The Mitten Story -Drama Activity

The story of ‘The Mitten” by Jan Brett is a favourite for many children.  My daycare children enjoy reading the book and listening to the story using felt board puppets.  But they LOVE to act out the story themselves.  There is something about putting themselves into each characterer to really understand the story line.

First the children choose what animal they would like to be.  Then we make simple paper crowns to depict each animal.  For example, the bear crown would be a band of brown construction paper with round paper ears.  The children don’t need many props to propel them into a great dramatical performance.

The first time we act out a book I make sure the children have heard the story several times.  Then I tell the story orally as they act out the plot.  We used a large blanket as our mitten and all the children climbed under the ‘mitten’ as the story progressed.  After I have assisted the children in acting out the book once, I stand back and allow them to lead the dramatical play.  It’s always amazing how the children decide to act out a variation of the story.

Dramatic play provides children with an opportunity to solve problems and work together in different social situations. It builds self-concept and raises self-esteem.  Drama also helps develop languge skills and conflict resolution techniques.

So grab a blanket and the storybook  ‘The Mitten” and introduce your children to a valuable activity for their development.

What are your favourite books to act out?