Ask students to practice dictation skills and have them write the words to "I'm a Little Teapot" on their papers as you slowly speak the rhyme. Have them use a pencil to do this, and then ask them to choose a different colored pencil to underline the rhyming words in the poem. Write the rhyming words they found in the song on the chalkboard. Keep a running list of all rhyming words you find in books you are reading in the classroom.
Write out the words to "I'm a Little Teapot" on a large poster. Teach your students the song and follow along with the words as you sing. Divide students in small groups and ask them to create teapot costumes out of poster board. Tie a heavy string around their teapots and allow them to wear their created costumes during the performance. Ask students to practice their dramatic interpretation with the group and allow all groups to present their versions to the class.
Read and sing "I'm a Little Teapot" with your class. Set up a multicultural tea party in your classroom. Place plain white tablecloths on students' tables or desks and give them special drinking tea cups. Bring in a variety of teapots from various places around the world and discuss their similarities and differences. Provide students with a variety of teas from different cultures and teach them about teas from around the world.
Due to its predictable nature, "I'm a Little Teapot" lends itself to teaching kids to read using the Cloze procedure. Before the lesson, write out the words to the song on a large poster. Use a sticky note to cover up a few of the words in the poem. Read the poem with students, and ask them to guess the hidden word under the note when you come to it in the reading. Because most students are familiar with the rhyme, you can use this to introduce the Cloze procedure in your classroom. Use this concept with other pieces of children's literature during your lessons.