Lesson Plan – class 6: Term 1 Unit 1 Poem: The Crocodile

 

Lesson Plan – Unit 1 Poem: The Crocodile

Class: VI
Subject: English
Unit: 1 – Poem
Title: The Crocodile
Poet: Lewis Carroll
Duration: 40–45 Minutes

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1. Learning Objectives

The teacher expects the students to:

1. Read and recite the poem with proper pronunciation and rhythm.

2. Understand the meaning and theme of the poem.

3. Learn new vocabulary used in the poem.

4. Appreciate the poet's use of imagery and humour.

5. Identify rhyming words and poetic expressions.

6. Develop interest in poetry and nature.

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2. Learning Outcomes

The teacher expects the students to:

1. Recite the poem confidently with correct intonation.

2. Explain the behaviour of the crocodile described in the poem.

3. Identify rhyming words and simple poetic devices.

4. Appreciate that appearances can sometimes be deceptive.

5. Develop observation skills about animals and nature.

6. Apply the lesson of being cautious and observant in daily life.

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3. Introduction

The teacher introduces the poem by asking:

1. Have you ever seen a crocodile in a zoo or on television?

2. What do you know about crocodiles?

3. Do crocodiles always look dangerous?

4. Can animals sometimes appear friendly even when they are not?

5. What animals live in rivers and lakes?

After discussing the answers, the teacher introduces the poem "The Crocodile" by Lewis Carroll.

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4. Reading and Understanding

New Words and Meanings

Word	Meaning
doth	does (old English usage)
improve	become better
shining	bright and glossy
cheerful	happy
grin	a broad smile
claws	sharp nails of an animal
gently	softly or mildly
jaws	the mouth and teeth of an animal
scale	one of the hard plates covering a reptile's body

Reading Activity

• Teacher recites the poem with proper rhythm and expression.

• Students listen carefully and repeat after the teacher.

• Students read the poem individually and in groups.

• Teacher explains difficult words and phrases.

• Students identify the rhyming words used in the poem.

Rhyming Words

Word	Rhyming Word
crocodile	Nile
tail	scale
grin	in
claws	jaws

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5. Mind Map

Flow Chart of the Poem

                  THE CROCODILE

                         │
                         ▼
                Little Crocodile
                         │
                         ▼
             Improves Shining Tail
                         │
                         ▼
          Pours Nile Water on Scales
                         │
                         ▼
              Appears Cheerful
                         │
                         ▼
                Spreads Its Claws
                         │
                         ▼
           Smiles at Little Fishes
                         │
                         ▼
            Welcomes Them Gently
                         │
                         ▼
       Hidden Danger Behind the Smile

Concept Map

                    CROCODILE

      ┌─────────┬─────────┬─────────┬─────────┐
      │         │         │         │         │
    Tail     Scales     Claws      Jaws
      │         │         │         │
   Shining   Golden    Spread     Smiling

                    │
                    ▼
               Clever Hunter

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6. Consolidation and Presentation

Summary of the Poem

The poem describes a crocodile that appears cheerful and attractive. It keeps its tail shining and its golden scales bright by pouring the water of the Nile over them. The crocodile smiles pleasantly and spreads its claws while welcoming little fishes with its gentle-looking jaws. However, beneath its friendly appearance lies a clever predator waiting to catch its prey. The poem uses humour and vivid imagery to describe the crocodile's deceptive behaviour.

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7. Reinforcement

Additional Information

1. Crocodiles are reptiles that live in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

2. They are strong predators and excellent swimmers.

3. Lewis Carroll wrote this poem in a humorous style.

4. The poem teaches that appearances can sometimes be misleading.

5. Crocodiles use patience and camouflage while hunting.

6. The Madras Crocodile Bank is one of the largest reptile conservation centres in the world.

7. The centre also helps protect Olive Ridley Turtle populations.

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8. Evaluation

A. Lower Order Thinking Questions (LOT)

1. What animal is described in the poem?

2. Which river is mentioned in the poem?

3. What does the crocodile pour on its scales?

B. Middle Order Thinking Questions (MOT)

1. How does the crocodile make itself look attractive?

2. Why does the poet describe the crocodile as cheerful?

3. What do the smiling jaws suggest about the crocodile?

C. Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOT)

1. Why do you think the poet describes a dangerous animal in a humorous way?

2. What lesson can we learn from the crocodile's behaviour?

3. Can appearances be deceptive in real life? Explain with examples.

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9. Remedial Teaching

Strategies for Slow Learners

1. Recite the poem slowly and repeatedly.

2. Use pictures of a crocodile, the Nile River, and fish.

3. Explain each line in simple language.

4. Conduct vocabulary matching activities.

5. Encourage group recitation and peer learning.

6. Use flashcards for difficult words and meanings.

7. Help students identify rhyming words through games.

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10. Writing

Written Activity

Write a paragraph (5–8 sentences) on any one of the following topics:

1. The Crocodile

2. My Favourite Wild Animal

3. Why We Should Protect Wildlife

4. A Visit to a Zoo

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11. Follow-up

Homework / Assignment

1. Learn and recite the poem with proper pronunciation.

2. Write the glossary words and meanings in your notebook.

3. List four pairs of rhyming words from the poem.

4. Draw and colour a crocodile and label its body parts.

Classroom Activity

• Recitation competition.

• Rhyming word game.

• Prepare a chart showing different reptiles and their habitats.

• Discuss the importance of wildlife conservation.

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Central Idea / Moral of the Poem

The poem humorously shows that things are not always what they seem. A pleasant appearance may hide danger, so we should be observant and thoughtful in our judgments.