Categories
Drama Early Childhood Ecosystems English F-2 Geography Human Impact Rubbish and Littering Science

Frog in a Pond

The Frogs were happy in their pond…until the Litterer came along and tipped rubbish everywhere! Can the Frogs work together to save their ecosystem?
Teach young children empathy, understanding of interdependent ecosystems, and ways to reduce human impact, all while having fun in a whole class role-play!

Author: Katherine Zachest

Katherine has extensive experience in drama education in early childhood and lectures in drama at Deakin University. Katherine is the author of Drama for Early Childhood and is currently studying her Ph.D. entitled Children Drama and Planetary Wellbeing.

Year Level

Early Years
Primary F-2

EYLF Outcomes

Identity
Community
Wellbeing
Learning
Communication

Learning Areas

Drama
English
Science
Geography

Sustainability areas

Ecosystems
Human impact
Rubbish and littering

Workshop description

This workshop is designed for educators in Early Years and Primary to provide an opportunity for children to understand the complexities of a frog habitat through Drama pedagogy. The workshop draws on drama strategies such as whole class role-play and Teacher in Role (TiR) to raise awareness, deepen understanding, share ideas and identify solutions to save an ecosystem. Children are invited to play roles of non-human elements within the environment to explore the point of view of other living things. This workshop gives children an opportunity to develop empathy and understanding of the interdependence of ecosystems and to seek ways to reduce the impact caused by humans.

Timeframe

Early Years: 30-45 min
Primary: 60-90 min (can be further extended)

Resources

  • Large piece of blue/green fabric to represent the river or pond
  • Small squares of fabric (approx. 60cm square in different colours or patterns; one for each child)
  • A vest or hat for the teacher
  • Relaxing forest music (eg Inner Light by Diva Baakso Apple Music|Spotify)
  • Plastic bag full of rubbish/recycled materials (washed and clean)