Winter’s Magic: A Journey through ‘The Snow Queen’

Preschool / Pre-Primary / Nursery / Pre-Kindergarten Lesson Plan – Learning The Snow Queen, Maria Montessori philosophy

Title: “Winter’s Magic: A Journey through ‘The Snow Queen'”

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. Cognitive Development: Children will understand and retell the story of “The Snow Queen.”
2. Language and Literacy Development: Children will develop their listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills.
3. Social and Emotional Development: Children will explore themes of friendship, bravery, and love.
4. Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development: Children will engage in hands-on activities related to the story.

Resources Needed:

• “The Snow Queen” storybook
• Art materials for craft activity
• Ingredients for ‘Snow Slime’ activity: glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, iridescent glitter

Lesson Plan:

1. Story Reading (20-25 minutes):

Begin by reading aloud the story of “The Snow Queen.” Make the story engaging with expressive narration and by asking comprehension questions throughout.

2. Story Discussion (10-15 minutes):

Discuss the story, focusing on the main characters and the themes of bravery, friendship, and love. Ask questions like, “Why did Gerda go to save Kay?” and “How did the Snow Queen’s palace look?”

3. Role-Playing Activity (15-20 minutes):

Let the children role-play the story, with parts like Gerda, Kay, and the Snow Queen. This promotes empathy and perspective-taking.

4. Craft Activity (20-25 minutes):

Guide the children in creating a snowflake craft with paper and glitter. This encourages creativity and develops fine motor skills.

5. ‘Snow Slime’ Activity (15-20 minutes):

Create ‘Snow Slime’ using glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, and glitter. The children can play with the slime, offering a tactile sensory experience related to the story’s setting.

6. Story Retelling (15 minutes):

Using the snowflake crafts and ‘Snow Slime,’ children retell the story, reinforcing their comprehension and storytelling skills.

Assessment:

Evaluate children’s comprehension of the story, participation in role-playing and ‘Snow Slime’ activities, creativity in the craft activity, and storytelling ability in the retelling session.

Alignment with Montessori Method:

This lesson aligns with the Montessori method by promoting self-directed learning, moral lessons, and providing hands-on experiences (craft and ‘Snow Slime’ activities).

Link to ELOF:

This lesson aligns with the ELOF domains of Cognitive Development (understanding and retelling the story), Language and Literacy Development (story discussion and retelling), Social and Emotional Development (exploring themes of friendship, bravery, and love), and Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development (craft and ‘Snow Slime’ activities).