Characters in Wormbat

Lesson Overview

• Year Level: Prep (Foundation Year)
• Subject: Languages
• Unit: Exploring Narrative Texts (Lesson 11 of 30)
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Class size: 6 students
• Learning Area: Languages - National Australian Curriculum (v9)
• Focus Text: Wormbat Stew (fictional narrative text)

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Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum (v9) Content Description (Languages - Foundation Year)

• Content Code: AC9LGF03 - Explore connections between language and culture
• Key Learning Outcome:
  Students explore narrative texts by identifying and describing characters, connecting language and meaning, and responding using simple language and multimodal strategies.
• Elaborations relevant to lesson:
  • Sharing words and phrases about characters to describe appearance and personality【11:AC9LGF03.md】
  • Creating digital or artistic profiles or visual descriptions of narrative characters and their traits【0:AC9LRF6C03.md】

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Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

• WALT (We Are Learning To):
  Identify characters in the story Wormbat Stew and describe them using simple language and expressive modalities.

• Success Criteria:

  • I can name the main characters in Wormbat Stew.
  • I can describe what the characters look like or what they do.
  • I can create a character collage to show what I understand about the characters.

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Differentiation

• Visual learners: Use a character collage activity with pictures, drawings, and magazine cut-outs.
• Neurodivergent learners: Provide sensory-friendly materials and clear structured steps.
• Verbal learners: Use storytelling and oral repetition of character names and traits.
• Support with vocabulary through visuals and modelled language (sentences and phrases).

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Resources

• Copy of Wormbat Stew story (picture book or digital version)
• Character collage materials: magazines, coloured paper, scissors, glue, markers
• Large whiteboard or chart paper to write names and simple descriptions of characters
• Visual aids: character images (if available), vocabulary cards (e.g., big, small, funny)
• Optional: Audio recording of the story for accessibility

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Lesson Sequence

Time	Activity Description	Purpose / Focus	Differentiation Notes
0–5 min	Welcome & Introduction Gather students, briefly talk about the story and "characters". Show cover and ask “Who do you think is in the story?”	Engage prior knowledge, set context	Use pictures and simple questions, allow wait time
5–12 min	Read Aloud: Wormbat Stew Read the story aloud, showing pictures. Pause to point out characters as they appear. Use expressive voice, gestures.	Model narrative structure and character identification	Use visual cues, repeat character names clearly
12–20 min	Character Identification Discuss characters: Ask “Who is in the story?”, “What do they look like?”, “What do they do?”. Write names and keywords on board.	Develop vocabulary and comprehension	Scaffold language with picture-word matching
20–28 min	Character Collage Activity Students create collages representing favourite characters using provided materials. Encourage describing their collage to a peer or teacher using simple phrases.	Multimodal expression of character understanding	Provide one-on-one support, flexible materials for sensory needs
28–30 min	Review & Reflect Students share their collages. Teacher asks oral questions to reinforce learning. Summarise success criteria.	Consolidate learning and assess understanding	Praise efforts, affirm multiple modes of expression

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Assessment

• Observational assessment: Teacher notes oral responses during discussions and sharing time, checking for ability to name and describe characters.
• Product assessment: Review character collages for evidence of character recognition and descriptive understanding.
• Anecdotal notes: Record any additional language or expressive skills demonstrated by students.

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Teacher Notes

• Use simple, repeated language and clear visual supports throughout the lesson.
• Facilitate and encourage all students to participate in naming and describing activities.
• Encourage peer support during the collage activity, pairing students thoughtfully.
• Allow extended time or breaks if needed for neurodivergent learners.
• Use positive reinforcement and maintain a supportive classroom environment.

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Summary

This lesson gives Prep students a fun and accessible way to explore narrative characters in Wormbat Stew by identifying and describing them with a range of sensory and multimodal supports aligned to the Australian Curriculum (v9). The character collage provides a valuable hands-on, visual activity that complements verbal learning and respects neurodivergent needs. Through storytelling, discussion, and creative expression, students engage meaningfully with text while developing foundational language skills.

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If you need me to customise the lesson further or provide specific scaffolded language examples and phrase lists for the activities, please let me know!