Environmental Studies · Class 1

Active learning ideas

My Likes, Dislikes, and Hobbies

Children learn best when they connect new ideas to their own experiences. By starting with familiar topics like likes, dislikes, and hobbies, we help students see the value of expressing themselves clearly. This builds confidence and encourages them to listen to others with respect.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• CBSE: About Me - Class 1

• 15–25 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Placemat Activity
• 15 min · Individual

Likes and Dislikes Chart

Each child draws pictures or writes simple words for two likes and two dislikes. They colour the chart brightly. Share one with the class.

Name two activities you love to do after school.

Facilitation Tip

During Likes and Dislikes Chart, encourage students to write or draw in both columns to show balance in their preferences.

What to look for

During circle time, ask each student: 'Tell us one thing you really like to do after school and one thing you don't like. Why do you like or dislike these?' Listen for clear articulation of preferences.

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Placemat Activity
• 20 min · Whole Class

Hobby Circle Share

Children sit in a circle and take turns naming a hobby. Others nod if they share it or shake heads if not. Note common hobbies on the board.

Tell me something you enjoy doing that your friend might not like.

Facilitation Tip

For Hobby Circle Share, model active listening by asking follow-up questions like, 'That sounds interesting. What do you like most about it?'

What to look for

Provide students with a worksheet showing two boxes labelled 'My Favourite Hobby' and 'My Friend's Favourite Hobby'. Ask them to draw a picture of their hobby in the first box and ask a classmate to draw their hobby in the second box. Observe if they can identify and represent at least one hobby.

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Placemat Activity
• 20 min · Pairs

Dream Hobby Pair Talk

In pairs, children tell what they want to learn when older. They draw it together on paper. Pairs present to the class.

What do you think you would like to try or learn when you are a bit older?

Facilitation Tip

In Dream Hobby Pair Talk, remind pairs to take turns speaking for equal participation.

What to look for

Give each child a small piece of paper. Ask them to draw one thing they would like to try or learn when they are older. Collect these drawings to gauge their aspirations and future interests.

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

Activity 04

• Placemat Activity
• 25 min · Whole Class

Class Hobby Wall

Children stick drawn hobbies on a class wall. Discuss most popular ones. Vote with stickers.

Name two activities you love to do after school.

Facilitation Tip

When creating the Class Hobby Wall, assign small groups to organize the materials so everyone contributes.

What to look for

During circle time, ask each student: 'Tell us one thing you really like to do after school and one thing you don't like. Why do you like or dislike these?' Listen for clear articulation of preferences.

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Begin by sharing your own likes and dislikes to create a safe space for vulnerability. Avoid correcting students during discussions, as the goal is self-expression. Research shows that when children see their teacher model openness, they feel more comfortable sharing. Keep language simple and use visuals to support understanding. Rotate seating during pair work to ensure all students interact with different peers.

Successful learning looks like students confidently sharing their preferences and respecting others' choices. They should use simple sentences to describe their hobbies and show curiosity about their classmates' interests. Drawings and charts will help them represent ideas visually.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Likes and Dislikes Chart, watch for students who write only likes or only dislikes because they think differences create conflict.

  Encourage them to include at least one item in each column and explain that having different tastes strengthens friendships.

• During Hobby Circle Share, watch for students who dismiss others' hobbies as 'weird' or 'boring'.

  Use the opportunity to model respect by saying, 'That hobby sounds unique. Tell us more about it.'

• During Class Hobby Wall, watch for students who assume hobbies must be physical activities like games or sports.

  Point to examples of quiet hobbies like reading or drawing on the wall and say, 'These are hobbies too.'

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Methods used in this brief

• Placemat Activity