The following lesson plans complement the Readers In Rhyme Level 1 Olive Set Readers. These plans offer a structured framework for small group instruction while reducing the need for extensive planning.
An index located at the back of the guide serves as a reference to assist with locating vocabulary and idioms used throughout the readers.
This guide was designed to aid general education teachers, reading specialists, ESL instructors, special education teachers, and any educator seeking valuable resources for teaching phonics to their students.
Lesson plans written by Deborah Kindred and Elizabeth Scagel
All rights reserved. This guide is intended to be used with Readers in Rhyme curriculum.
Lesson Outline
Pre Reading
Before beginning the reading lesson, it's important to reinforce the phonogram sounds your students have previously learned. Repetition is essential for mastering these sounds and achieving automatic recognition.
Phonogram Hunt Activity-Using the front and back covers of the book, give students a word containing one or more of the phonograms being studied and encourage them to search for it in the boxes of phonograms. Once they locate the phonogram, prompt them to say the sound(s) associated with that phonogram. Teacher says: My word is ‘quit’ what phonogram is in ‘quit’?” The students find and point out QU and say “/kw/.” Using their fingers, guide them in counting and identifying the number of sounds in the word. Example:“quit” has three /kw/ /i/ /t/ and sleep has four /s/ /l/ /E/ /p/.
Title
Before reading introduce the story by reading the title to the students.
Picture Question
Ask the students what they think is happening in the picture for the story. Point out anything of interest.
Vocabulary
Introduce and discuss any vocabulary in the story that the students might now know.
Students read the story.
Discussion Questions
Assess comprehension by posing insightful questions. Is there a connection between this tale and others the students have read?
Encouraging repeated readings of the stories enhances fluency and boosts confidence levels.
The Bonny Three
Pre Reading- (Phonogram Hunt) have the students look inside the front and back cover. Ask: “who can find the phonograms used in the word ‘wood’?” when they find oo ask: “what does this phonogram say?” Students: “/oo/ /OO/” and Ask: “how many sounds are in the word ‘wood’?” Students: “three /w/ /OO/ d/”
Vocabulary
Bonny (P.2) Very pleasing to the eye.
Fuss (P.2) To become upset. All will be well (P.2) Things will be as they should be.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. There are three questions asked at the beginning of the story. Can you tell them? What special mark does a sentence that asks a question end with?
2. Why do you think the girls are crying?
White Whale
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: track (/k/ the 2 letter /k/)—four sounds /t/ /r/ /a/ /ck/, sharp (/sh/, /ar/)—three sounds /sh/ /ar/ /p/
Vocabulary
Seek (P.2) To look for; try to find.
Pass (P.2) To go past; move beyond.
Shy (P.2) Not feeling comfortable around people.
Tend (P.2) To be likely; usually do.
Wharf (P.2) Structure built on the shore at which ships can load and unload.
Dock (P.2) A raised platform that is built out into the water.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What question does the girl ask?
2. Who do you think the little girl is speaking to? (Fish) Where do the fish tell the little girl to look? What do the fish tell the girl about whales?
Lads (P.4) Boys or young men. Roll (P.4) To move by turning over and over.
Loops (P.4) Rounded shapes. Hoops (P.4) Circular ring shaped objects. Back and Forth (P.4) To move backward and forward. Over (P.4) Above in position.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who are the characters in this story? What are they doing?
2. What phrase describes what the hoops do? (They go back and forth in little loops)
3. Where do the lads go?
No. 32 Little Lads
Jill and Her Dolly Dill
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: over (/er/)—three sounds /O/ /v/ /er/, green (E double E always says E)—four sounds /g/ /r/ /E/ /n/
Vocabulary
Fond (P.6) Tender or loving feelings for.
Thrill (P.6) A sudden feeling of excitement.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. List the toys that Jill has.
2. What things are you fond of?
3. Find the words that rhyme with “Jill.” What other words can you think of that rhyme with "Jill?”
Apples
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: river (/er/)—four sounds /r/ /i/ /v/ / er/, wash (/sh/)—three sounds /w/ /o/ /sh/
Vocabulary
Seen (P.8) To have looked at.
Pick (P.8) To gather by pulling off or out; pluck.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. In what season do the girls love to pick apples?
2. What do the little girls say at the beginning of the story? How can we tell the girls are saying this? (Quotation marks) Point to the quotation marks that show that someone is talking. Read what they say together. Remember these marks show something is being said.
3. Find the words at the end of the lines that rhyme.
No.
Mrs. Hen
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: her (/er/)—two sounds /h/ /er/, broth (/th/ /TH/)—four sounds /b/ /r/ /o/ /th/
Vocabulary
Kind (P.2) Helpful friendly and good.
Shady (P.2) In the shade.
Struts (P.2) To walk in a proud manner.
Yarns (P.2) A strand of twisted fibers for knitting or weaving OR a tale that may exaggerate the truth or is hard to believe.
Morn (P.2) Morning or dawn.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Which meaning of the word “yarns” is used in this story? When Mrs Hen spins yarns what is she doing? (Tells tales)
2. Find the words at the end of the lines that rhyme.
Purple Martin (P.8) A large swallow bird with purple blue feathers.
Grace (P.8) Beauty or charm in form or style.
Swell (P.8) Great or excellent.
Dwell (P.8) To live or stay in.
Fine (P.8) Agreeable or to one’s liking.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Where does Purple Martin take his lady?
2. What does the story tell us about the tree? (cool, shady, a place for a bird of grace, swell, no better place to dwell, a good place for a home)
3. Find the words at the end of the lines that rhyme.
No. 35 Pop Pine Cone
Pop Pine Cone
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: burn (/er/)—three sounds /b/ /er/ /n/, third (/sh/, /ir/)—three sounds /th/ /er/ /d/
Vocabulary
Kind (P.2) Helpful friendly and good.
Clan (P.2) A group of people from the same family. Bitty (P.2) Very small. Tots (P.2) A very young child.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who does Pop Pine Cone make gifts for? (His whole clan, baby Moll, Wee Tom Morse, All the tots)
2. Where do you think Pop Pine Cone clan may live? Why do you think so?
3. Read sentences three and four and find the words that rhyme.
Pop Pine Cone’s Drum
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: short (/sh/ /or/)—three sounds /sh/ /or/ /t/, germ (/er/)—three sounds /j/ /er/ /m/
Vocabulary
Early (P.4) In the first part of something; near the beginning of something. Morn (P.4) Morning or dawn.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What words describe the sound Pop Pine Cone’s drum makes? (Rap, tap, tap; rum, tum, tum). Let’s read those words together.
2. Why do you think Pop Pine Cone uses his drum? (He is letting the forest animals know he has come with nuts and seeds)
3. Pop Pine Cone is out early. Where do you think he is?
No. 35 Pop Pine Cone
Hurry Pop Pine Cone
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: girl (/er/)—three sounds /g/ /er/ /l/, greet (E double E always says E)—four sounds /g/ /r/ /E/ /t/
Vocabulary
Hurry (P.6) To move or act with speed.
Flurry (P.6) A light fall of snow that ends quickly. Early (P.6) In the first part of something; near the beginning of something. Hares (P.6) Large rabbits.
Sled (P.6) A low platform of wood that slides on blades over snow or ice.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Why is Pop Pine Cone in a hurry? (It looks like it is going to snow)
2. What does Pop Pine Cone have in his sled? Who do you think it is for? (Toys, things he has made for the tots)
3. Find a pair of rhyming words. (Hurry flurry; woods, goods)
“Make Merry” (P.8) To have fun and enjoy oneself. Pine Needle (P.8) Thin needle-shaped leaf of the pine tree.
Roof (P.8) Surface or covering on the top of a building.
Dome (P.8) A rounded roof or ceiling on a building. Worth (P.8) The value of a thing or person.
Earth (P.8) The planet we live on OR soil or dirt.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How does this story describe Pop Pine Cone? (He likes to make merry and his face is like a berry. He loves to make gifts for the tots)
2. Describe Pop Pine Cone’s home. (Pine Needle hut; rook like a dome)
3. Find the words at the end of the lines that rhyme.
No. 36 Fern and Vern
The Jolly Hares
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: curb (/er/)—three sounds /k/ /er/ /b/, good (/oo/ /OO/)—four sounds /g/ /r/ /E/ /t/
Vocabulary
Hares (P.2) Large rabbits.
“Trim the Tree” (P.2) To decorate a Christmas tree.
Jolly (P.2) Cheerful and full of fun.
Holly (P.2) A bush with white flowers and red berries.
Mirth (P.2) Happiness with laughter.
Turnip (P.2) A root vegetable that looks a little bit like an onion.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What did the hares have for the girl? What do you thin they gave her?
2. If the girl and the hares are “Trimming the Tree” and giving gifts, what holiday do you think they are celebrating?
3. Find the words at the end of the lines that rhyme.
The World is a Blur
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: word (/wer/)—two sounds /wer/ /d/, bird (/ir/)—three sounds /b/ /er/ /d/
Vocabulary
Blur (P.4) To become less clear or harder to see.
Whips (P.4) To move suddenly or quickly.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Why do you think the world is a blur as the girls pass by? Do you think they are moving fast or slow on the sled?
2. What word does the author use to describe the wind as it whips over the girl’s face?
3. What two words are used to describe what the girls must do to get home quickly? (rush, hurry)
No. 36 Fern and Vern
Fern and Vern
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: early (/er/)—three sounds /er/ /l/ /E/, good (/oo/ /OO/)—four sounds /g/ /r/ /E/ /t/
Vocabulary
Early (P.6) In the first part of something; near the beginning of something. Frost (P.6) A covering of tiny ice crystals on a cold surface. Worry (P.6) To feel troubled or anxious.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Names always start with a capital letter. Can you find the names in the story?
2. When did Fern and Vern leave to meet their grandparents?
3. Tell what in the story is cold and what is hot.
Who did I see
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: world (/wer/)—three sounds /wer/ /l/ /d/, under (/er/)—four sounds /u/ /n/ /d/ /er/
Vocabulary
Fur (P.8) The soft hairy coat of certain animals. Mirth (P.8) Happiness with laughter. Goods (P.8) Things that are made and sold. Pack (P.8) A bundle arranged for carrying on the back. Merry (P.8) Cheerful and happy.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. There is a question in this story. Who asks it? What is the question?
2. Describe Santa.
3. Find the words at the end of the lines that rhyme.
“How do you do?” (P.2) A greeting that means “How are you?” Morn (P.2) Morning or dawn. Quite (P.2) Completely and entirely.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What does the rooster do early in the morn?
2. Who is greeting the rooster?
3. The rooster says he is quite well. Do you think he means he is just ok or doing very well? Practice giving a greeting (Hello. How are you? Nice to meet you.)
Fine (P.4) Very good. Dandy (P.4) Pleasing or excellent.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who is the rooster speaking to?
2. Who is “fine and dandy”?
3. What time of day is it?
The Dog and Cat
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: quite (/qu/)—three sounds /qu/ /I/ /t/ how (/ow/ /O/)—two sounds /h/ /ow/
Vocabulary
Morn (P.6) Morning or dawn.
“Happy as can be” (P.6) Very joyful and content.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What do you think the dog mean when he say “bow wow, wow”?
2. What do you think the cat will eat for breakfast?
3. Who do you think left the milk for the cat?
The Cat and Cow
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: earth (/er/ /th/)—two sounds /er/ /th/ show (/ow/ /O/)—two sounds /sh/ /O/
Vocabulary
Morn (P.8) Morning or dawn.
Quite (P.8) Completely and entirely. Shine (P.8) To give off or reflect light.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Where do you think the stories in this book take place?
2. Who is the sun shining down on?
3. Do you think the cow would be “quite happy” if it were raining? Why or why not?
No. 38 Mouse House
In the Wood
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: burst (/er/)—four sounds /b/ /er/ /s/ /t/ town (/ow/ /O/)—three sounds /t/ /ow/ /n/
Vocabulary
Meek (P.2) Patient and mild; not easily angered or upset. Romp (P.2) To move about or play in a lively manner.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. In what setting does this story take place? (In the woods outside of a tree that is the Mouse House)
2. Describe the characters int his story. ( Mick, Matty and Mary mouse are meek, kind and wee)
3. What do the mice do to have fun? (They romp, run and jump rope)
Mouse House
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: worm (/wer/)—two sounds /wer/ /m/ town (/ow/ /O/)—three sounds /t/ /ow/ /n/
Vocabulary
Early (P.4) In the first part of something; near the beginning of something. Fall (P.4) Autumn the season between summer and winter. Ball (P.4) A large fancy party for dancing.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What are the mice in the Mouse House excited about?
2. Why does Mark Mouse come to visit Moll? (He wants Moll to go to the ball with him)
3. Why do you think Mark Mouse wears his best shirt and cap?
Foam (P.6) A large amount of small bubbles that form at the top of a liquid. Surf (P.6) Ocean waves that come in from the sea and break on the shore. West Coast (P.) The states California, Oregon, and Washington. Seems (P.6) To appear to be.
Load (P.6) An amount of something.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What do you think Jack and Joan are doing?
2. Where do you think they are enjoying the “West Coast Sun”?
Soak (P.8) To become completely wet with a liquid. Nab (P.8) To grab or snatch.
Specks (P.8) Small marks or spots.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What do you think Rub a Dub Dub means?
2. What things might you bring when you take a bath?
3. Why is Mary Beth taking a bath?
No. 40 Little Joe’s Toe
Flo Keeps House
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: peel (E double E always says E) three sounds /p/ /E/ /l/ load (/O/)—three sounds /l/ /O/ /d/
Vocabulary
Spick and Span (P.2) Perfectly clean and tidy.
Back and Forth (P.2) To move backward and forward.
Woe (P.2) Great suffering or sorrow.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How does Flo keep her house spick and span?
2. If people mess up her house, what will Flo do?
3. Find the words in the story that rhyme with thick. (Spick, quick)
There Goes Little Joe
Pre Reading- Phonogram Hunt Words: toe (/O/)—two sounds /t/ /O/ grow (/ow/ /O/)—three sounds /g/ /r/ /O/
Vocabulary
Rolls (P.4) To move by turning over and over.
To and Fro (P.4) In one direction and then toward the opposite. Back and Forth (P.4) To move backward and forward. Hoe (P.4) A garden tool with a flat blade at the end of a long handle.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Why does Joe have to use the hoe?
2. What went back and forth in the last story? Is this the same as to and fro?
