NURSERY RHYME LESSON
I Had a Little Hen

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I Had a Little Hen

I Had a Little Hen
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 59

Nursery Rhyme Summary
Students learn that the prettiest Little Hen is also resourceful. She takes great care of the woman she lives with. She cleans, bakes, and then finds time to share stories with her friend.

Build Background
Ask students if they do chores at home, such as cleaning their rooms, taking out the trash, setting the dinner table, etc. Ask them if they get anything for doing those chores. Tell the students how important it is to get work done so there's plenty of time to have fun.

Discuss poetry's rhymes and rhythms. Read the first two pages and ask students to tell you what two words are the rhyming words (seen and clean) in those two sentences. Explain how some poems don't rhyme every line. Also explain that poetry follows a rhythm or "beat" with the syllables. On page 4, show students the words She washed me the dishes. Explain that sometimes poetry doesn't follow grammar rules or the way we actually talk in order to keep the rhyme or rhythm.

Previewing the Poem
Show students the cover of the book and read the title. Open the book to the title page. Turning the pages, show students the illustrations and explain how the pictures on each page of a book often show the action of what's written on that page. Ask students to tell what they think might be happening in the poem.

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 and emphasize the rhythm, or cadence, of each line. Use think-aloud strategies and react to parts of the book 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.

• What did the Little Hen do with the flour from the mill?
  
• What did the Little Hen do by the fire?
  
• Where did the Little Hen go to get the flour?
  
• How do you think the woman felt about the Little Hen? How do you think the Little Hen felt about the woman? How do you know?