This lesson turns a poem into a performance piece

Subject(s): Language Arts Grades(s): Grades PreK-1

Title – Performing a Poem

By – Jill McDougall

Primary Subject – Language Arts

Grade Level – 1-5

Objective:

Materials:

Procedure:

Have the poem displayed on a large chart. Read the poem all the way through to the class.
Divide the class into two groups and have each group read alternative verses. Then swap verses.
Discuss each animal’s personality.
Have individuals from each group practice walking like Gabby and Duffy and miming their favorite activities.
Find the parts in the poem where Gabby and Duffy speak.

Highlight the dialogue in different colors.

(This is a good opportunity to teach inverted commas or ‘speech marks.’)
The “Gabby” group practices saying their dialogue with the teacher filling in the gaps.
The Duffy group practices saying their dialogue with the teacher filling in the gaps.
Have a volunteer read the poem with the Gabby and Duffy groups supplying the dialogue.
Now divide the class into four groups: A narrator group, Auntie Min, Gabby and Duffy. Practice reading the poem with each group taking on their role.
Add sound effects such as Gabby

purring

and Duffy

sighing

in appropriate places.
Video or tape the performance and watch a replay.
Make costumes and perform the poem for a wider audience.

Note: