NURSERY RHYME LESSON
Humpty Dumpty

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Humpty Dumpty
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 26

Nursery Rhyme Summary
Everyone remembers the story of Humpty Dumpty and his precarious perch on a wall. This half-riddle, half-rhyme will delight students with its familiar verses and nonsense solution.

Building Background
Ask students where and when they have heard the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty before. Because nursery rhymes are passed down orally, students may have heard different versions or other verses than those included in the book. Have students recite the versions they know.

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

Preview the Poem
Show students the cover of the book, and read the title. Open the book to the title page. Have students make predictions about what will happen to Humpty Dumpty. Preview the illustrations and go over any vocabulary you think students may find challenging.

During the Reading
Allow students to stop and ask questions during reading, especially if there is something they do not understand. If reading aloud, be sure to read with expression. Emphasize the rhythms and rhymes of the poem. You may wish to have students clap along to the rhythm or signal when they hear rhyming words. 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. Did they think the poem was funny, sad, or just nonsense?

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the poem.

• What happened to Humpty Dumpty?
  
• Who tried to help him?
  
• What is Humpty Dumpty?
  
• Do you think he will ever be put back together?