### Lesson Plan: Reading Comprehension (Stories, Poems)
**Year Group:** Year 3
**Subject:** Language Arts
**Duration:** 60 minutes
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#### **Objective:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate comprehension of a story and a poem.
2. Identify key elements such as characters, setting, plot, and themes in a story.
3. Recognize and appreciate rhyme, rhythm, and imagery in a poem.
4. Answer basic questions related to the texts.
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#### **Materials Needed:**
- Printed copies of a short story and a poem suitable for Year 3 students.
- Whiteboard and markers.
- Chart paper and coloured markers.
- Sticky notes.
- Comprehension question worksheets.
- Pencils and erasers.
#### **Lesson Outline:**
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- **Greeting and Warm-Up** (2 minutes)
Start with a brief greeting and a warm-up activity: Ask students to share the title of their favourite story or poem and a reason why they like it.
- **Objective Overview** (3 minutes)
Explain the objective of the lesson. "Today, we are going to practise our reading comprehension skills by reading a story and a poem. We will discuss what we read and answer some questions to make sure we understand it well."
- **Activation of Prior Knowledge** (5 minutes)
Prompt a class discussion by asking: "What elements make a story interesting?" and "What makes a poem beautiful?" Write students' responses on the whiteboard.
2. **Reading and Discussion (20 minutes)**
- **Story Reading** (8 minutes)
Hand out copies of a short story. Read the story aloud together or have students read it silently. Ensure that every student is following along.
- **Story Comprehension Questions** (7 minutes)
Pose questions about the story:
- Who are the main characters?
- Where is the story set?
- What happens in the story (plot)?
- What is the main theme or lesson of the story?
Use the whiteboard to write down their answers and discuss briefly.
- **Poem Reading** (5 minutes)
Distribute copies of a chosen poem. Read the poem aloud while students follow along. Consider reading it twice to ensure comprehension of the language and structure.
3. **Comprehension Activities (20 minutes)**
- **Story Comprehension Worksheet** (10 minutes)
Hand out worksheets with multiple-choice and short-answer questions related to the story. Go through one or two questions together to ensure understanding, then let students complete the rest independently.
- **Poem Analysis Activity** (10 minutes)
On chart paper, write the poem and have students highlight rhyming words, identify the rhythm, and discuss any imagery or feelings the poem evokes. Students can work in pairs or small groups.
4. **Review and Closing (10 minutes)**
- **Review Key Points** (5 minutes)
Go over the worksheet answers together, discussing any questions that were challenging. Summarize what was learned about story elements and poetry features.
- **Exit Ticket** (3 minutes)
Provide each student with a sticky note and ask them to write one thing they liked about the story or the poem and one question they still have. Collect the sticky notes as they leave.
- **Homework Assignment** (2 minutes)
Assign a similar short story or poem for homework with questions to answer, reinforcing comprehension skills.
#### **Assessment:**
- Observation during class discussions and activities.
- Evaluation of comprehension worksheet accuracy.
- Review of exit tickets for understanding and areas needing reinforcement.
#### **Differentiation:**
- **For EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners:**
Provide vocabulary lists and pictures to aid in understanding the texts.
- **For advanced readers:**
Include more complex questions and encourage them to write a short paragraph about a personal connection to the story or poem.
- **For students needing extra support:**
Pair them with peers or provide guided reading sessions.
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**Note:** Adapt the story and poem texts to suit the interests and reading levels of your specific class.