NURSERY RHYME LESSON
Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat

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Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat
Text Type: Poetry • Word Count: 34

Nursery Rhyme Summary
This humorous and engaging nursery rhyme comes with Reading A-Z's easy-to-read format and delightful illustrations. The confident kitty has been with the queen, scaring away a terrifying mouse that managed to crawl under her throne. Students will love this rhyme whether it is a new poem or an old favorite.

Building Background
Ask students if they have ever heard the nursery rhyme Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat before. They may recall other versions or verses. Assure them 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 cat. Use other familiar rhymes as references. Also explain that poetry's syllables follow a rhythm or "beat."

Previewing the Poem
Show students the cover of the book and read the title. Ask them to predict what the cat might do. Open the book to the title page. Ask students who they see in the picture. What might the cat be doing with a queen?

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

If reading aloud, be sure to read with expression—with familiar rhymes, it is often helpful to read from the text for meaning, rather than recite. Emphasize the rhythm and rhyme of the poem. 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 parts.

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

• Where was the kitty?
  
• What was he doing?
  
• What was under the queen's chair?