Here is a fun activity which could be modified in various ways, using crepe, paints or pencils/textas.
This activity should provide for a wide range of ability levels.
I have used this activity when teaching Traditional Tales, using The Three little pigs, and it was a very successful and engaging activity. I have also used it to initiate discussions on bullying and resilience.
You will need:
A paper plate
Wolf ears and nose template (see below)
Brown crepe paper – cut into small strips (approximately 8cm long x 2cm wide)
Large googly eyes
Pompom nose
Glue
Pop stick for glue
Procedure
Cut out ears. Glue onto the brown crepe paper and then cut out. Glue the ears in place onto the paper plate.
Put some glue onto the paper plate. Scrunch up some crepe paper and push it onto the glue on the plate. Continue until the plate is covered.
Cut out nose. Glue onto brown crepe paper and then cut out. Glue the nose onto the paper plate.
Position and glue the eyes in place.
Glue a pompom at the end of the nose. A large pompom can be cut in half to make it stick on better.
Teaching Points:
This activity can be used with the traditional tale of The three little pigs.
For grief and loss, The three little pigs is a story that shows perseverance in the face of difficulties, and that we can get support from others such as family and friends. Look at the support systems that we have around us such as parents, teachers, family, friends, as well as our emergency services, doctors, police and other agencies. In times of difficulty we are never alone.
Ask children the question: Was the wolf a bully? This can lead into defining bullying and what children can do when they are being bullied.
Showing aspects of a narrative – Orientation (who, when, where), Events, Complication, Resolution, and Ending
Define what a procedure is – when do we use procedures?
Use various versions of The three little pigs to show how traditional tales have been changed and there can be differences to the original tale and are known as fractured fairy tales.
Themes of The three little pigs may include perseverance and family relationships. Further teaching points may include enduring hardships, social justice and consequences of wrong behaviour.
This activity could be used for a reader’s theatre.
Look at different perspectives of the story by using The true story of the three little pigs by Jon Scieszka. Encourage a discussion of the wolf’s perspective and if justice was done. This can be broadened to different perspectives on issues in our community and society. Help children to recognise that everyone has a different perspective on the same event.
Looking at fear – what happens when we are frightened, in our bodies, in our thinking and in our behaviour. A discussion on what happens when we face our fears could show children that we are more similar than different, and that everyone has fears. Brainstorm strategies to face fears.
Looking at trust and integrity using the traditional tale of Peter and the wolf.
Research the habitat and life cycle of wolves.
Links to the Australian Curriculum:
Learning Area: English http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/English/Curriculum/F-10
Foundation Year
Responding to literature:
Respond to texts, identifying favourite stories, authors and illustrators (ACELT1577)
Share feelings and thoughts about events and characters in texts (ACELT1783)
Literacy:
Interpreting, analysing, and evaluating:
Using comprehension strategies to understand and discuss texts listened to, viewed or read independently (ACELY1650)
Modes
Listening / Reading / Speaking
For more information about grief and loss for children please visit www.blueskiestomorrow.com
Blue Skies Craft 