Too Much Noise

Limiting noise pollution.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 can demonstrate meaning of words by pantomime Cog. IIIB
Children ages 3-4 years are able to produce sounds to represent an object Cog. IV A
Children 2 ½-3 years can carry out two simple related commands given out once Lang. IA
Children under 1 year can imitate the sounds Lang. IA
All of the children can participate in large group activities SE I

 
 
 

Materials

Book: Too Much Noise by Ann McGovern (Scholastic Paperback)
Costumes: Peter: beard, hat, glasses, big boots. *Wiseman or wise woman: books, table, wizard hat, wig.
Props: flour, small bed, couch or pillow, tea pot, tree branches or shrubs for house sounds.

For animal sounds: role cards, pictures (either drawn or pasted on) of animals that appear in story. Cards can be hung around child's neck or taped to chest.
 
Miscellaneous chairs or furniture

Procedures

1. Gather children in group on floor and read story, focusing on identifying and imitating sounds.

2. Repeat group reading until children become familiar with story.

3. Establish layout of stage: set-up Peter's house, *Wiseman's desk, barn for animals, and an area for audience.

4. Cast children in roles. Small groups of 2-4 children can act out house sounds using props, e.g. one group can jump up and down on bed going "creak, creak, creak."

-pass out role cards

-introduce play and players

-narrate story, prompting players when necessary

-applause and credits to the actor

*Note: for gender-free language, change McGovern's Wiseman to a Sage, an Elder, or a Mayor.
 
Variation
 
This tale makes a good feltboard story as well. Children learn the story as a large group and are able to participate by placing felt pieces of animals, people, and objects onto feltboads in proper sequence. 
 
From this activity it is easy to organize the children and develop a dramatic presentation according to the steps outined above..