The Magic Wand

This project got good reviews from the critics. Good rainy day activity with minimal preparation and cleanup.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 can demonstrate meaning of words by pantomime Lang. IIIB
ages 1 ½-2 can imitate a 2-3 word sentence on cue Lang. IA
ages 1-1 ½ can make or imitate animal sounds Lang. IA
and ages 2 ½-4 can imitate body movements GM IX

 
 
 

Materials

Magic wand (a dowel covered with tin foil); magic hat (a pointed hat of some kind): other (optional) props--magic cape (piece of fabric with elastic to go around neck), magic fairy dust (talcum powder or glitter).

Procedures

1. In a large area have children sit in a large circle. One child at a time plays the wizard. Have the wizard put on the magic hat, cape and take the magic wand. Tell other children they must be whatever the wizard wants them to be.

2. The wizard waves the wand, says the magic words that the group has previously agreed upon (like abracadabra), and "I turn you into a...(cow, bird, snake, etc.)." Other children respond by becoming what the wizard says, moving around space, making the animal sound, and movements. When the wizard says, "Stop," the children stop moving and another wizard is chosen. Teacher may need to help by offering suggestions to the wizard or asking questions to stimulate dramatization (how many legs does a lion have? What would a pig do if it saw a nice squashy mud puddle?).