Sanskar Year 1 Month 8 Panchatantra Dramatic Play & Storytelling

Emotional (EQ)

Lion's Pride, Rabbit's Wisdom

Lion's Pride,

Lion's Pride, Rabbit's Wisdom interactive storytelling and dramatic play activity explores the concepts of pride and humility through the classic fable of the Lion and the Rabbit. It encourages emotional understanding, language development, and social interaction in toddlers.

Emotional (EQ): "Proud Lion, Humble Rabbit" - Discuss how being too proud can be a problem (like the lion). Show pictures representing pride and humility.

Activity Name: Lion's Pride, Rabbit's Wisdom

Lion’s Pride, Rabbit’s Wisdom

Appropriate Age: 18-24 months (specifically includes 20 months)

Objective:

Introduce and differentiate between pride and humility in a developmentally appropriate way.
Foster emotional literacy by recognizing and labeling feelings.
Encourage imaginative play and storytelling skills.
Promote social interaction and cooperation.
Develop gross motor skills through movement and dramatic enactment.

Materials:

Pictures or simple drawings of a proud lion and a humble rabbit.
Simple props: Lion mask (cardboard or felt), rabbit ears (headband or crafted), a “well” (large cardboard box or laundry basket).
Storybook or printed version of the “Lion and the Rabbit” fable (optional, but recommended for repeated readings).
Soft toys representing other animals (optional, for expanding the story).
Music with animal sounds (optional, for adding sensory engagement).

How to do this activity (Step-by-step Process):

Introduction (5 minutes): Gather your child and introduce the characters. Show the pictures of the lion and the rabbit. Use simple language to describe their personalities. “Look, this is a strong lion! He’s very proud. And this is a clever rabbit. He’s kind and helpful.”
Storytelling (10 minutes): Tell the story of the Lion and the Rabbit. You can use a storybook, act it out with the props, or simply narrate it. Emphasize the lion’s pride and the rabbit’s humility and cleverness. Use expressive voices and gestures to bring the story to life.
Dramatic Play (15 minutes): Encourage your child to participate in acting out the story. “Can you roar like the proud lion? Now, can you hop like the clever rabbit?” Guide them through the different scenes, such as the lion chasing the rabbit or the rabbit tricking the lion at the well.
Discussion (5 minutes): After the play, talk about the story. Ask simple questions: “How did the lion feel when he was chasing the rabbit? How did the rabbit feel?” Reinforce the concepts of pride and humility. “The lion was too proud, and that caused him problems. The rabbit was humble and clever.”
Wrap-up (5 minutes): End the activity with a song or a gentle cuddle. Praise your child’s participation and effort.

Examples:

When telling the story, you can use a deep voice for the lion and a squeaky voice for the rabbit.
During dramatic play, you can pretend the “well” is a real well and make splashing sounds when the lion falls in.
You can encourage your child to create their own version of the story by adding new characters or changing the ending.

Variations:

For younger toddlers, focus more on the sensory aspects of the story, such as animal sounds and textures.
For older toddlers, encourage more complex dramatic play scenarios and discussions about emotions.
You can adapt the story to include other animals or themes that interest your child.

Safety:

Ensure all props are safe and free from small parts that could be a choking hazard.
Supervise your child closely during dramatic play to prevent falls or injuries.
Be mindful of your child’s emotional state. If they become overwhelmed or scared, take a break and offer comfort.

Mistakes to avoid:

Avoid using overly complex language or abstract concepts that your child may not understand.
Don’t force your child to participate if they are not interested.
Avoid making the lion seem entirely negative. Focus on the idea that too much pride can be a problem.

Troubleshooting:

If your child is hesitant to participate, try acting out the story yourself first to model the behavior.
If your child becomes distracted, redirect their attention back to the activity with engaging props or sounds.
If your child is having difficulty understanding the concepts of pride and humility, use simple examples from their own experiences.

Expert advice:

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein. This quote highlights the importance of play-based learning for toddlers. Dramatic play allows children to explore different roles and emotions, fostering their social and emotional development.

History:

Fables like “The Lion and the Rabbit” have been passed down through generations, serving as a way to teach moral lessons through engaging stories. These stories often use animal characters to represent human traits and behaviors.

Science:

Research has shown that dramatic play has numerous benefits for toddlers’ development. A study by Pellegrini and Galda (1990) found that dramatic play promotes language development, problem-solving skills, and social competence in young children. They noted, “Dramatic play provides a context for children to practice and refine their language skills, as well as to negotiate social roles and relationships.”
Research by Bruner (1986) highlights the importance of narrative in shaping children’s understanding of the world and their place in it. Stories provide a framework for organizing experiences and making sense of social interactions.
Studies on language acquisition (e.g., Kuhl, 2004) emphasize the role of social interaction in language learning. Engaging in storytelling with a caregiver provides rich language input and opportunities for toddlers to practice their communication skills.

Benefits:

Cognitive: Storytelling and problem-solving (how the rabbit outsmarts the lion).
Fine/Gross Motor: Acting out the story, using props.
Social-Emotional: Understanding emotions, empathy, social interaction.
Language: Vocabulary development, storytelling, expressive language.
Encourages creativity and imagination.

Misconceptions:

Some might think that playing pretend is just a frivolous activity. However, research clearly demonstrates its crucial role in cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Reference:

Books:

The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are

Author: Daniel J. Siegel
Edition: Third Edition
Year of Publishing: 2020
Publisher: The Guilford Press
Concerned Chapter number: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Concerned Chapter names:
The Embodied Brain, Awareness, and the Nature of Energy
States of Mind: Cohesion, Subjective Experience, and Complex Systems
Memory and Narrative
Attachment and a Sense of Self
Emotion as Shifts in Integration
Concerned chapter Page numbers: 53-405
Summary of Book:
This book explores the development of the human mind from a holistic perspective, integrating insights from various fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of brain, relationships, and the mind, and proposes that the mind emerges from the interaction between the brain and interpersonal experiences. The book delves into how early childhood experiences, particularly attachment relationships, shape the developing mind and influence emotional regulation, social cognition, and resilience. It also explores the impact of memory, narrative, and culture on the construction of the self and identity.
Paraphrased Summary of concerned Chapters:
Chapter 1: This chapter introduces the concept of the mind as an embodied and relational process that regulates the flow of energy and information. It discusses the brain’s structure and function, highlighting the importance of neural integration and the impact of experiences on brain development. Additionally, it explores the nature of consciousness and awareness, suggesting that they are integral to the development of a healthy mind.
Chapter 2: This chapter delves into the concept of states of mind, explaining how they coordinate information processing and contribute to the construction of reality. It also examines the role of complex systems in shaping mental processes and emphasizes the importance of integration in achieving a coherent sense of self.
Chapter 3: This chapter explores the different types of memory, including implicit and explicit memory, and their role in shaping our experiences and sense of self. It also discusses the narrative process and how it helps us make sense of our lives and integrate our experiences into a coherent whole.
Chapter 4: This chapter focuses on the importance of attachment relationships in shaping the developing mind. It explores how early attachment experiences influence emotional regulation, social cognition, and the development of a sense of self. It also discusses the different attachment patterns and their implications for mental health and well-being.
Chapter 5: This chapter delves into the nature of emotions, suggesting that they are not merely feelings but complex processes that involve changes in the state of integration. It examines the different types of emotions, including primary and categorical emotions, and their role in regulating our internal states and interpersonal interactions.
Direct quotes :
“The mind is an embodied and relational process that regulates the flow of energy and information.” (p. 402)
“Early experience shapes the regulation of synaptic growth and survival.” (p. 72)
“Integration is the linkage of differentiated parts.” (p. 39)

Websites:

URL: https://www.zerotothree.org/
- Paraphrased Summary: Zero to Three is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the healthy development of babies and young children. Their website offers a wealth of resources for parents and caregivers, including articles, tips, and activity ideas related to social-emotional development, language development, and play. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships and creating enriching experiences for young children. It is highly relevant as it provides evidence-based information on child development and practical advice for parents.
URL: https://www.naeyc.org/
- Paraphrased Summary: The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional organization that promotes high-quality early childhood education. Their website provides resources on developmentally appropriate practices, including the importance of play-based learning, social-emotional development, and language acquisition in young children. It offers articles, research summaries, and tips for parents and educators. This is relevant because it offers insights into best practices in early childhood education and reinforces the value of play-based learning.
URL: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/index.html
- Paraphrased Summary: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website provides information on child development milestones, developmental screening, and resources for parents and caregivers. It offers insights into the typical developmental progression of children and highlights the importance of early intervention and support. This is relevant as it offers a reliable source of information on child development milestones and provides a framework for understanding what to expect at different ages.

Conclusion:

“Lion’s Pride, Rabbit’s Wisdom” offers a fun and engaging way to introduce toddlers to important social-emotional concepts. Through storytelling and dramatic play, children can learn about pride, humility, and the importance of kindness. This activity also supports language development, fosters creativity, and enhances gross motor skills.

Call to Action:

Try this activity with your little one and watch their imagination soar! Embrace the power of play and create lasting memories while nurturing their development.

Let’s Play!

Share your experience in the comments! We’d love to hear how this activity worked for you and your child.

About author

Dr.Bhavin Dhamsaniya (BHMS, MD Homeopathy Psychiatry, DNYS)

Dr.Bhavin H. Dhamsaniya

Dr. Bhavin Dhamsaniya is a homeopathic physician with an M.D. in Homeopathic Psychiatry. As the founder of Mann University, he specializes in the holistic connection between a child’s mind, emotions, and development. His “Parent’s Gardener” philosophy guides parents to nurture their child’s innate curiosity through mindful, play-based connection. Learn more about Dr. Dhamsaniya here…