Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Story Adventure Kick-off - Gather in a cozy reading nook and listen to a captivating children's book read aloud. Discuss the main characters and their journeys. (15 min)
Puppet Creation - Choose a favorite character from the story and create a simple story puppet using craft materials. Plan what the character might say or feel. (10 min)
Listening Circle Introduction - Introduce the concept of a Listening Circle. Students practice taking turns sharing their puppet's thoughts and feelings while others listen actively. (15 min)
Puppet Show Rehearsal - In small groups, rehearse a short puppet show, focusing on expressing the character's emotions and thoughts clearly. (10 min)
Listening Circle with Peer Feedback - Continue the Listening Circle, encouraging students to give and receive feedback on character expressions. Discuss how listening to others can help improve their puppet shows. (15 min)
Design a Listening Leaf - Start creating leaves for the 'Listening Tree' by drawing or writing something learned from listening to peers during the circle. (10 min)
Character Exploration - Revisit the book and explore more about each character's journey. Discuss what makes each character unique and what can be learned from them. (15 min)
Listening Leaf Creation - Complete the Listening Leaves by adding details learned from the day's exploration and hang them on the 'Listening Tree.' (10 min)
Listening Circle and Storytelling - Share puppet shows in the Listening Circle. Each student performs their show, focusing on listening to feedback from peers. (15 min)
Reflective Journal - Begin a 'Listening Journal' entry by drawing or writing about what was learned from peers and the puppet shows. (10 min)
Deliverables
1. Students will actively participate in daily 'Listening Circles,' sharing thoughts and listening to peers.
2. Each student will create a simple story puppet of a favorite character from the week's read-aloud book.
3. Students will contribute at least one leaf to the 'Listening Tree,' illustrating or writing what they learned from a story or peer.
4. Complete an initial entry in the 'Listening Journal' reflecting on what they learned from the Listening Circle.
5. Participate in a class discussion about what can be learned from characters in stories, setting the foundation for further exploration.
Preparation 1. Gather a selection of age-appropriate children's books for daily read-aloud sessions.
2. Create a cozy reading nook in the classroom with cushions, blankets, and a display shelf for the selected books.
3. Prepare materials for story puppets: paper bags, craft sticks, markers, colored paper, glue, and scissors.
4. Set up an area in the classroom for the 'Listening Tree' with a tree template and blank paper leaves for students to write or draw on.
5. Prepare a 'Listening Journal' for each student with blank pages for drawing or writing.
6. Arrange a time for a brief introduction to the project, explaining the purpose and activities.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Listening Circle - Gather in a circle and listen to the teacher read a children's book. Each child shares one thing they heard and understood from the story, practicing active listening. (25 min)
Story Puppet Creation - Create puppets representing characters from the story read on Day 1. Discuss the character's thoughts and feelings, fostering communication skills. (25 min)
Puppet Show Rehearsal - Use the story puppets to plan and rehearse a short puppet show, focusing on articulating the character's journey and emotions. (25 min)
Listening Tree Design - Collaboratively design and begin building a 'Listening Tree' in the classroom. Discuss what messages or drawings to include that reflect learnings from the story and peers. (25 min)
Character Garden Planting - Create paper flowers representing characters from the story and plant them in the 'Character Garden.' Share what was learned from the character's journey and how listening helped understand their story. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Participation in daily Listening Circles with shared thoughts and reflections.
2. Completed paper puppets representing characters from the read-aloud book.
3. Group puppet show performance illustrating clear communication and understanding.
4. Created paper leaves for the 'Listening Tree' showcasing listening reflections.
5. Presentation of paper flowers in 'Character Garden Walk' with verbal descriptions of character journeys.
Preparation 1. Select a children's book suitable for a read-aloud session.
2. Gather materials for puppet-making: paper, markers, scissors, and glue.
3. Prepare space for puppet show practice, ensuring a comfortable and open area.
4. Provide materials for 'Listening Tree' leaves: colored paper, writing/drawing tools.
5. Prepare materials for 'Character Garden' flowers: paper, markers, and flower templates.
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
Listening Circle and Story Sharing - Gather in a circle and listen to a new children's book read aloud. Each student shares a thought or feeling about the story, practicing active listening and articulation. (15 min)
Puppet Show Final Rehearsal - In small groups, rehearse the final puppet show, focusing on clear communication of the character's journey and emotions. (10 min)
Listening Tree Reflection - Gather leaves from the 'Listening Tree' and discuss the messages or drawings. Reflect on what was learned from listening to peers and the stories, emphasizing the importance of listening. (15 min)
Character Garden Presentation Preparation - Review the paper flowers in the 'Character Garden' and practice presenting the character's journey and learnings. (10 min)
Listening and Storytelling Showcase Preparation - Organize and practice for the showcase event. Students rehearse their puppet shows and prepare to share their 'Listening Journal' entries. (15 min)
Final Touches on Projects - Add any final details or decorations to the 'Listening Tree' and 'Character Garden' to ensure they are ready for presentation. (10 min)
Listening and Storytelling Showcase - Host the showcase for family and other classes. Students present their 'Listening Tree' and 'Character Garden,' perform puppet shows, and share 'Listening Journal' entries. (25 min)
Reflection Circle - Discuss and reflect on the entire project. Share thoughts on what was enjoyed, learned, and how listening and storytelling skills have improved. (15 min)
Project Celebration - Celebrate the completion of the project with a small classroom party, recognizing everyone's hard work and achievements. (10 min)
Deliverables
1. A completed 'Listening Tree' with decorated leaves reflecting students' learning from listening activities.
2. A 'Character Garden' with paper flowers, each representing a character with descriptions of their journeys.
3. A 'Listening Journal' entry from each student illustrating what they learned from peers during Listening Circles.
4. A successful puppet show performance by each student during the showcase.
5. Feedback from peers and teachers on their performances and presentations.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for the Listening Tree (large poster paper, paints, brushes, scissors, colored paper for leaves).
2. Prepare materials for the Character Garden (colored paper for flowers, markers, glue, craft sticks).
3. Set up a space for the 'Listening and Storytelling Showcase' to accommodate parents and other guests.
4. Ensure each student has their story puppets ready for the puppet show.
5. Prepare 'Listening Journals' for students to share during the showcase.