Lesson Plan
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
| Subject: | Literacy |
| Grade span: | K to 2 |
| Duration: | 60 minutes or two 30-minute sessions |
Description:
This lesson is one example of how you can implement a story and literature dramatization. After reading and discussing a children's book, students break up into small groups, choose roles, and present a dramatization, engaging literature through acting out parts.Learning Goals:
- Recognize fluent, expressive reading
- Engage in literature through role plays and dramatizations
- Study and understand a character in literature
- Work collaboratively in small groups
- Present a play, based on a story from literature
Materials:
- The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
- Simple felt or paper finger puppets of the wolf and three pigs (optional)
Preparation:
- Review the story, noting key themes and any new vocabulary words
- Consider questions for discussion
- Make finger puppets and stage (optional)
What to Do:
- Ask students if they know the story of the three little pigs
- Invite multiple volunteers to tell each part of the story
- Explain that today they are going to hear the wolf's side of the story
- Read The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs aloud, pausing to ask questions
- After the read-aloud, ask students questions such as: How is this story different from other versions of the three little pigs story that you have heard before? How is it the same? Does this story change how you think about the wolf? Why? Which story do you think is really true? How do you know?
- Divide children into small groups and explain that in order to help them decide which version of the story is true, they are going to act out both versions for the group
- Assign each group a version of the story and help them prepare a play of their story. Very young children can use finger puppets or a felt board. Older children may want to write a simple script for readers' theater. Help children identify and clarify the main characters and key events of the story as they prepare their skits.
- Have each group perform for the remaining students
Evaluate (Outcomes to look for):
- Student engagement and participation
- Apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, and appreciate texts
- Use spoken, written, and visual language to communicate understanding
- Comments and answers that reflect an understanding of the story, key themes, characters, and new word meanings
