The Pet Shop
Year Level Duration
Foundation Level 45mins
Rationale
Learning through inquiry allows students to make meaningful connections through self-discovery. Performing role plays is fun, imaginative and flexible for children to be involved in steering the direction of the play. This activity is intended to be a more 'student-centred' task where the instruction and direction from the teacher is minimal. The teacher's role is more of a facilitator to set up the role play and engage the children, but they need to then step back and allow students to direct the play.
Links to AusVELS
At Foundation Level, students “make performing and visual arts works that express and communicate experiences, observations, ideas and feelings about themselves and their world” (VCAA, 2013). They respond to stimuli from sources such as play, problem solving, imagination and observation, and with guidance they make arts works.
“They explore and use a variety of arts elements, skills, techniques and processes, media, materials, equipment and technologies” (VCAA, 2013).
“They explore and use a variety of arts elements, skills, techniques and processes, media, materials, equipment and technologies” (VCAA, 2013).
Prior Knowledge Required
Classroom management skills are required with an understanding that only one person at a time should talk during group discussion and the importance of listening to others’ ideas.
Resources Required
‘The Pet Shop’ PowerPoint
imaginative_play_area_pet_shop.pptx | |
File Size: | 186 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Equipment Required
- Soft toys
Fish tank
Cash register
Boxes for pet cages
Toy food
Grooming material (such as brush and comb)
Aprons for shop keeper and assistant
Pet Shop Signs (see below)
pet_shop_signs.docx | |
File Size: | 93 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Introduction to Lesson
- Gather class on the mat ready for class discussion
- Ask and discuss ‘who has a pet?’ in the class
- Allow students to share about their pets at home
- Ask and discuss ‘where did you get your pets from?’
- What else did you have to buy for the pet when you got it? (ie. A fish requires a tank, food, seaweed etc.)
- You may be able to ask someone to bring their pet into the classroom if possible (rabbit, guinea pig or fish)
Main Component of Lesson
Introduce PowerPoint of The Shop Keeper-Imaginative Play Area. Talk through with the class the materials required, set-up of the room, and roles and allow students to add their ideas.
The teacher models the first scenario with 2-3 other children as characters in the scene while the rest of the class observe.
Begin with the teacher’s role being the shop keeper- ask students ‘what are the characteristics of a shopkeeper?’ (Look for answers such as wearing an apron, they ask customers ‘how can I help you?’ and they are knowledgeable about animals). The teacher is the shop keeper and demonstrates how they would stand behind the counter, tell other workers in the shop to brush and clean animals, and greet customers as they walk into the store.
Move on to the next scenarios and allow students to take charge (with teacher guidance to help them select roles).
Facilitate play and interject when it appears necessary in order to keep the flow of the activity.
Observe the children playing in the pet shop and when ready, introduce the next scenario.
The teacher models the first scenario with 2-3 other children as characters in the scene while the rest of the class observe.
Begin with the teacher’s role being the shop keeper- ask students ‘what are the characteristics of a shopkeeper?’ (Look for answers such as wearing an apron, they ask customers ‘how can I help you?’ and they are knowledgeable about animals). The teacher is the shop keeper and demonstrates how they would stand behind the counter, tell other workers in the shop to brush and clean animals, and greet customers as they walk into the store.
Move on to the next scenarios and allow students to take charge (with teacher guidance to help them select roles).
Facilitate play and interject when it appears necessary in order to keep the flow of the activity.
Observe the children playing in the pet shop and when ready, introduce the next scenario.
Lesson conclusion
Gather students onto the mat. Discuss what happened in their story that they acted out.
Were there any problems, exciting events or dramas that took place?
What else could have taken place in the Pet Shop to make it an exciting story?
Were there any problems, exciting events or dramas that took place?
What else could have taken place in the Pet Shop to make it an exciting story?
Assessment for Learning
Observations of student engagement in the role play.
Interaction and ability to work and cooperate with peers during the play.
Interaction and ability to work and cooperate with peers during the play.