Inspired by: Children's Games - Week 1

The lesson begins with an intriguing challenge for the children: they are presented with a mysterious painting that lacks a title. The teacher gradually reveals sections of the artwork, prompting the pupils to make inferences about its content and to speculate on what the full image might depict. This exercise encourages the children to discuss and describe the various elements they observe in each revealed part of the painting. As they engage with the image, they are urged to suggest possible titles for the painting and to articulate their reasons using the sentence starter "I chose this title because…". Once the children have proposed their ideas and voted on their favourite title, the teacher unveils the actual name of the painting and its creator, leading to a discussion on whether the real title aptly captures the essence of the artwork.

Building on their curiosity, the next activity focuses on using visual clues within the painting to ask and answer questions, deepening their understanding of the scene depicted. The children explore why the subjects are engaged in games, the time of day, and the possible events that could have led to such a bustling scene. They are encouraged to observe the setting, noting the architecture and atmosphere of the town, and to consider the historical context of the painting. Comparing the play activities of the past with those of the present, the children reflect on the differences and similarities between them. They practice constructing their thoughts with the sentence structure "I think that… because…". Additionally, the lesson involves a detailed observation activity where children identify specific elements and actions in the painting, using proper sentence structure and punctuation to formulate questions. This interactive approach not only hones their questioning skills but also enriches their understanding of verbs, as they contribute to creating a 'verb wall' and engage in a playful question-and-answer game with their peers.