Note:
Option to mix class cohorts or do as a whole key stage collaboration task for the purpose of a final sharing project

Lesson Objectives:

• To understand the characteristics of key characters
• To recreate the match selling scene

Suitable for pupils working at:

Key stage two level

Preparatory tasks prior to delivery:

• Ensure you have access to a space suitable such as a studio, gymnasium or main hall
• Check you have access to the supporting PowerPoint

Task One:

Watch the match selling scene from 12:59 to 20:50.

As a quick starter task, get students to recap what they know about the storyline and characters for the show The Little Match Girl. You may wish to do this as a group post-it note relay, mind map or list as a whole class.

Scene synopsis: In this scene, the little match girl is trying to sell her matches, when another match seller named Carletto arrives. They compete to sell the most matches for the cheapest price. Then Franco arrives and the two match seller boys try to frighten the little match girl away. A gentleman appears and each team tries to sell him matches before he gets frustrated and exits.

Task Two:

Using markers or post-it notes, ask students to consider what they know and what they think they know about characters from the scene. For instance, characteristics they know about and feelings which they believe the character feels. Using the silhouette on slide two of the supporting PowerPoint, ask students to use markers or post-it notes to write down what they know on the outside of the silhouette and what they believe the character is feeling on the inside of the silhouette. Then discuss your findings as a class. This should include: known facts such as physical appearance, average age range, gender and occupation, as well as subjective ideas such as likes/dislikes, friends/enemies, problems and dreams.

Task Three:

Put students into groups of four. Ask students to use these character reflections to recreate the scene with characters. Students will need to consider their character’s characteristics from the role on the wall and how they portray these to the audience throughout the scene.

Task Four:

Ask students to complete a verbal peer assessment providing a ‘what went well’ and ‘even better if.’ Then ask students to practice their performance piece ready for the final project performance.