Technology-Connected Lesson Plan s7

Technology-Connected Lesson Plan

Title: Leprechaun Limericks Grade Levels: Grades 3rd – 6th Curriculum Areas:  Language Arts Measurable  TLW learn how to write a limerick. Objectives:  TLW understand and apply rhyme and syllable patterns. LA Content  {LA.6.6.10.3} Use knowledge of the distinctive characteristics to Standards: classify and interpret elements of various genres, including: poetry (e.g., lyric, narrative)  {LA.4.6.12} Identify a variety of types of literature, including poetry and short stories, in oral and written responses Technology  Technology Research Tools (Linking and Generating Knowledge Standards: Foundation Skill) Students use appropriate technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources  Technology Productivity Tools (Resource Access and Utilization Foundation Skill) Students use productivity tools to work collaboratively in developing technology-rich, authentic, student-centered products. Technology  Presentation Station (TV connected to computer with scan Connection: converter)  Limerick SMART Notebook or PowerPoint  Limericks Online http://www.poetry-online.org/limericks.htm http://volweb.utk.edu/school/bedford/harrisms/limerick.htm http://www.link75.org/bcs/Publish%20C/bcspoetry/limerick.html http://www.gigglepoetry.com/poetryclass/limerickcontesthelp.html http://free.prohosting.com/~billdaly/limerick.html http://deepthought.davidrcollett.com/limericks/index.aspx  History of St. Patrick’s Day http://wilstar.com/holidays/patrick.htm  Microsoft Word Procedures:  Slide 1 - Before beginning the lesson on limericks as a form of 1 poetry, use the PowerPoint or SMART Notebook to discuss the location of Limerick in Ireland and the history behind St. Patrick’s Day. Inform the students the Limerick, is the city from which this type of poetry takes it name.  Slide 2 - A limerick is a silly poem with five lines. They are often funny or nonsensical.  Slide 3 - Before beginning independent writing of limericks, explain that a limerick is a form of humorous verse consisting of five lines. The rhyme pattern is AABBA, where the first, second and fifth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables (typically 8 or 9). The third and fourth lines rhyme with each other and have the same number of syllables (typically 5 or 6). Limericks often start with the line "There once was a..." or "There was a..."  Visit some of the links listed above for students to read and discuss a number of limericks by various authors.  Students should be familiar with rhyming patterns to apply the a-a-b-b-a rhyming structure in limerick poetry. Have volunteers identify the words in the first, second, and fifth lines that rhyme in each poem. Then have volunteers identify the words that rhyme in the third and fourth lines.  As a group, count out the syllables in each line of poetry. Discuss how the predictable rhyme and the syllable pattern contribute to the rhythm and flow of the poetry. Model Writing a Limerick

 The first step in writing a limerick is to choose a good topic. Limericks are usually written about individuals or specific characters. They often begin with the words: There once was. . . or There was a. . .

 Remind students that limericks are good-natured and generally humorous. Brainstorm with students a list of well-known people or characters. Write students' suggestions on the board.

 Choose a topic from the generated list that you know students are familiar with and write it on the board or overhead projector.

 Invite students to name words or phrases that humorously 2 describe the chosen topic. Remind them that the words and phrases must fit the rhyming and syllable pattern of limerick poetry.

 As a group, continue working to refine the class limerick until it follows the correct rhyming and syllable pattern.

Poetry Practice

 Have students work individually or in pairs to choose another topic from the generated topic list on the board. Then have them write a humorous limerick. (Note: Beginning poets may choose to practice the poetry writing process by completing one of the limerick worksheets.)

 Remind students that a limerick should contain five lines and follow the a-a-b-b-a rhyming pattern. Additionally, the first, second, and fifth lines contain the same number of syllables, as do the third and fourth lines. (Note: Beginning poets may choose to disregard the syllable pattern; concentrating, instead, on the rhyming pattern.)

 Typically, each of the five lines in a limerick should begin with a capital letter. Explain that additional punctuation and capitalization should follow the rules of conventional sentence writing. Sentences and proper nouns should begin with a capital letter.

 As students write, encourage them to use a thesaurus or dictionary to develop interesting words and phrases that communicate and fit the basic rhyme and syllable patterns. Remind them to revise their work in order to improve understanding and flow by adding, deleting, consolidating, and rearranging text as necessary.

 Students will make final revisions and use Microsoft Word to type their final copies. Materials:  Paper and pencil Assessment:  Final copy of limerick using Microsoft Word Teacher’s Name:  Kathy Prine School:  C.M. Fagan