NURSERY RHYME LESSON
Hey, Diddle Diddle

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Hey, Diddle Diddle
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 30

Nursery Rhyme Summary
This whimsical, nonsensical nursery rhyme is a continuing favorite. No child or adult can resist the antics of the cow, the dog, the cat, and the mischievous dish and spoon. Reading A-Z's delightful illustrations bring fresh life to this beloved rhyme.

Building Background
Tell students that you will be reading the nursery rhyme Hey, Diddle Diddle. Ask students if they have heard this rhyme before, and if so, allow them to recite what they know. Since nursery rhymes are passed down orally, students may remember different versions and other verses than the one in the book. Tell students that there are no "right" or "wrong" versions of nursery rhymes.

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

Previewing the Poem
Show students the cover and have them read the title. What do they see on the cover illustration? What is the cow doing? What is the dog doing? Flip through the pages and show students different illustrations. Ask students what they think might be happening in the illustrations.

During the Reading
Allow students to stop and ask questions during reading, especially if there is something they do not understand. Instruct students to listen for the rhythm in the poem. They can try to tap to the "beat" during reading.

If reading aloud, be sure to read with expression. Read directly from the text as though you were reading for meaning, rather than reciting. Use think-aloud strategies and react to parts of the poem 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.

• Who jumped over the moon?
  
• What did the dog think of that?
  
• Who ran away with the dish?