Grade 1 Additional Language – Exploring Imaginative Stories Through Picture Books

Lesson Plan Title: Grade 1 Additional Language – Exploring Imaginative Stories Through Picture Books


1. Materials Needed

  • A selection of imaginative picture books (e.g., stories featuring fantastical elements).
  • Whiteboard and markers.
  • Chart paper and colored markers.
  • Sticky notes.
  • Pencils and crayons.
  • Printed images from the stories (characters, settings).
  • Access to audio-visual equipment (if available) for sharing story-related videos.

2. Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:
– Identify key elements of a story (characters, setting, problem, resolution).
– Engage in discussions about their favorite picture books, contributing ideas about imagination and creativity.
– Illustrate and create a short imaginative story using picture prompts.
– Share their imaginative ideas and stories through oral presentation.

3. Vocabulary

  • Imagination
  • Characters
  • Setting
  • Story
  • Illustrate
  • Creativity

4. Previous Learning

Students have previously learned about basic story elements (beginning, middle, end) through read-aloud sessions. They are familiar with recognizing characters and settings in stories.

5. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions

  • Challenge: Some students may struggle to express their ideas verbally.
    Solution: Encourage pair discussions before sharing with the class to build confidence.

  • Challenge: Students may find it difficult to differentiate between real and imaginative stories.
    Solution: Provide clear examples and engage them in discussions to classify stories.

6. Beginning Activities (10% of time)

  • Time: 10 minutes
  • Introduce the lesson by displaying colorful picture books on a table.
  • Initiate a discussion by asking students to share their favorite picture books and describe the adventures within.
  • Prompt students to use vocabulary words, particularly “imagination” and “characters.”

7. Middle Activities (80% of time)

  • Time: 40 minutes
  • Read Aloud (15 minutes): Select a picture book with rich illustrations and a captivating story. Read it aloud to the class, inviting students to comment on the illustrations and characters.

  • Group Discussion (10 minutes): Facilitate a guided discussion about the book. Use questions such as:

    • Who were the main characters?
    • What was the setting of the story?
    • What problem did the characters face, and how did they solve it?
  • Creative Activity (15 minutes): Distribute picture prompts related to the story, such as images of characters or settings. Students will create their own imaginative story, illustrating it on chart paper using crayons and markers.

  • Sharing Session (10 minutes): Conduct a sharing circle where students present their stories to the class, using their illustrations as visual aids for storytelling.

8. End Activities (10% of time)

  • Time: 10 minutes
  • Conclude the lesson by inviting students to reflect on what they learned about imagination in stories.
  • Engage in a final group discussion, where students share one thing they loved about the stories and one new idea they explored.

9. Assessment and Checks for Understanding

  • Observe students during discussions and sharing sessions to gauge understanding.
  • Collect illustrated stories and evaluate them based on creativity, clarity of storyline, and vocabulary usage.
  • Utilize a checklist to ensure students understand story elements.

10. Differentiation Strategies

  • For learners needing support, provide sentence starters or graphic organizers to help structure their stories.
  • Challenge advanced learners to write longer sentences or add more detail to their stories.
  • Implement buddy systems for oral presentations to support less confident speakers.

11. Teaching Tips

  • Employ enthusiasm and animated expressions during the read-aloud to captivate students’ attention.
  • Offer positive feedback and encouragement throughout the creative activity and sharing sessions.
  • Visuals are crucial; employ various visual stimuli to engage children effectively, especially in imaginative contexts.

This lesson plan encourages imaginative thinking and creative expression among Grade 1 learners while aligning with the CAPS curriculum goals to nurture language development and storytelling skills, ensuring a balanced approach to different learner needs and experiences.