Close Reading: Quick as a Cricket

In response to the common core standards requirement to utilize complex text in my first grade classroom, I’ve put together this packet to analyze figurative language and the use of illustrations to understand the text.

Included in this packet are four days of read aloud lessons that correspond to the text, Quick As A Cricket by Audrey Wood.

Embedded in each lesson is a simple five step lesson plan that includes reading, speaking, listening and a writing extension.

DAY 1: Collaborative grouping activity on attributes of animals; Description sort in a pocket chart, oral reading of the text

DAY 2: Word study: short vowel words in close text, introduction to figurative language; text dependent questions

DAY 3: Mental imaging review, model marking the text for descriptive language, rhyming patterns, text dependent questions

DAY 4: Introduction to opposites (antonyms), close text analysis, Opposites collaborative grouping activity

Writing plan:

Thinking map worksheet

2 different final copies, one for grade level writers, and one for above grade level writers that includes using the story structure to create their finished work.

**UPDATE- I added a small group activity for shades of meaning!**

If you like using complex text reading units with your littles, you might be interested in my other offerings!