aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	English
What age group	Reception / Kindergarten
What topic	Narrative
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Creative Lesson Introduction: Imaginary Story Adventures

Objective

To engage young learners in the concept of narrative storytelling through a fun and imaginative introductory activity.

Materials Needed

• A large storybook (with colourful illustrations)
• Soft toy or puppet (to represent a character)
• Storytelling props (e.g. hats, scarves, or costume pieces)
• A whiteboard or flip chart
• Markers

Introduction Activity: "Create a Character"

Step 1: Gather the Children

Begin the lesson by gathering the children in a circle on the carpet. Make eye contact with them and smile to create a friendly atmosphere.

Step 2: Show the Storybook

Hold up a large, colourful storybook that represents various characters and adventures (e.g., "Where the Wild Things Are" or "The Gruffalo"). Briefly discuss the illustrations and cover, asking questions like:

• "What do you think this story is about?"
• "What kind of characters do you see?"

Step 3: Introduce the Character

Take out your soft toy or puppet. Introduce it as a character who wants to go on an adventure but needs help from the children to create a story. For example, "This is Benny the Bear! Benny loves to explore the forest, but he is a bit scared. Can you help him?"

Step 4: Brainstorm as a Group

Invite the children to suggest different characteristics for Benny. Use the whiteboard or flip chart to write down their ideas. Encourage creativity by asking:

• "What colour should Benny's hat be?"
• "What does he want to find in the forest?"

Step 5: Create a Mini-Story

Once you have established Benny’s character and motivation, encourage the children to come up with a simple storyline with the following prompts:

• "Where does Benny go?"
• "Who does he meet on his adventure?"
• "What happens at the end?"

Record their responses to create a mini-story on the board.

Conclusion

Wrap up the intro by reading the mini-story with enthusiasm, using different voices for Benny and other characters. This not only sets the stage for the lesson about narratives but also sparks excitement and engagement, leaving the children eager to explore the world of storytelling further.

Transition

Now, explain to the children that just like Benny, they too will get to create their own stories today and share them with the class!

---

This engaging and interactive lesson introduction not only grabs the children’s attention but also encourages imagination and teamwork, essential elements in narrative storytelling.