Sarah Frederickson

EDU 201
Professor Olivia Grant

Name of Lesson: Learn About Plays -“Who’s on First” By Abbott and Costello
Grade Level: 3rd Grade
Group Size: Whole Group
Subject: Reading Comprehension
Standard: 3.0 Students read to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate literature from a variety of
authors, cultures, and times.
Objective: The student will be able to understand how to read, comprehend and interpret a play
by participating through role playing or observing.
Materials Needed: 30 copies of “Who’s on First” by Abbott and Costello (http://www.baseball-
almanac.com/humor4.shtml) and 30 copies of “Who’s on First” Worksheet (Scroll Down to 2nd
page)
Procedure: Pass out “Who’s on First” script to each child. Explain to the children what a play
is. A play is a type of literature that is meant to be acted out not just read. Plays are usually
performed. Ask the children if they have ever seen a play or been in one. Let then know that
today they will be acting or observing the play “Who’s on First” by Abbott and Costello. Ask
for two volunteers that would like to read the play in the front of the classroom. Before you pick
the student make sure they know that they will need to act out the words not just read.
Let the rest of the children know that they will stay sitting at their desk and follow along on their
script. Tell them to pay attention to the play because the class will have a worksheet at the end.
Remind the children that it takes a lot of bravery to come in front of the classroom and read. Any
child who purposefully makes fun of or humiliates a child that is upfront will get a zero. It is ok
to laugh at the story and to enjoy the play, but please be considerate of your classmate that is
performing.
Once you have chosen two volunteers assign one as Abbott and the other as Costello. Remind
the volunteers to read the script with emotion and act out the words as the read.
Once the play is done have the two children sit down. Pass out a “Who’s on First” worksheet to
each child. Instruct the children to fill it out and turn it into you once completed.
Assessment: Students will be graded on participation and active listening during the play.
Students comprehension, the ability to interpret and comparing different literature styles through
the “Who’s on First” worksheet.
Name: Date:

“Who’s on First” Work Sheet

1. Last week we read a narrative. How is a play different from a narrative?

2. Summarize the play.

3. Who was the author?

4. What kind of genre do you think this play is? Circle One.

Drama Comedy Action Romance

5. Why didn’t Abbott and Costello understand one another?

6. Applying to real life- Have you ever been misunderstood or have misunderstood someone
else? What was the situation? What did you have to do to help find a solution?