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  When we think of the arts, we tend to think of drawing, painting and such. Many times we forget about plays,drama and acting. Which is why it was so much fun for the children to make puppets from the A to Z theme for Mother Goose Time. I set the activity up for the children to look at different types and colors of birds. Then I had them watch a play with puppets from Mister Roger's neighborhood. After that we sat down and were able to design our own puppets with the birds and feathers that came in the curriculum. After designing our birds I gave the children time to come up with a story about their birds to present to the class. It was adorable and it was an excellent activity that helped the children use their imaginations and to prepare for speaking in front of others. I have found that if you give them small opportunities to speak in front of their friends it lessens the amount of fear they may have with speaking in front of others. Because it was their first time coming up with their own play a lot of them were mostly about telling us about their birds, but I still would call the activity a win. I think the next time I attempt this type of activity I will come up with a play for them along with having them come up with their own. While we were able to view others do the play it would be beneficial to have them see one performed by their classmates. If you know any children's plays that can be adapted for the classroom please let me know where to find some! One of the ways I have encouraged public speaking is to set up an area in the classroom that is made just for them to be able to sing and dance for their classmates. I have a stage that I got from the Etsy shop Classy Stages and a Rocking chair. I use both of these for show n tell. Show n tell is an excellent activity to encourage children to speak in front of the group and share with others. The longer you do it the more comfortable they become. It is quite something to watch them become more and more comfortable. It also helps them with learning to engage with their friends in the classroom. I hope that you enjoy the video of one of my students performing their birds play and remember....... Live Long and Keep Teaching! Ms. Tessie |
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