Theme: Exploring joy, celebration, and what makes us feel good
Learning Objectives:
- To identify what happiness looks and feels like
- To express happiness through voice, movement, and drama
- To work cooperatively and respond to joyful scenarios
Warm-up: Happy Parade
Children stand in a circle. The teacher plays upbeat music or claps a steady rhythm. One child starts by stepping into the middle and showing a happy movement (e.g., waving arms, skipping, clapping). The rest of the group copies the movement as they walk around the circle together in a “Happy Parade.” After a few moments, a new child takes the lead. Encourage big smiles, laughter, and exaggerated joyful gestures.
Teacher cues:
- “Show me your happy walk!”
- “Let’s wave to our friends!”
- “Can you skip like you’re on your way to a party?”
- “What does a happy face look like?”
Extension: Add musical instruments or scarves to enhance the celebration atmosphere.
Main Drama Activity: The Birthday Surprise
Story Set-Up (Teacher in role or narration):
“It’s your best friend’s birthday tomorrow. You want to plan a surprise party with your friends! You’ll need decorations, a cake, presents, and a big SURPRISE. But everything has to stay secret…”
Step-by-Step Process:
Planning in Groups: Divide the class into small groups. Each group decides on one thing to prepare (decorating, baking, invitations, games, presents).
Mime and Movement: Groups mime preparing their item, wrapping presents, icing the cake, blowing up balloons. Encourage sound effects and expressive gestures.
Adding Emotion: As they work, children show their excitement using facial expressions, energetic movements, and whispers of joyful anticipation.
Rehearsal: Each group practices their part of the surprise.
Whole Class Performance: The class performs the full surprise together. One child volunteers to be the birthday friend. The others hide and pop out yelling “Surprise!” They present gifts, sing a pretend song, dance, and celebrate.
Optional Extension: The birthday child gives a thank-you speech (teacher can scribe if needed). Others can share what made them feel happy during the party.
Reflection and Discussion
Circle time questions:
- “What made you feel happy today?”
- “How do you show someone you’re happy?”
- “How do we help others feel happy too?”
Follow-Up Ideas:
- Create “Happy Cards” with drawings or messages for friends or family
- Use movement scarves to dance freely to happy music
- Roleplay giving compliments or kind surprises to a partner
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