The Gingerbread Man

Lesson Overview

• Year Group: Year 7 (working at Year 2 level)
• Subject: Drama
• Lesson Duration: 40 minutes
• Class Size: 9 students
• Curriculum Reference: KS1 English & Drama (Speaking, Listening, and Performance)

Learning Objective (LO)

To understand the plot and characters of The Gingerbread Man through practical and engaging activities.

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Lesson Structure

1. Settling In & Warm-Up (5 mins)

• Objective: Engage students and create a positive learning environment.
• Activity: "Run, Gingerbread, Run!"
  • Students walk around the room in different ways (slow-motion, tiptoeing, running on the spot).
  • Teacher calls out characters from the story (e.g. "Fox!" = freeze, "Baker!" = march on the spot, "Gingerbread Man!" = run in circles).
  • Emphasises listening skills and physical coordination.

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2. Introducing The Story (10 mins)

• Objective: Familiarise students with the plot and characters.
• Activity: Interactive Storytelling
  • Teacher narrates The Gingerbread Man but pauses for students to act out the key parts.
  • Students take turns being the Gingerbread Man, the Old Woman, the Cow, and the Fox.
  • Use simple props (e.g. apron for the Baker, tail for the Fox).

Key Questions:

• What happens to the Gingerbread Man at the end?
• How do the different characters try to catch him?
• How does the Gingerbread Man feel throughout the story?

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3. Re-enacting The Story (15 mins)

• Objective: Develop confidence in performance skills.
• Activity: Group Role-Play
  • Divide students into small groups (three per group).
  • Each group acts out a section of the story.
  • Encourage exaggerated movement (e.g. sneaky Fox, big stomping Cow, excited Gingerbread Man).
  • Use a paper mask or simple costume piece for each character.

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4. Creative Alternative Ending (5 mins)

• Objective: Encourage creativity and imagination.
• Activity: "What If?" Discussion
  • Ask: What if the Gingerbread Man escaped?
  • Students come up with a new ending and act out a short scene.
  • Quick-fire ideas to keep engagement high.

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5. Cool Down & Reflection (5 mins)

• Objective: Reinforce story understanding and settle students.
• Activity: "Pass the Gingerbread"
  • Students sit in a circle and pass a soft toy gingerbread man.
  • Whoever is holding it shares their favourite part of the story.
  • Encourages turn-taking and listening skills.

Closing Question:

• If you were the Gingerbread Man, what would you do differently?

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Resources Needed

• Simple props (e.g. apron, fox tail, animal masks)
• Soft toy Gingerbread Man (or printout stuck to cardboard)
• Space for movement

Differentiation Strategies

• Support: Use visual cue cards with character names and key actions.
• Challenge: Ask confident students to narrate the story scene while others act.

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Assessment for Learning

• Observation of engagement and participation.
• Responses during discussions.
• Performance confidence and interaction with peers.

This high-energy, practical lesson aligns with Key Stage 1 Drama (Speaking, Listening & Performance), tailored for students with attention and behavioural needs.