26. Three Little Mice

The lesson, step by step

1. Warm up

   SayHave you ever watched a pet mouse or hamster? What do they do?

2. Words and meanings

   Point to the list of words at the top of the lesson:

   exactly protruded perplexed folding forepaws lattice cheese gazed queer chamber doubt cosy rattling released staircase

   Read them together a few at a time. Clap the syllables of the long ones. The book prints these words without meanings.

   Explain a few: protruded means stuck out; perplexed means puzzled; a lattice is a crisscross of bars.

3. Read it aloud

   Your child reads. This poem is fun; read it with a light, quick voice and a surprised pause at the funny ending.

   Here is a line from it:

   I will tell you the story of three little mice,

   Then let your child reread a favorite part, more smoothly.

4. Talk about it

   SayHow did the mice beg for food?

   SayWhat happened when the mouse's tail stuck out of the cage?

   SayWhat did the other two mice do? Was that helpful?

   Let your child look back at the page to find answers.

5. Tell it back

   Close the book.

   SayTell me the story of the three little mice.

6. Copywork

   Your child copies this from the book in their best handwriting:

   They look very wise, with their pretty red eyes,

   Check capitals and marks together.

7. Spelling

   Say each word, use it in a sentence, and have your child spell it aloud, then write it: exactly, cheese, queer, doubt, folding.

   Check together and fix any mistakes right away. Keep missed words for tomorrow's warm-up.