Lesson Plan – Class 6 English
Term I – Unit 3 – Poem: I Dream of Spices
Poet: Raj Arumugam
1. Learning Objectives
The teacher expects the students to:
Understand the theme and message of the poem.
Appreciate the humour created by the boy's forgetfulness.
Learn the importance of careful listening and memory.
Develop vocabulary related to spices, vegetables, and groceries.
Improve reading with proper pronunciation, rhythm, and expression.
Encourage students to be attentive while carrying out responsibilities.
2. Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
602 - recites and shares poems, songs, jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, etc.
611 - refers to dictionary to check meaning and spelling, and to suggested websites for information
615 - writes messages, invitations, short paragraphs and letters (formal and informal) and with a sense of audience (T2-U1,U2)
614. - writes coherently with focus on appropriate beginning, middle and end in English / Braille
Read the poem fluently with correct pronunciation and expression.
Identify the spices and vegetables mentioned in the poem.
Explain why Raj forgot his mother's shopping list.
Appreciate the humorous ending of the poem.
Develop good listening habits and responsibility in daily life.
Apply the value of attentiveness while doing assigned tasks.
3. Introduction
The teacher asks the following questions:
Have your parents ever sent you to a shop?
What items do you usually buy from the grocery store?
Have you ever forgotten what your parents asked you to buy?
What happens if we do not listen carefully?
Which spices are commonly used in your home?
Introduction
Today we are going to read a humorous poem about a little boy named Raj, who goes to buy some groceries. While walking to the shop, he forgets what his mother asked him to buy and returns with a funny mistake.
4. Reading and Understanding
Teacher's Activity
Reads the poem aloud with rhythm and expression.
Explains difficult words.
Guides students to read in pairs and individually.
Highlights the humour and rhyme in the poem.
New Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon | A sweet-smelling spice |
| Betel leaves | Leaves used after meals and in traditional customs |
| Ginger | A spice used in cooking and medicine |
| Garlic | A cooking ingredient with a strong smell |
| Sesame seeds | Tiny edible seeds used in cooking |
| Pickles | Vegetables or fruits preserved in salt or vinegar |
| Rattle off | To say something quickly from memory |
| Twist | To turn or pull |
Reading Skills
Correct pronunciation
Proper pause
Rhythm
Expression
Understanding
5. Mind Map (Flow Chart)
Mother gives shopping list
│
▼
Raj goes to shop
│
▼
Singing happily on the way
│
▼
Forgets the original shopping list
│
▼
Says a different list of grocery items
│
▼
Returns home happily
│
▼
Mother twists his ears in disappointment
│
▼
Moral: Listen carefully and remember well
6. Consolidation and Presentation
Summary
The poem tells the story of a little boy named Raj. His mother sends him to Muthu's shop to buy cinnamon, betel leaves, ginger, and garlic. As Raj walks to the shop singing happily, he forgets the list. When the shopkeeper asks what he wants, Raj quickly names a completely different list of items—sesame seeds, onions, tomatoes, and pickles. When he returns home, his mother twists his ears because he failed to buy the correct items. The poem humorously teaches the importance of careful listening and remembering instructions.
7. Reinforcement
Teacher explains:
Listening carefully is an important life skill.
Memory improves through practice.
Children should complete responsibilities carefully.
Singing and daydreaming may sometimes distract us.
We should always check instructions before doing a task.
Additional Information
Many spices like cinnamon, ginger, and garlic are used in Indian cooking.
They also have medicinal values.
Grocery shopping teaches responsibility and independence.
Values Developed
Responsibility
Attentiveness
Obedience
Good listening habits
Memory skills
8. Evaluation
A. Lower Order Thinking Skills (LOTS)
Who sent Raj to the shop?
What items did Raj's mother ask him to buy?
What happened when Raj returned home?
B. Middle Order Thinking Skills (MOTS)
Why did Raj forget his mother's shopping list?
Why did Raj's mother twist his ears?
What makes the poem humorous?
C. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
What would you have done if you were Raj?
How can we improve our memory while doing important tasks?
Explain the moral of the poem in your own words.
9. Remedial Teaching
Strategies for Slow Learners
Show real spices or pictures.
Use flashcards with grocery items.
Ask students to repeat the shopping list aloud.
Conduct a role-play of "Mother, Raj, and Shopkeeper."
Use memory games with shopping lists.
Read the poem slowly and explain each stanza.
10. Writing Activity
Ask students to complete any one activity.
Activity 1
Write five sentences about your experience of going to a grocery shop.
Activity 2
Prepare a shopping list for your home with ten grocery items.
Activity 3
Write five sentences on:
"Why should we listen carefully to our parents?"
11. Follow-up (Homework / Activity)
Homework
Learn the poem by heart.
Draw and colour five spices mentioned in the poem.
Write the meanings of the new words.
Collect the names of ten spices used in your kitchen.
Ask your parents to dictate a shopping list and practise remembering it without writing it down.
Life Skills Developed
Listening skills
Memory power
Responsibility
Concentration
Confidence
Communication skills
Moral of the Poem
"Listen carefully, remember instructions, and carry out every responsibility with attention and care."
