Calling all EYFS specialists - lesson advice for interview

[AmberFool]

I am amazed that I have an interview next week including a circle time activity for up to 8 children. I was thinking of doing the Gingerbread Man story with lots of actions and joining in and at the end sequencing some pictures. I was going to buy some puppets to help with the story telling. Should I get finger puppets, glove puppets or use stick puppets (which I can make at home)?

Also, should I:


a) use the puppets myself, or
b) give them out to the children to help with the story telling?

If I choose option b) will it be okay if not all the children have a puppet (although if I make stick puppets at home I can add extra animals to chase the gingerbread man)?

I know it may sound a bit silly and basic but I really want this job and I have gone into panic mode.

[guilianna]

What's the learning objective?

[AmberFool]

To join in with the story. To sequence the story.

[happystory]

I think I would go with making your own (brownie points!) but tell the story briefly first if you can otherwise it'll be all me me me and might all go to pot ie they are all so keen to do their bit that they aren't really engaging ...

[AmberFool]

Isn't CT supposed to be about feelings and emotions?

Just double checked the paperwork from the school, in the interview letter it definitely says story but on the pro forma for the lesson plan it talks about CT activity.

[bobajob]

I'd go for a story with a PSED focus as it's circle time.

[guilianna]

I think a really clear focus linked to the EY outcomes would help drive the session. It will also depend on age of chn - N or R? and how long you have. I'd prob focus on either the joining in - N? or the sequencing R? the clearer your learning focus the better a short session goes! I've seen a few EYFS activities which look like fun but aren't actually all that purposeful ...

[guilianna]

circle time can be what you want

[guilianna]

I'd also add how your activity could link into your cont prov eg chn could have resources to choose to make their own puppets etc

[guilianna]

and stick puppets def way to go, less fiddly and easy to make

[overmydeadbody]

Be very clear on your learning objective, and stick to just one, and make sure it links to the development matters objectives, ideally from literacy: reading.

Stick puppets are the way to go, but keep your plan open, focus on the learning objective and think of a few different ways you can let the activity go depending on the children, so keep it a bit child-led.

How to the stick puppets help the children fulfill the learning objective? Make sure you are clear on this.

[guilianna]

Dev matters = EY outcomes
agree, Over
CL would be a good focus I think

[AmberFool]

Duh! I forgot to say it's Nursery.

Thank you for your input.

Stick puppets it is then as all can be involved.

The LO of "To join in with the story" would fit with these development matters (30-50):

CL: Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and
phrases in rhymes and stories.
L:R Listens to and joins in with stories and poems, one-to-one
and also in small groups. Joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories

Obviously, there would be questioning in the lesson to draw out what they think might happen etc.

[guilianna]

Sounds great - good luck! and have fun, N are great!

[AmberFool]

I got the job! They said I was fabulous.

Thank you for making me think about my lesson plan and resources.

[guilianna]

Oh my! well done you - what great news!
I have one on Friday and it's KS1 which I haven't taught for a while, so I'll be doing the same!