The following lesson plans complement the Readers In Rhyme Level 2 Plum 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.
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 not know. Make special note of words with multiple meaning. Help students to see that context can determine the meaning of certain words.
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.
No. 51 Crosspatch
Betty Barts
Vocabulary
Tarts: (P.2) A small pie or pastry shell containing jelly, custard, or fruit. Batch: (P.2) A group of things made at one time.
Fig: (P.2) A small pear shaped fruit.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Some bakers have a secret ingredient that they add to their recipe that makes it especially great. What is Betty’s special ingredient that she uses to make her tarts? Hint: it’s not a food item.
2. Do you think they taste better is they are made with love? Why or why not?
3. What words can you think of that rhyme with batch? (hatch, catch, latch, patch, match, scratch, snatch)
Debby Dare
Vocabulary
“Take Care”: (P.4) To be careful.
Haste: (P.4) Rapid movement or hurry.
Ink Pot: (P.4) Also known as an inkwell, it held ink for writing and the the person would dip a brush or quill into the ink before writing.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who was the get well card for card for and why was Debby Dare writing it? (The card was for Peggy Sue who was sick with a scratchy throat.)
2. What happened to the ink pot and why? (Debby Dare was in a hurry and she knocked the ink pot over)
3. What happened then? (The ink spilled on the dog and now he has more spots.)
Vocabulary
No. 51 Crosspatch
Crosspatch
Crosspatch (P.6) A grumpy or grouchy person.
Torn (P.6) Damage from ripping.
Needle (P.6) A thin piece of steel with a hole in the end for thread and a sharp point at the tip. Used for sewing.
Thread (P.6) A fine cord used in in a needle for sewing fabric together.
Thorn (P.6) A short, stiff point on a plant stem or branch. “Learn the Hard Way” (P.6) To discover what you need to know through experience or by making mistakes.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Why is Crosspatch crying? (She tore her dress)
2. What does she want mama to do? (She wants mama to fix her dress with a needle and thread)
3. What does Crosspatch mean when says she “learned the hard way.”
Play Catch
Vocabulary
Stretch (P.8) To flex one's muscles and extend one's limbs.
Fetch (P.8) To go for something and bring it back.
Ditch (P.8) A long narrow channel or trench dug in the earth.
Tap (P.8) A device to control the flow of water from a pipe; faucet.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. This story is talking about two characters from a nursery rhyme. Jack and____? Can you recite the nursery rhyme for Jack and Jill?
2. Why were the children going up the hill? ( To fetch a pail of water)
3. What happened on the way? ( They slid in a ditch and fell down)
4. Where should they get their water if not from the well? (faucet or tap)
Betty June
Vocabulary
Fairy (P.2) An imaginary being usually having a small human form and magical powers.
Travel (P.2) To move or advance from one place to another.
“Wish Upon a Star” (P.2) Making a wish after spotting a shooting star in the night sky.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Why did Betty June want to go to the moon? (She heard of a fairy on the moon and she she wanted to go at once to see if this was true.)
2. What did she know she could not do to get there? ( She knew it was too far to go in a car.)
3. How does Betty June think she can get to the moon? (She thinks you can wish upon a star.)
Send in the Clowns
Vocabulary
Pals (P.4) Friends.
“The Gang’s All Here” (P.4) Said of a group of people who have a common connection and have all gathered together.
“Drawn Near” (P.4) Has come closer or approached.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What question is asked at the beginning of the story? ( Do you hear the party sounds?)
2. Find the words that rhyme with the numbers recited in the story. (Two/do, four/door, six/mix, eight/late)
3. Who will be coming to the party? (Clowns and the gang of pals will be coming to the party)
Little Mary Lou
Vocabulary
“Show Your Stuff” (P.6) To demonstrate or display one’s ability to do something.
Grand (P.6) Very good.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What does Mary Lou have to do? (To teach her dog a trick or two.)
2. After Ruff sits, what must he do? (After Ruff sits, he needs to shake Mary Lou’s hand.)
3. What does Mary Lou think about Ruff. (She thinks Ruff is grand. He is the best show dog in all the land.)
Out on the Town
Vocabulary
“Catch a show” (P.8) To attend a movie or play. Checked (P.8) A design or pattern made up of small squares. Gown (P.8) A dress worn on special occasions.
“Out on the Town” (P.8) Enjoying yourself by going to places of entertainment in a town or city.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Where are Bobby and Bo going? (They are on their way to catch a show)
2. Who is Little Bo Peep? Does anyone know a nursery rhyme about her? (Recite with the students)
No. 53 On the Rocks
Beach Bum
Vocabulary
Swell (P.2) Great or excellent.
Grand (P.2) Very good.
“Beach Bum” (P.2) Someone who spends most of their time on the beach. Chum (P.2) Close friend or pal.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What does the girl say about wiggling her toes int he sand? (Isn’t it swell, isn’t it grand?)
2. What does the girl want a chum for? (She wants a chum/friend to go to the beach with every day.)
3. What does mom think about this idea? (Mom does not think the beach bum life is a good idea.)
Brave Burt Brooks
Vocabulary
Dock (P.4) A raised platform that is built out into the water.
“Turned to Jelly” (P.4) To suddenly feel weak because you are scared. Flop (P.4) To drop suddenly and heavily or noisily. Dumb (P.4) Not smart.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who is this story about?
2. Where does the story take place? (On the dock at the seaside)
3. What was Burt afraid would happen? (he would flop on his belly)
4. Read the last two lines. Do you think Burt jumped?
Vocabulary
No. 53 On the Rocks
Surf’s Up
Surf (P.6) Waves that break upon the shore. “Surf’s Up” (P.6) The waves are ideal for surfing. Shore (P.6) The land beside an ocean, sea, lake, or river. “Rotten Egg” (P.6) Usually used in a child’s game: A loser or someone worthy of teasing.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What do Joan and Meg like to do at the beach? (Joan and Meg like to play in the surf and sand, swim out far and back to the beach)
2. What do Joan and Meg while they count fish? (swim around the deep blue sea)
3. Who will be a rotten egg? (Last one back to the shore will be a rotten egg)
On the Rocks
Vocabulary
“The Long and the Short of it” (P.8) The main idea or facts of something.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who is this story about? (Judy Blue)
2. Where is Judy Blue?
3. What is Judy’s long tale? What happened to her boat?
4. Do you think Judy will sail alone again?
Vocabulary
No. 54 Vain Mary Jane
Time to Party
Extra (P.2) More than is expected or usual.
“Extra, Extra, Read all About it” (P.2) Long before the internet, people got their news from the newspaper. It was printed every day and sold on the street corners. If there was some exciting or breaking news the newspaper would publish and “extra” edition that day. The newsboys selling the papers would yell “Extra, Extra read all about it” to let people know something big had happened.
Bash (P.2) To strike a crushing blow OR A lively party.
Smash (P.2) Something that is very popular; a complete success.
Tardy (P.2) Late or delayed.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Where is the party going to be held? (Peach pit)
2 What are we told to cheer for? (We need to cheer for a great end to one more year.)
Shake a Leg Greg
Vocabulary
“Shake a leg” (P.4) To go faster or hurry.
The Green (P.4) A smooth grassy area on a golf course.
Links (P.4) A type of golf course.
Tee-Time (P.4) The time when a golf game begins.
Noon (P.4) Twelve o'clock in the daytime.
Clubs (P.4) Long metal sticks used to hit the ball in golf.
Hole-in-One (P.4) When a ball hit from a tee finishes in the cup.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Why does Greg need to hurry? (The time to start playing is noon)
2. What is Greg hoping to do? (He is hoping to hit a hole in one.
No. 54 Vain Mary Jane
Gretta Gail
Vocabulary
“Trying time” (P.6) Time of trouble or unhappiness.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who is Greta Gail sending cards to? (Bo Peep and Little Boy Blue)
2. Why is she sending them cards. (Bo-Peep and Boy Blue both lost their sheep?)
3. What words would you say describe Greta Gail? (Kind, sweet, thoughtful, giving, a good friend)
Vain Mary Jane
Vocabulary
Vain (P.8) Having too much pride in one's appearance.
Primps (P.8) To arrange one’s hair or clothing with great care.
Preens (P.8) To dress and groom oneself with great care and satisfaction. Heed (P.8) To pay attention.
Fair (P.8) Beautiful and lovely OR A gathering at which farm animals and farm produce are shown and judged.
“Self Care” (P.8) To pay serious attention to the needs of one’s self.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How is Mary Jane described in the first two lines? (she’s vain)
2. What does Mary Jane do instead of playing? (primps and preens)
3. Mary Jane is warned not to spend so much time on her appearance. Why do you think that it? Is how you look as important as how you treat other people? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
No. 55 Wee Goldfinch
Snow Goose
Wise (P.2) Having understanding and good judgment about what is true or good.
Season (P.2) One of the four parts of the year; spring, summer, fall, winter. “Lay my head” (P.2) A place to sleep.
Fear (P.2) A strong feeling one gets when one expects danger or pain.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What is the wind doing? ( The wind is telling a tale about the end of the season.)
2. What must the Snow Goose do? (He must fly south to find a place to lay his head)
3. What is on it’s way?(snow) What season is coming? (winter.)
Wee Gold Finch
Vocabulary
Chap (P.4) A man or a boy.
“Twinkle in his Eye” (P.4) A friendly or happy expression in one's eyes.
Flitting (P.4) To fly or move in a quick or light way.
Feasts (P.) A large and elaborate meal.
Frost (P.4) A covering of tiny ice crystals on a cold surface.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How would you describe Wee Goldfinch? (He is a happy little chap. He has a twinkle in his eye and a feather in his cap. He has a coat of black and gold.)
2. What does he spend his days doing? (His days are spent flitting at the weeds.)
3. What does he do all winter long? (He feasts on seeds.)
Vocabulary
No. 55 Wee Goldfinch
Sneaky Weaky Crow
Sneaky (P.6) To move quietly and in a sly way.
Cheeky (P.6) Showing disrespect or being rude in a humorous way.
Creeps (P.6) To move slowly on hands and knees.
Swipes (P.6) To strike with a sweeping motion.
Ear (as in ear of corn) (P.) The part of the corn plant that bears seeds.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who owns the corn and where is it? (Farmer Joe owns the corn on his farm.)
2. What does Sneaky Crow do? (Crow creeps around the crops each morning and swipes golden ears of corn.)
3. Why do you think crow steals the corn? (Accept any answer)
Meadow Lark
Vocabulary
Flute (P.8) A long tube instrument with a high pitch.
Choice (P.8) Of very good quality; excellent.
Shapes (P.8) To form or mold something.
Probes (P.8) To look deeply into.
Soil (P.8) The loose surface material of the earth in which plants grow.
Feast (P.8) To eat a lot of food at a large, special meal.
Treat (P.8) Anything that is special and gives enjoyment. Usually food related.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Where does Meadow Lark build his nest? (He shapes/builds his nest on the ground down low where the grasses green and tall do grow.)
2. How does Meadow Lark find food? (He digs/probes in the soil to find food.)
3. What is the greatest treat? (A feast of bugs is the greatest treat.) Do you agree?!
Vocabulary
No. 56 Wild Child
Chee Wee
Redstart (P.2) A type of bird, an American warbler, with black and orange/ red markings.
Hunt (P.2) To search.
Flash (P.2) A very short amount of time; an instant OR a sudden, bright light that shines, then quickly disappears.
Hue (P.2) A particular color.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What does Redstart tell you to do? (He wants you to look at him.)
2. What does his coat do? (His coat helps him hunt for food.)
3. Tell about Redstart’s coat. (The coat is black and orange.)
Wild Child
Vocabulary
Dainty (P.4) Delicate and pretty.
Voice (P.4) The sounds produced through the mouth.
Flits (P.4) To fly or move in a quick or light way.
Meek (P.4) Patient and mild; not easily angered or upset.
Mild (P.4) Gentle or calm.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What is Humming Bird’s problem? What can’t he do? (He has no voice and he cannot sing.)
2. Where does Humming Bird find a drink to sip? (From the flower)
3. If you are a wild child, what does that mean?
Vocabulary
No. 56 Wild Child
Blue Bird
“Draws Near” (P.6) Comes closer or approaches. Crisp (P.6) Having sharp distinct outlines.
“Sets his Mind” (P.6) To set your mind to something is to: give one's attention to (something) and try very hard to do it
Discussion Ideas/Questions-Debra asks why it’s “he” not “she “
1. Where does Blue Bird make the nest? (He makes the nest in a hole in a tree.)
2. What is the nest for? (The nest is for his family)
3. What time of year does this story take place/ (Spring)
Screech Owl
Vocabulary
Wise (P.8) Having understanding and good judgment about what is true or good.
Roam (P.8) To go from place to place without a plan. Screech (P.8) To make a harsh, shrill cry or sound. Howl (P.8) To make a long, loud, sad sound like that of a wolf or dog.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who are the pair in this story. (The pair are Screech Owl and his wife.)
2. Where do the owls roam? (The owls roam about the trees)
3.What do they ask? (May we eat bugs here, please)
4. What do these owls not do? ( They do not screech and howl.)
Vocabulary
No. 57 Fruity Folk
Strawberry
Mirth (P.2) Happiness with laughter. Suit (P.2) An outer costume of two or more pieces.
Gals (P.2) Women or girls.
Glee (P.2) Excited high spirited joy and happiness. “Take Care” (P.2) To be careful.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Tell what you know about Miss Strawberry. (She is full of mirth, she wears a red suit.)
2. What does Little Strawberry do? (She runs and plays games in the woods)
3. Why must Strawberry take care? (So she won’t fall.)
4. What does no one like? (No one likes a fruit with a bruise.)
Sweet Peas
Vocabulary
Cruise (P.4) To travel by boat without destination or purpose. Sail (P.4) To operate a sailboat OR To travel quickly or without difficulty.
Swell (P.4) A long wave or series of waves.
Capsize (P.4) To turn over.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. When the Sweet Peas start on their way, what did they say? (We are big peas and we do not need help. We can sail alone.)
2. What happened when the seas got wild? ( The peas got scared.)
3. What did the peas think would happen to their boat? (It may capsize and sink in the swell)
Vocabulary
No. 57 Fruity Folk
Fruity Folk
Pear (P.6) A sweet, juicy fruit that is shaped like a bell. Proud (P.6) Feeling pleased and satisfied.
Apart (P.6) Away from each other in time or space.
Fair (P.6) Beautiful and lovely.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who are the characters in this story? (Mother Pear and her twins Blair and Claire.)
2. What problem does Mother Pears have? (The twins look exactly alike and she can’t tell them apart.)
3. How does Mother Pear solve her problem? (She will dress Blaire in a suit of red and Claire in a suit of gold.)
Grapefruit
Vocabulary
Grapefruit (P.8) A large, juicy fruit with yellow skin which is often sour. “Make Merry” (P.8) To have fun and enjoy oneself.
Tart (P.8) Sour or acid in taste; sharp; biting. “Act the Part” (P.8) To behave the way that people in a particular role usually behave.
Sour (P.8) Having a tart or acid taste like lemon juice or vinegar.
Vitamin C (P.8) Found in fruits and vegetables and used to prevent or treat certain illnesses.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What does Grapefruit want? ( She wants to play games and make merry.)
2. How does Grapefruit try to solve her problem? (She tried to play with the Pears and Little Strawberry.)
3. What do the other fruits think of Grape-fruit? (They think she is sour)
4. What do they tell Grapefruit? (She must act like sweet orange)
Vocabulary
No. 58 Little Red Hen
Little Red Hen
Wheat (P.2) The grain obtained from certain grasses and used in making flour and other foods.
“By and By” (P.2) After a short time.
Weigh (P.2) To measure the weight of by using a scale.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How many wheat seeds did Little Red Hen find? (eight)
2. Who did Little Red Hen ask to help her plant the wheat? ( Lucky Duck, Picky Pig, Rocky Rat)
3. How do you think Little Red Hen felt when no one helped her?
Cut and Weigh
Vocabulary
Mill (P.4) A building with machinery for grinding grain into flour.
Grind (P.4) To crush or make by crushing into very small pieces or a powder.
Flour (P.4) The fine, ground meal or powder of wheat or other grain.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How long did it take the Little Red Hen to cut and weigh the wheat? (All day)
2. What did the duck, pig and rat do instead of helping Little Red Hen? (played and played)
3. What must be done to the wheat after it is cut and weighed? (It must go to the mill to be ground into flour)
No. 58 Little Red Hen
Bake the Bread
Vocabulary
Fresh (P.6) Newly made, gotten, or experienced. Neighbor (P.6) A person who lives close to someone else.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What does Little Red Hen say about the type of day that it is? (a great day to work and play)
2. Who does she ask again to help turn the flour into bread? (her neighbors, Lucky Duck, Picky Pig and Rocky Rat.)
3. Do her neighbors help her bake the bread?
Eight Chicks
Vocabulary
“Time of Need” (P.8) When help is needed. Indeed (P.8) Without any question or doubt; truly.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What question does Little Red Hen ask after the bread is made? (Who will eat the bread I have made?)
2. Who ate the bread instead of Lucky Duck, Picky Pig and Rocky Rat? (Little Red Hen and her eight chicks)
3. How did Lucky Duck, Picky Pig and Rocky Rat feel about not getting any bread?
4. What do you think they learned from this experience?
Vocabulary
No. 59 Donkey Duke
Kay and Trey
Bale (P.2) A large bundle tied together with cord or wire. Quite (P.2) Completely and entirely.
Obey (P.2) To follow or carry out the command, instruction, or wishes of.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How did the children get to the top of the hay bale? ( The children climbed up a ladder)
2. What did mother tell the children to do? (Mother told the children to stay off the bale of hay)
3. Would you climb the ladder to the top of the bale hay? (Why or why not?)
Kittens
Vocabulary
Litter (P.4) A group of young animals born to one mother at one time. Fur (P.4) The soft hairy coat of certain animals.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How do the children children take care of the kittens? (The children give the kittens milk. What else might they do?)
2. What does Mickey like to do? (Play with a bit of string.)
3. What will happen to the kittens? ( They will grow into big strong cats.)
Vocabulary
No. 59 Donkey Duke
Donkey Duke
Munch (P.6) To chew in a noisy way, making a crunching sound.
Parsley (P.6) A garden herb used to season or decorate food.
Chives (P.6) A small onion flavored plant.
Wander (P.6) To move about with no purpose, aim, or plan.
Roam (P.6) To go from place to place without a plan.
Journey (P.6) A long trip from one place to another.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Tell about Donkey Duke. (Duke is a grey with large ears. He likes to munch on parsley and chives.)
2. What do Whit and Whitney do with Donkey Duke? (Whit leads the donkey Whitney rides on Duke’s back.)
3. What does Mother want? (Mother wants the children to be home for dinner.)
The Geese
Vocabulary
Tends (P.8) To care for or watch over OR To be likely; usually do.
Flock (P.8) A group of animals such as birds or sheep OR To gather or move in a crowd.
Gander (P.8) An adult male goose.
Barley (P.8) A plant that is like grass and whose grains are used to make food.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. How does Ashley take care of her flock of geese. (Ashley feeds them wheat and barley.)
2. Why do you think Ashley calls the geese silly? (The geese don’t come when she calls.)
3. Find words that have a phonogram that says “e”. (Geese, Ashley, feeds, eat, wheat, turkey.)
No. 60 Gingerbread Boy
Gingerbread Boy
Pages 1-2
Vocabulary
Pair (P.2) A set of two like or associated things. Gingerbread (P.2) A type of cookie flavored with ginger and molasses. Seize (P.2) To take hold of in a quick, forceful way; grab.
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. Who are the two people first introduced in the story and what do they want? (Little old lady and little old man, a boy)
2. What does the little old lady do to get her wish of having a boy? (bakes a gingerbread boy)
3. What does the gingerbread boy do? (runs away)
Gingerbread Boy
Pages 3-4
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What two animals does the gingerbread boy meet? (cat and pig)
2. What does the gingerbread boy say that he is? (a man not a boy)
3. What does he say to each character he meets? (You will not catch me, I’m the gingerbread man”)
4. Do you think anyone will catch him? Why or why not?
5. Name all the characters chasing him now. (little old lady, little old man, cat, pig)
No. 60 Gingerbread Boy
Gingerbread Boy
Pages 5-6
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What are the next two animals the gingerbread boy meets? (dog, fat hen)
2. Does gingerbread boy seem scared or confident that he will outrun everyone?
3. Name all the characters chasing him now. (little old lady, little old man, cat, pig, dog, fat hen)
Gingerbread Boy
Pages 7-8
Discussion Ideas/Questions
1. What character does the gingerbread boy meet next? (fox)
2. What do you know about foxes from reading other stories? (sly, tricky, crafty)
3. Were you surprised that the fox ate the gingerbread boy? Why or why not?
4. Who are the characters in the story who would not have eaten the gingerbread boy? (little old lady, little old man)
5. Do you think the gingerbread boy was wise or foolish?
