Imaginative Play
Grades 1-2
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Opening Procedure (5-7 minutes)
PEP-UP: Guess the character (3 min)
1. Act like a doctor, teacher, old person, baby or chef.
2. Ask children to guess the character.
3. Get some children to act.
NORMS (30 seconds):
1. Share the toys.
2. Take turns being characters.
3. Be kind to each other.
4. Be gentle with the puppets and toys.
More Pep-up Options
1. Giggle loop
2/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Session Name
Story Time, Play Time
Age Group
Ages 6-8
Session Intention
Children use puppets and scenarios to create and act out their own short stories.
Materials Needed
• Hand Puppets sets (1)
• Finger Puppets Family (1)
• Doctor set (2)
• Kitchen Set (2)
• Fruits and vegetables (2)
Classroom Arrangement
1. Form groups of 4-6 from nearby benches.
2. Hand each group their props (puppets, doctor set, or kitchen, fruits and vegetables).
3. Children play at or beside their benches, or in the space between the benches.
1/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Play Time (~25-28 minutes)
GETTING GROUPS STARTED:
1. Tell the groups they will play characters today and do their best acting.
2. Give each group a random prop/toy
3. Let children choose how they want to play.
4. Encourage them to become characters. Show them how if needed.
YOUR ROLE DURING PLAY:
1. Walk between groups. Step in only when a story has stalled.
2. If a group is stuck - Prompt them to think of problems their characters might face.
3. After 10 minutes, whisper a twist to each group - A stranger arrives / It starts raining / Someone finds a surprise.
STEP IN WHEN NEEDED:
1. Group out of ideas - Someone knocks on the door. Who is it?
2. Child refuses a role - let them direct: You tell the others what to do.
3. A real argument starts - Remind them to be kind to each other
What You May Notice
1. Children may change their character mid-play. Let them.
2. Role-playing familiar scenarios (doctor, market) helps children process real experiences.
3. Children who are usually quiet in class may be very expressive here. Notice it.
3/4
Setup | Opening | Play Time | Closing
Closing (~3-5 minutes)
1. Each group shares the ending of their story.
2. Pack up props.
3. Ask - What character did you enjoy playing the most?
Try Next Time
1. Ask children to continue the same story from where they left off.
2. Let children write or draw their character's name and job before playing.
3. Try mixing scenarios: hospital meets market.