Setting the SceneThis activity seeks to offer the learners the opportunity to actively participate in a drama session. Let the learners experience dressing up as the various animals in the story using whatever resources you have available, such as a pink sheet over the child for the pig.

The activity is introduced by playing ‘pass the mask’ which is played in the same way as pass the parcel. When the music stops the learners holding the mask have to try it on and look at themselves in a mirror.

If this is not appropriate, use a small red textured hen as an object of reference.

What to DoRead the adapted story to the learners using Resource 4: The Little Red Hen. Pass around each of the sensory objects, allowing the learners plenty of time to explore them using their senses. Where possible, encourage the learners to use their communication aid to join in with the story or give support as appropriate.

What You Need

Resource 4: The Little Red Hen

• Ear of corn• Seeds• Watering can• Communication aid such

as Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), button recorders or switch devices with recordings

– ‘Not I’ – ‘I will’

• Windmill• Flour • Loaf of bread• Animal masks for each of

the characters (search online for downloadable masks)

• Costumes/Materials for animals

• A red hen

Areas of LearningPrimaryLanguage and LiteracyThe Arts (Drama)

Post-PrimaryEnglishThe Arts (Drama)

The Little Red HenLearning Activity 9

18 Autumn Autumn 19

Further Suggestions• Bake bread with the class (search the web for recipes)

• Visit a farm linking in with harvest

• Make a talking book of stories for learners to listen to independently

• Make hand print animals in art and design

• Make play dough bread with seeds pressed into the dough

• Have a sensory gardening session where the learners plant corn (or quick growing seeds), water and care for them and explore progress as the seeds grow