Why Mosquitos Buzz in Peoples Ears Lesson Plan

Lesson Title: Why Mosquitos Buzz in Peoples Ears

Grade: 1st
Lesson Focus: Folktale characteristics, Sequencing
Materials: Why Mosquitos Buzz in Peoples Ears by Verna Aardema, Mosquito FlipChart
Book Summary: A retelling of a traditional West African tale that reveals how the mosquito
developed its annoying habit. The mosquito tells the iguana a far-fetched (exaggeration) tale so
the iguana puts sticks in his ears so he wont have to hear her foolishness. This causes a chain of
events that upsets all the animals. When the lion calls a council to solve the problem, the
animals realize the mosquito is at fault. To this day, mosquitos whine in peoples ears to ask if
everyone is still angry.
Objectives:

The student will make predictions/inferences throughout the reading of the story.
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of folktales.
The student will correctly sequence events from the story.

TEKS/Notes

Lesson

1.12B establish purposes

for reading and listening
such as to be informed, to
follow directions, and to
be entertained.

Before Reading:
Read the title of the book and show the front cover
Say: We are going to read a story today that is titled Why Mosquitos Buzz in Peoples
Ears. The author is Verna Aardema and the illustrators are Leo and Diane Dillon.
Say: This book is a folktale, which is a story that is shared by people throughout the
years. It is similar to fiction
*Show the students the Characteristics of Folktales poster* to explain folktales.
Ask students how a folktale can be a treasure and whether or not they think folktales
are true.
Say: Folktales come from a variety of countries. The one we are reading comes from
Africa. Africa is far from us here in Texas. Can someone find Africa for me on this
map *Map on Flipchart*

1.2A connect experiences

and ideas with those of
others through speaking
and listening

Say: Lets look at the book and see if we can predict what will happen.
Let students look at the cover and the title. Say: What do you think this book will be
about?
Say: Lets pay close attention to the story to see if we can confirm our predictions.
After we read the story, we will think about what happened and sequence the events of
the story. (Talk about like how they have been writing the beginning, middle and ends
of their stories this week)

Why Mosquitos Buzz in Peoples Ears Lesson Plan

1.9A retell a storys

beginning, middle, and
end with attention to
sequence of events.

Say: I am going to read a couple of pages then stop and ask for predictions.
Stop after PAGE 5. Say: What do you think will happen next?
After PAGE 11 Say: Based on what we know so far, predict what will happen next.
What do you think the king will do next?
After PAGE 17 Say: Based on what we know so far, predict what will happen next.
After PAGE 23 Say: Based on what we know so far, predict what will happen next.

After Reading:
Refer back to student predictions and discuss the similarities and differences about
what actually happened in the story.

Have students use flipchart to sequence sentences/events from the story.

Once the sentences have been placed in the correct order, ask individual students to
read the sequence of events.

Assessment:
Throughout the reading of the story students will be graded on participation by offering
predictions, asking/answering questions, and using the FlipChart.
After the story, students will return to their desks and get out their reading journals.
Students will be given the task to sequence the events from the story by writing about
what happened at the (a) beginning, (b) middle, and (c) end of the story in their own
words. If time permits students who finish can then illustrate the events.
Students will be graded on:
Accuracy to text
Including events from the beginning, middle, and end of the story
Writing complete sentences using proper grammar, writing conventions and spelling