[Before discussing with the children their favourite characters, you might like to tell them in advance
what they will be doing so that they have a chance to think ahead.]

Discuss with the children their favourite stories. Have a few books on hand for reference that you
think they are likely to select.

• What are your favourite stories?
• Why do you like them?
• Which are your favourite characters? Why?
• If you could be one of them, whom would you choose to be? Why?
• How would you recognise your character if you met them on the street?
• What would the clues be? e.g. type of clothing, colours worn, accessories, hairstyle and
  colour, language and behaviour.
• What sort of things might they say and do?
• What sort of things happen to them in the story?

Ask the children to make a list of words that describe their character and a list of things their character does.

• Close your eyes and try to visualise your character very carefully before you begin to paint. This will make painting easier.
  If you wish, you may paint the whole of your character on your Tabard, not just the clothing. This will make it feel more real.
• When your Tabard is dry, wear it. Does it make you feel like your character? What sort of things does your character say
  and do? What do you think of the things he or she says or does? How do they treat other people? Do you always agree
  with them?
• Now write a different ending for the story your have chosen.
  

Meeting curriculum requirements:

This activity uses dressing up and role-play as a trigger for language development and story writing. It focuses on the link
between character and behaviour. It requires observation, recollection, drawing and painting skills. It may be extended into
imaginative writing if the children are asked to write an alternative ending to the story.

Tips for Painting:

Tabards must be kept flat when they are being painted
Have different brush sizes available
Encourage the children to paint boldly
Keep one set of brushes for each colour
If things go wrong, wipe out with a damp cloth

Useful Reference:

Children’s favourite stories.

What you will need:

Tabards, paints, paint trays, water jars, paper towels, rags and brushes.

Activity 0022 Paint your friend
Activity 0055 Clowns and comedy
Activity 0064 Getting to know people