Planning the features of a simple pupil-made book in Concepts of Print for Primary 1

Class: Primary 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 9
Age: 6 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: English Studies
Curriculum Theme: Pre-Reading Skills
Focal competence: Identifying the features of books and caring for books
Key competencies/values: Communication; Collaboration; Respect; Creativity and Innovation; ICT and Digital Competencies
Skills:

• Identifying the various features of a book

Previous Lesson: Writing Complete-Sentence Answers to Comprehension Questions
Topic: Concept Of Print
Subject Matter: Planning the features of a simple pupil-made book

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the stated print features (front cover, title, pages, back cover) in a familiar book or printed material.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate good care for books.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Macmillan Primary English for Primary 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Approved publisher-neutral text (e.g., storybooks, picture books)
• Letter, word and picture cards
• Exercise books and pencils
• Blank sheets of paper
• Stapler or string for binding

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the basic structure of books, which is fundamental for developing early literacy skills. Learning to plan a simple book fosters creativity, reinforces understanding of print concepts, and encourages careful handling of reading materials.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils can recognise some letters of the alphabet and simple words. They are familiar with looking at picture books.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Planning the features of a simple pupil-made book

Features of a Simple Book

A simple book has important parts that help us read and understand it. These parts include:

1. Front Cover: This is the first page you see. It usually has the book’s title and a picture.
2. Title: The name of the book. It tells us what the book is about.
3. Pages: These are the sheets of paper inside the book where the story or information is written and drawn.
4. Back Cover: This is the last page of the book.

Planning Your Own Book

When you want to make your own book, you need to plan carefully:

1. Order of Pages:
   1. Start with the front cover.
   2. Then arrange the story pages in the correct order.
   3. End with the back cover.
2. Choosing a Simple Title and Illustrations:
   1. Think of a clear and simple title that tells what your book is about.
   2. Draw pictures (illustrations) that match your story.
3. Reading Direction and Page Sequence:
   1. Remember that we read from left to right and from the top to the bottom of the page.
   2. Make sure your pages follow a good sequence, like 1, 2, 3, and so on.
4. Careful Arrangement of Words and Pictures:
   1. Before you join your pages together, arrange all your words and pictures neatly.
   2. Make sure everything is in the right place so your book looks good and is easy to read.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Individual Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher shows pupils different picture books and asks them to identify what they are. The teacher asks, “What do we use books for?” and “What parts do you see in a book?”

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the books and share their ideas about their uses and parts.

Learning Point: Book features knowledge

Step 2: Identifying Book Features

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a storybook to point out and explain the front cover, title, pages, and back cover. The teacher asks pupils to point to these features in their own books or a book provided.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, listen, and point to the different features of a book as guided by the teacher.

Learning Point: Book parts identified

Step 3: Planning Page Order

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher gives each pupil a few blank sheets of paper. The teacher guides them to think about how to arrange the pages for a simple book, starting with the front cover, then story pages, and finally the back cover. The teacher demonstrates numbering pages.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils arrange their blank papers into a simple book format and try to number the pages with guidance.

Learning Point: Page order planning

Step 4: Choosing a Simple Title and Illustrations

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Creative Thinking

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to think of a simple story idea (e.g., “My Pet,” “My Day”). The teacher guides them to choose a simple title and draw a picture for the front cover and first page, using picture cards as inspiration.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils suggest simple story ideas, choose a title, and draw simple illustrations on their arranged pages.

Learning Point: Title and picture selection

Step 5: Understanding Reading Direction and Page Sequence

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reminds pupils about reading from left to right and top to bottom. The teacher emphasizes that pages must follow a sequence (e.g., 1, 2, 3) for the story to make sense.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and practice pointing to the reading direction on a page and checking page numbers.

Learning Point: Reading flow understanding

Step 6: Careful Arrangement of Words and Pictures

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Instruction/Observation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher stresses the importance of arranging words and pictures neatly before binding the book. The teacher walks around to observe pupils’ arrangements and offer advice.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils carefully arrange their drawings and any simple words they have written on their pages, ensuring neatness.

Learning Point: Careful book preparation

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Name two parts of a book.
2. What is the first thing you see on a book?
3. Which direction do we read?
4. Why is it important to arrange your pictures neatly in your book?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Book features understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes about the features of a simple book into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Essential notes copied

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their participation and reminds them that understanding book parts helps them read and make their own stories. The teacher encourages them to always take good care of books.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the importance of caring for books.

Learning Point: Book planning importance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Take home your arranged pages and complete your drawings and any simple words. Ask an adult at home to help you bind them into a simple book. Bring your book to school next class.

1. Draw a clear picture for your front cover.
2. Write your chosen title on the front cover.
3. Complete the drawings for at least two story pages.
4. Draw a simple picture for your back cover.
5. Ensure your pages are in the correct order.

Lesson Keywords

• Book – A set of pages joined together, with a cover, used for reading or writing.
• Front Cover – The first page of a book, usually with the title and a picture.
• Title – The name of a book or story.
• Pages – The sheets of paper inside a book.
• Back Cover – The last page of a book.
• Illustration – A picture or drawing in a book.

Differentiation

For weaker learners: Provide pre-drawn outlines for illustrations or simpler templates for arranging pages. Offer more one-on-one guidance in identifying book features and numbering pages. Use only very simple, familiar books for identification.
For faster learners: Encourage them to add more details to their illustrations or write more simple words in their books. Challenge them to create a short, two-page story with a clear beginning and end.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for:

• “Parts of a book for kids”
• “How to make a simple book for primary school”
• “Reading direction for children”

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

To effectively use this lesson plan, gather various picture books, blank sheets of paper, pencils, and crayons before class. Begin by engaging pupils with familiar books to activate their prior knowledge. Clearly demonstrate each feature of a book (front cover, title, pages, back cover) using a large, approved text. Guide pupils step-by-step through planning their own simple book, emphasizing the order of pages, choosing a title, and drawing illustrations. Pay close attention to teaching reading direction and page sequencing. During Step 6, ensure pupils arrange their work neatly before any binding. Pupils should copy the Board Summary notes during Step 8. Constantly check for understanding by asking questions and observing their practical work. Support weaker learners with direct assistance and simpler tasks, while challenging faster learners to expand their creativity and detail. Remind pupils to handle all books with care.