel calm and loved.
**5. Closing Activity (3 minutes)**
- Have the children join in singing "Hush, Little Baby" with you one last time, using the actions they’ve learned.
- Praise them for their participation and effort.
- Announce that next time they will learn another fun poem or rhyme.
**Follow-Up Activities:**
- Encourage parents to sing "Hush, Little Baby" with their children at home.
- Provide a handout with the lyrics and a couple of simple coloring pages related to the lullaby themes.
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**Assessment:**
- Observe participation and enthusiasm during the recitation and actions.
- Listen for improvement in melody and rhythm recall during repetition.
- Note engagement levels during discussion and interactive activities.
This lesson plan should create a fun and educational experience centered around the classic lullaby "Hush, Little Baby," helping Nursery 2 students appreciate the beauty of poetic language and rhythm.