Adventures with Knuffle Bunny: Storytelling and Exploring Emotions

Preschool / Pre-Primary / Nursery / Pre-Kindergarten Lesson Plan – Learning Knuffle Bunny Book, Maria Montessori philosophy

Title: “Adventures with Knuffle Bunny: Storytelling and Exploring Emotions”

Age Group: Preschool / Pre-Primary / Nursery / Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 years old)

Learning Framework: Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) – USA

Educational Approach: Montessori Method

Learning Outcomes (Based on ELOF):

1. Language and Literacy: Children will develop expressive and receptive language skills as they discuss the story and its elements.
2. Social and Emotional Development: Children will recognize and understand different emotions through the story.
3. Cognitive Development: Children will engage in problem-solving tasks during the activities.

Resources Needed:

• The book “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale” by Mo Willems
• Art supplies: Paper, crayons, scissors, glue
• Fabric, stuffing, and other materials for crafting a toy bunny

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction and Story Reading (20 minutes):

Introduce the book “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale” and engage the children in predicting the story from the cover. Read the story aloud, taking time to point out the illustrations and discuss Trixie’s emotions throughout the story.

2. Story Discussion (15 minutes):

After reading, facilitate a conversation about the story. Ask questions like: “How do you think Trixie felt when she lost Knuffle Bunny? How did she feel when she got him back?”

3. Making a Knuffle Bunny (30 minutes):

Provide materials and guide the children in crafting their own toy bunnies. They can draw the face, cut out the shape, stuff the fabric, and seal it with glue. This hands-on activity promotes fine motor skills and allows the children to create something meaningful from the story.

4. Expression Activity (20 minutes):

Encourage the children to pretend that their bunnies are lost and found, just like in the story. Ask them to express the different emotions that Trixie might have felt. This activity helps the children understand and express various emotions.

5. Conclusion (10 minutes):

Wrap up by revisiting the story and discussing the importance of expressing emotions. Let the children showcase their toy bunnies and share what they’ve learned from the story.

Assessment:

Assess the children’s comprehension of the story, their participation in the activities, and their understanding and expression of emotions.

Alignment with Montessori Method:

The lesson promotes self-directed learning, practical life skills, and sensorial experiences, all of which align with the Montessori method.

Link to ELOF:

The lesson encompasses several ELOF domains: Language and literacy skills are enhanced through story discussion, social and emotional development is encouraged through the expression activity, and cognitive development is fostered through the toy-making activity.