Coral Reef Role-Play
Changing Environments
25 minutes
Whole class with individual roles
Dramatic Play
Learning Objective
Explore how animals change their habitat through Caribbean reef examples
Materials Needed
- Pictures of coral reefs
- Colorful fabric or streamers for coral
- Props for different fish
- Blue fabric for water
- Simple costumes or headbands
Preparation
- 1Set up 'reef' area with colorful materials
- 2Assign roles: coral, different fish, sea creatures
- 3Practice simple movements for each role
- 4Show pictures of real coral reefs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Show pictures and explain: 'Coral reefs are like underwater cities'
- 2Children take roles as coral, fish, and other sea creatures
- 3Act out: coral growing and creating homes, fish making nests in coral
- 4Discuss: 'How do the animals change the reef? How does the reef help animals?'
- 5Show how fish clean the coral and coral provides shelter
- 6End with everyone working together to keep the reef healthy
Assessment
- Does the child understand how coral reefs provide homes?
- Can the child role-play appropriate animal behaviors?
- Does the child understand the relationship between coral and fish?
Extensions
- Create a reef collage with textured materials
- Learn about threats to coral reefs
- Make fish puppets for reef puppet show
- Discuss how to protect coral reefs
Teaching Tips
- Emphasize cooperation and interdependence
- Use movement and creativity to engage children
- Connect to local marine environment if applicable
- Discuss the importance of protecting reefs