Lesson Plan 1- Birthday Party Role Play
Age: 4-5 years.
Location: Inside or outside activity in a cleared area with plenty of unobstructed room.
Lesson duration: 30 minutes.
Number of children: Small group 2-5 children.
Rationale: Introduce children to the concept of social celebrations that are culturally celebrated, such as birthday parties and the customs and social etiquette that accompany such social events and interactions.
Objectives: Teach social sensitivity and competence. Foster symbolic thinking, sequencing, event planning and collaborating with others.
Lesson:
Introduction:
After a small group has been gathered, the children will be introduced to a role play scenario:
It is Bob's birthday today- a celebration of the day he was born. Bob wakes up excited, wondering what wonderful plans his family and friends have in store for him on this special day. However as the day progresses Bob is disappointed when everyone seems to have forgotten his birthday. But just before the day comes to an end Bob is surprised by a wonderful surprise party that all of his family and friends have put together for him.
Main Component of Lesson:
Begin by reading the book "Bob's birthday", after which allow for discussion about birthdays and social expectations that may accompany such an event.
Guide the children into role play with one child as Bob, another as Wendy and the others as other family members and friends. Play out the scenario, highlighting and discussing the different feelings, expectations and roles of this type of social celebration.
The children can lay out a table for the party. Sing the "Happy Birthday" song and wish Bob "Happy Birthday".
Conclusion:
Discuss what concepts have been learned and any questions or further ideas the children might have.
Key events:
Discussion questions: Possible questions to discuss with the children:
Resources:
Assessment:
Play along side the children noticing their responses, ideas and engagement in the role play activity. Engage in discussions after the activity to assess children's understanding, learning level and progress of activity concepts. Note physical, social and cognitive processes of the children. Photographs should be taken as part of documentation for evaluation.
Extension Activity:
This activity could also integrate a visual arts component where the children could be asked to create "gifts" for Bob's birthday, which could be made out of a variety of art materials using paper, cardboard, paint, glue, magazine cut-outs, natural materials, glitter, fabrics etc.
The children should be asked what they could make as a gift, which could be listed on a piece of paper and used as a plan. Some ideas could be cakes, cards or paper hats.
Links to framework: (VEYLDF 2009).
Outcome 1: Identity- Exploring aspects of identity through role play.
Outcome 2: Community- Children broaden their understanding of the world in which they live and participate in reciprocal relationships.
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners- Use play to investigate, imagine and explore ideas.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators- Interact with others to explore ideas and concepts, clarify and challenge thinking, negotiate and share new understandings.
Age: 4-5 years.
Location: Inside or outside activity in a cleared area with plenty of unobstructed room.
Lesson duration: 30 minutes.
Number of children: Small group 2-5 children.
Rationale: Introduce children to the concept of social celebrations that are culturally celebrated, such as birthday parties and the customs and social etiquette that accompany such social events and interactions.
Objectives: Teach social sensitivity and competence. Foster symbolic thinking, sequencing, event planning and collaborating with others.
Lesson:
Introduction:
After a small group has been gathered, the children will be introduced to a role play scenario:
It is Bob's birthday today- a celebration of the day he was born. Bob wakes up excited, wondering what wonderful plans his family and friends have in store for him on this special day. However as the day progresses Bob is disappointed when everyone seems to have forgotten his birthday. But just before the day comes to an end Bob is surprised by a wonderful surprise party that all of his family and friends have put together for him.
Main Component of Lesson:
Begin by reading the book "Bob's birthday", after which allow for discussion about birthdays and social expectations that may accompany such an event.
Guide the children into role play with one child as Bob, another as Wendy and the others as other family members and friends. Play out the scenario, highlighting and discussing the different feelings, expectations and roles of this type of social celebration.
The children can lay out a table for the party. Sing the "Happy Birthday" song and wish Bob "Happy Birthday".
Conclusion:
Discuss what concepts have been learned and any questions or further ideas the children might have.
Key events:
- Wendy tells Bob's friends to pretend that they have forgotten all about his birthday.
- Bob goes to work feeling unhappy.
- As soon as Bob is gone Wendy starts making his birthday cake and wraps all his presents
- When Bob returns everyone wishes him "Happy Birthday" and celebrates with him.
Discussion questions: Possible questions to discuss with the children:
- What is a birthday?
- What happens on someones birthday?
- What kind of things do you do on your birthday?
- How do you feel on your birthday?
- How might Bob be feeling?
Resources:
- A space indoors or outdoors.
- "Bob's Birthday" book.
- Table.
- Party resources such as balloons, cups, plates, pretend food, "Happy Birthday" music cd etc.
Assessment:
Play along side the children noticing their responses, ideas and engagement in the role play activity. Engage in discussions after the activity to assess children's understanding, learning level and progress of activity concepts. Note physical, social and cognitive processes of the children. Photographs should be taken as part of documentation for evaluation.
Extension Activity:
This activity could also integrate a visual arts component where the children could be asked to create "gifts" for Bob's birthday, which could be made out of a variety of art materials using paper, cardboard, paint, glue, magazine cut-outs, natural materials, glitter, fabrics etc.
The children should be asked what they could make as a gift, which could be listed on a piece of paper and used as a plan. Some ideas could be cakes, cards or paper hats.
Links to framework: (VEYLDF 2009).
Outcome 1: Identity- Exploring aspects of identity through role play.
Outcome 2: Community- Children broaden their understanding of the world in which they live and participate in reciprocal relationships.
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners- Use play to investigate, imagine and explore ideas.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators- Interact with others to explore ideas and concepts, clarify and challenge thinking, negotiate and share new understandings.