#111 The Play's The Thing
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A rainy day keeps the kids indoors. They decide to put on a
play for their own amusement. Arguments arise over what play
to put on and who will play what part. Then Yaya and Graziella
step in and introduce the concept of cooperation and the idea
of auditions. The result is the strangest version of Cinderella
ever staged, with Horace as Cinderella, Wimzie as the fairy
God-mother, Loulou as the Prince and Jonas as the wicked Stepmother.
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| Theme:
Compromise and Cooperation |
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- Children will learn that compromise
is an important tool.
- Children will learn that there
are fair and creative ways to find solutions.
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Vocabulary: |
dilemma
bored |
Suggested Activities: |
| Before you view:
Graziella is going somewhere in the beginning of the show. Where
is she going and what is she going to do? In this show we are
going to learn what the word "dilemma" means. Listen carefully
and see if you can figure out what it means. |
| While you view:
See suggestions in "How to use this guide". |
After you view:
Go back to your pre-viewing activity and have the children respond
to the question.
(Answer: Graziella went to help with the firefighters talent
show.) Yaya and Graziella explain the word dilemma. Does anyone
remember what it means? (Answer: a dilemma is a problem you
try to solve but it seems you are getting nowhere. The solution
is a compromise, when you give in a little to someone, and they
give in a little to you.) Talk about what you've seen and take
some time to discuss it. |
Extended Learning Activities |
Option
1: "I'm Bored" (Discussion Activity)
Materials required: None |
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"I'm bored" is sometimes a complaint
from children. Talking about boredom may help children avoid
it in the future. Ask the children if they ever feel bored,
or feel like there is nothing to do. Help them make a list
of some activities to do when they are bored. Encourage them
to check the list the next time they are bored or there is
nothing to do.
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Option 2: Tools for Compromise (Discussion Activity)
Materials required: None |
| Wimzie
and the other kids had a very hard time agreeing on who got
which part in the play. Graziella offered one solution: picking
names from hat. What are some common situations that might prompt
a need for compromise? Examples: sharing toys, deciding who
is first for an activity. Ask the children to think of some
compromises for these problems. |
Option 3: Let's "Play" (Dramatic Play Activity)
Materials required: Old clothes for costumes (optional) |
| Work
with the children to agree on a story to act out. It can be
their favorite fairy tale, storybook or nursery rhyme, or something
they make up. Have them use one of the methods explored in "The
Play's The Thing" to decide who plays which part. For example,
drawing names from a hat, or taking turns. Help them to structure
the play by pointing out such guide posts as what happens first,
next, etc. and then guide them through the experience so that
their "play" has a beginning, a middle and an end. |
Theme Related Books: |
Sam
Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt,
Lisa Campbell-Ernst, William Morrow and Company, 1983.
The Seven Silly Eaters, Marla Frazee, Brown Deer Press,
1997. |
Notes |
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