SHS2 Arabic · Semester 2 Week 2: Reading Comprehension

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.3 - Identify the theme(s) and the general idea of the poem and explain the general meaning of the text.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define the terms “theme” and “general idea” in the context of Arabic poetry and distinguish between them.
Identify the central theme and general idea of a given classical Arabic poem after reading it aloud.
Explain the general meaning of key lines (abyat) from poems by Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma and Al-Khansa’ in their own words.
Support their identification of a poem’s theme with at least two textual clues or pieces of evidence from the poem.
Present a brief oral analysis of a poem’s theme to a small group, giving reasons for their interpretation.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Reading (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Reading Comprehension (3.2)
Content standard: 2.3.2.CS.2 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fictional texts, using appropriate reference tools, with a broad active reading vocabulary. (B1, CEFR) 2.3.2.LO.1 Explain the content of nonfictional texts using clues that are embedded in them highlighting the purpose and the underpinning message. 2.3.2.LO.2 Identify clues that are embedded in the classical Arabic prose in order to make inferences regarding the ideas and the meanings of the texts 2.3.2.LO.3 Explain clues that are embedded in the classical Arabic poetry in order to make inferences regarding the ideas and the meanings of the texts. 2.3.2.LO.4 Explain clues that are embedded in the Modern Arabic poetry in order to make inferences regarding the ideas and the meanings of the texts.
Indicator: 2.3.2.LI.3 - Identify the theme(s) and the general idea of the poem and explain the general meaning of the text.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 2 (Week 22 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 201

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Project-Based, Research-Based Learning, Question-Answer Relationship Strategy, Think-Pair Share Activities:
- Through cooperative learning, learners are prepared to work together either as partners or in small groups on clearly defined instructions and tasks.
- The teacher supports learners to recognize the following poetry characteristics and conventions: meter, form, figurative/literary devices, and sound patterns.
- The teacher now asks learners in their groups to carry out comprehension exercises.
- Learners then make a brief presentation on a simple analysis of the following poems:
- زهير بن أبي سلمى وأبياته الحكمية
- تماضر الخنساء وقصيدتها: صخر الندى وذكر الدائم.
- الشنفري ولاميته
Coping with stress and anxiety: Learners are engaged in recitation of lines of poetry which fully engages their minds and imaginations. Poetry recitation possesses meditative qualities in which the brain is fully focused, thereby reduces stress and enhance relaxation.
Collaborative learning: Forming mixed-ability groups of learners gives high cognitive abilities a platform to tell their observations, while it gives low cognitive abilities a way of collaborating with and learning from their peers. Allocating different listening times and opportunity to each member of the group to make an input can help learners organise themselves according to their different skills and capabilities.

Assessment (2.3.2.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Textbooks and Reading materials.
- Projector.
- Flash cards.
- Audio-visual materials.