Room On The Broom Lesson Plan

Room on the Broom is a classic children’s book, full of beautiful imagery and extension activities. As teachers, this sample lesson plan can help you structure an entire week’s work around this iconic book.

Objective: Students will engage with the book “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson through a variety of activities that enhance comprehension, vocabulary, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Duration: 1 week (5 days)

Note: Ensure that all classroom activities are inclusive and sensitive to any cultural or individual differences among the students.

Materials:

• • Copies of “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Art supplies (colored pencils, crayons, markers)
  • Costume props (hat, broom, toy animals)
  • Story sequencing cards (images of key events from the book)
  • Construction paper
  • Glue, scissors

Day 1: Introduction to the Book

1. Begin by reading the book “Room on the Broom” to the students, using expressive voice and tone. You can also use a YouTube video, like this one above.
2. Engage students in a brief discussion about witches and brooms. Ask them if they know any other stories about witches.
3. Introduce new vocabulary words from the story, such as “broom,” “wand,” and “cackle.” Write these words on the whiteboard and discuss their meanings.

Day 2: Character Analysis

1. Review the main characters of the story: the witch and her animal friends.
2. Divide the students into small groups and assign each group a character (witch, cat, dog, bird, frog, dragon).
3. Have each group discuss and draw their assigned character, including its appearance, personality traits, and role in the story.
4. Groups share their character analyses with the class.

Day 3: Story Sequencing

1. Provide students with story sequencing cards depicting key events from the book.
2. In small groups, ask students to arrange the cards in the correct order to retell the story’s sequence.
3. Invite each group to share their sequenced events with the class, and facilitate a class discussion to ensure accuracy.

Day 4: Creative Drama

1. Set up a “Room on the Broom” dramatic play area with costume props (hat, broom, toy animals).
2. Divide students into groups and assign each group a scene from the book (e.g., the witch losing her hat, meeting the dog).
3. Have each group create a short dramatization of their assigned scene using the props and their imagination.
4. Encourage students to use dialogue from the book and invent additional dialogue to enhance their scenes.

Day 5: Craft and Writing

1. Discuss the concept of teamwork and friendship as portrayed in the story.
2. Provide students with construction paper, art supplies, and a printed outline of a broomstick.
3. Instruct students to create a collage on the broomstick outline, depicting the witch and her animal friends working together.
4. Have students write a short paragraph about the importance of helping and working together, referencing examples from the story.

Assessment:

• Participation and engagement during discussions, group activities, and dramatic play.
• Accuracy of story sequencing and character analysis.
• Creativity and effort in the craft and writing activity.

Extension Activities:

1. Explore other books by Julia Donaldson and compare her writing style and themes.
2. Research real-life animals depicted in the story (cat, dog, bird, frog, dragon) and learn more about them.
3. Write an alternative ending to the story or create a sequel involving the witch and her friends.

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