**Lesson Plan: Poems and Rhymes for Toddlers**
**Topic: Pawpaw is a Kind of Fruit**
**Objective:**
- Introduce toddlers to the fruit "pawpaw"
- Develop language skills through rhymes and poems
- Enhance listening and comprehension abilities
- Promote sensory exploration and curiosity about fruits
**Materials:**
- Real pawpaw fruit (if available)
- Pictures of pawpaw fruit
- Flashcards with pictures of different fruits
- Pawpaw fruit rhyme/poem chart
- Music player (optional for background music during activities)
- Pawpaw coloring sheets and crayons
- Toy fruits (including pawpaw) for sensory bin
**Duration:** 30-40 minutes
**Activities:**
1. **Circle Time Introduction (5 minutes):**
- Gather children in a circle.
- Show a real pawpaw fruit and/or pictures of it.
- Introduce the word "pawpaw" and explain that it is a kind of fruit.
2. **Rhyme/Poem Recitation (10 minutes):**
- Recite the following rhyme/poem about pawpaw:
**Rhyme: "Pawpaw, So Sweet"**
Pawpaw, pawpaw, a fruit so sweet,
Yellow and orange, it's a yummy treat.
Peel back the skin, take a bite,
Tastes so good, it feels just right.
Pawpaw, pawpaw, let's all sing,
A fruity delight, it makes us swing.
In the orchard, on the tree,
Let's pick pawpaw, so happily!
- Encourage children to repeat each line after you.
- Add simple hand movements or actions to go with the rhyme.
3. **Sensory Exploration (10 minutes):**
- Create a sensory bin with toy fruits, including toy pawpaws.
- Let the children explore and identify the pawpaw among other fruits.
- Discuss the texture, color, and shape of the fruit.
4. **Fruit Flashcards Matching Game (5 minutes):**
- Show flashcards with different fruits, including pawpaw.
- Ask the children to identify the pawpaw card when shown.
- Reinforce the name and appearance of the fruit.
5. **Pawpaw Coloring Activity (5 minutes):**
- Distribute pawpaw coloring sheets and crayons.
- Let the children enjoy coloring the pawpaw while mentioning its colors (yellow and orange).
6. **Sing-Along and Dance (optional, 5 minutes):**
- Play background music and encourage children to dance while singing the "Pawpaw" rhyme/poem.
- Allow free movement and dancing to enhance motor skills.
**Closure (5 minutes):**
- Gather the children back in a circle.
- Recap the lesson by asking a few questions:
- "What kind of fruit did we learn about today?"
- "What color is a pawpaw?"
- Praise the children for their participation.
- Give each child a sticker or a small treat as a reward.
**Assessment:**
- Observe children’s participation and enthusiasm during the rhyme and activities.
- Note any child who may need more encouragement or assistance in understanding the concept.
- Ensure that children can identify the pawpaw fruit through flashcards and sensory bin exploration.
By the end of the lesson, toddlers should have a basic understanding of what a pawpaw fruit is, how it looks, and feel confident in participating in rhymes and related activities.