Lesson Overview

Target Age: 3 Years Old

Duration: 2 Hours

Theme: Exploring imagination and emotions through the lens of "Wild" characters in literature.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to:

• Identify "wild" emotions (happiness, silliness, excitement) through facial expressions.
• Participate in a "Wild Rumpus" using gross motor skills (stomping, jumping, roaring).
• Create a "Wild King/Queen" crown to represent their imaginative self.
• Follow a simple 2-step instruction during a craft activity.

Materials Needed

• The book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (or a similar book about jungle animals/monsters)
• Pre-cut yellow cardstock or construction paper crowns
• Stickers, washable markers, and "furry" textures (cotton balls or fabric scraps)
• Glue sticks
• Music player with upbeat "jungle" or "wild" instrumental music
• A large mirror
• Sensory bin filled with "forest" items (dried moss, sticks, plastic monsters/animals, stones)

1. Introduction: The Magic Book Hook (15 Minutes)

The Hook: Place the book inside a "Mystery Bag." Shake it and make growling noises. Ask the learner, "What do you think is hiding in here? Is it something sleepy or something WILD?"

Talking Points (3-Year-Old Friendly):

• "Today, books are going to help us find our 'Wildside!' That means we get to be silly, loud, and use our big imaginations."
• "When we read, our brains go on a trip to a forest where we can be the kings and queens of the wild things!"

Success Criteria:

The learner shows engagement by guessing what is in the bag or imitating a "wild" sound.

2. Body: Story & "The Wild Rumpus" (45 Minutes)

Step 1: Reading (I Do)

Read Where the Wild Things Are. Use different voices. When the characters "gnash their teeth," model a silly, non-scary tooth-baring face.

Check for Understanding: Point to Max. Ask, "Does Max look happy or wild right now?"

Step 2: Mirror Play (We Do)

Stand in front of a mirror together.

• "Show me your 'Wild Face'!" (Make a silly face).
• "Show me your 'Quiet Mouse' face." (Zip lips).
• "Let's practice our ROAR! 1-2-3... ROAR!"

Step 3: Gross Motor "Wild Rumpus" (You Do)

Play the upbeat music. Give instructions for "Wild Movement":

• "Stomp like a monster!"
• "Swing your arms like a vine!"
• "Freeze! (Stop music) Now, tiptoe like you're sneaking through the jungle."

3. Creative Practice: The Crown of the Wild Things (40 Minutes)

Instruction (I Do/We Do):

Show the pre-cut crown. "Every wild king or queen needs a crown so the forest knows we are the leaders of fun!" Show how to put one sticker on and use the glue stick for a piece of "fur."

Hands-On Creation (You Do):

Provide the materials. Allow the learner to decorate their crown. Focus on the process rather than a perfect product.

Scaffolding: If the learner is frustrated with glue, encourage using stickers first. For advanced learners, ask them to name the colors they are using for their "wild" decorations.

Sensory Break:

If the learner finishes early, move to the "Wild Forest" sensory bin. Let them hide plastic monsters under the moss and "hunt" for them using their hands.

4. Conclusion: The Wild Parade & Recap (20 Minutes)

The Parade:

Help the learner put on their finished crown. March around the room/house together. "We are the Wild Things! We love books!"

Recap & Reflection:

• "What was your favorite 'Wild' thing to do today? Stomping or wearing your crown?"
• "Can we be wild and then be calm? Let's take three 'Deep Jungle Breaths' (slow inhales/exhales) to finish our journey."

Takeaway:

Remind the learner that whenever they feel like being silly or adventurous, they can pick up a book to go on a new "wild" trip.

Assessment & Differentiation

Formative Assessment (During Lesson):

Observe if the child can transition from "wild" (loud/moving) to "calm" (listening) when the music stops. Note their ability to identify the "Wild" characters in the book illustrations.

Summative Assessment (End of Lesson):

The learner successfully completes a crown and demonstrates one "wild" action (roar, stomp, or swing) upon request.

Differentiation Options:

• For High Energy: Extend the "Wild Rumpus" to include an obstacle course (crawling under "logs" or jumping over "rivers").
• For Sensory Sensitive: Skip the loud roaring; focus on "Quiet Wildside" (painting with feathers or looking at "hidden" animals in book pictures).
• For Language Development: Ask the child to tell you one "rule" for their Wild Kingdom (e.g., "We eat cookies!").