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Title - Performing a Poem
By - Jill McDougall
Primary Subject - Language Arts
Grade Level - Ages 7 - 10
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.
(Gabby is a ‘crabby rather flabby cat.’
Duffy is a ‘huffy rather puffy dog.’)
What does each animal like to do best?
- 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.
| "I like outside," | purrs Gabby cat, |
that crabby rather flabby cat,
"I like to sniff the autumn leaves
and hunt for beetles in the trees." |
- The Duffy group practices saying their dialogue with the teacher filling in the gaps.
| "I like inside," | sighs Duffy dog, |
that huffy rather puffy dog,
"I like to snooze till half past three
then watch the footy on TV." |
- 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:
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