Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Learning Objectives
Identify and name different colors.
Practice fine motor skills through squeezing, rolling, and shaping.
Engage in imaginative play based on a story.
Count small groups of objects up to five.
Materials
The Candies' Last Stand Book or Read-aloud video
Procedure (40 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Gather the children and ask them to name their favorite kind of candy. Talk about the different colors, shapes, and textures of candy.
(15 mins) Story Time: Watch the read-aloud video of 'The Candies' Last Stand'. Pause to ask simple questions like 'What is that candy doing?' or 'How do you think the kids feel?'.
(15 mins) Candy Creation Station: Give each child Play-Doh and access to cookie cutters and rolling pins. Encourage them to create their own 'escaping candies' from the story or their imagination. Ask them to describe their creations.
(5 mins) Show and Tell: Have a few children share their Play-Doh candy creations with the group, counting how many they made and what colors they used.
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Learning Objectives
Recall and sequence 3-4 main events from the story.
Identify the main characters in the story (kids, teacher, candies).
Draw a picture representing a favorite scene from the book.
Practice collaborative discussion and sharing ideas.
Materials
The Candies' Last Stand Book or Read-aloud video
Procedure (40 minutes)
(5 mins) Warm-Up: Ask students what they know about holiday parties. What kind of food and activities are usually there?
(15 mins) Story Immersion: Watch the read-aloud video of 'The Candies' Last Stand'.
(15 mins) Story Retelling & Drawing: Discuss the beginning, middle, and end of the story as a group. Then, ask students to draw their favorite part of the candy rebellion.
(5 mins) Show and Tell: Have a few children share their drawings with the group, and explain why they chose the candy they did.
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Learning Objectives
Describe characters in a story and their traits.
Brainstorm and discuss alternative solutions to a problem.
Write a complete sentence expressing an opinion about a character.
Understand the difference between a problem and a solution in a narrative.
Materials
The Candies' Last Stand Book or Read-aloud video
Procedure (40 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Introduce the concept of a 'rebellion' in simple terms, like when someone decides not to do what they are told. Ask why do they think the candies are rebelling.
(15 mins) Story Analysis: Watch the read-aloud video of 'The Candies' Last Stand'.
(10 mins) Character Deep Dive: Create a chart on the board with headings for different candy characters. As a class, list words that describe each candy's personality (e.g., 'sneaky', 'brave', 'silly').
(10 mins) Problem-Solving Session: Ask the class: 'Besides chasing them, what's another way Mrs. Thompson and the kids could have solved the candy rebellion problem?'
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Learning Objectives
Analyze and write from a character's perspective.
Identify and explain humorous elements within a narrative.
Understand and apply basic concepts of persuasive writing.
Develop more complex questions about an author's creative process.
Materials
The Candies' Last Stand Book or Read-aloud video
Procedure (45 minutes)
(5 mins) Hook: Pose the question: 'If you were a piece of candy at a party, what would you be thinking?' Allow a few students to share their ideas.
(15 mins) Story Engagement: Watch the read-aloud video of 'The Candies' Last Stand'.
(15 mins) Persuasive Candy Letter: Instruct students to choose one candy character from the book. They will write a short, persuasive letter from that candy's point of view to Mrs. Thompson, explaining why they shouldn't be eaten.
(10 mins) Share and Discuss: Have a few volunteers read their letters aloud. Discuss which arguments were the most persuasive and why.
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Learning Objectives
Express ideas and feelings through creative movement.
Collaborate with peers on a large-scale art project.
Practice listening skills and following directions in a dynamic activity.
Develop gross motor skills.
Materials
The Candies' Last Stand Book or Read-aloud video
Procedure (45 minutes)
(5 mins) Get Ready to Wiggle: Ask the children to show you how they would move if they were a rolling gumball, a wiggling gummy worm, or a jumping jellybean.
(15 mins) Story and Inspiration: Watch the read-aloud video of 'The Candies' Last Stand', encouraging children to wiggle or act out parts as they watch.
(15 mins) Candy Escape Dance & Paint: Play some upbeat music. Call out different candy types and have the children move like that candy. Then, roll out the large craft paper, put paint on paper plates, and let the children use their hands to create a giant, chaotic, and colorful 'Candy Escape' mural.
(10 mins) Cool Down & Admire: Wind down the music. Have everyone stand back and admire their collaborative masterpiece, pointing out their favorite swirls and colors.