Fine Arts · Class 1

Active learning ideas

Using Costumes and Props in Play

Children in Class 1 connect deeply with stories when they can touch, see, and use materials that bring characters to life. Active learning through costume and prop creation lets them experiment with shapes, colours, and objects, turning abstract ideas into tangible experiences that build confidence and creativity.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• NCERT: Theatre - Stagecraft and Design - Class 7

• 25–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Role Play
• 45 min · Small Groups

Small Groups: Prop-Making Workshop

Gather recyclables like cardboard tubes and bottle caps. In small groups, students pick a prop from a story, such as a cooking spoon, sketch a quick design, then build it with glue, tape, and markers. Groups test props in a 2-minute role-play and share what works best.

What costume would you wear to pretend to be a doctor?

Facilitation Tip

During the Prop-Making Workshop, place all materials in the centre of the table so students can see and touch everything before deciding what to use.

What to look for

During a play activity, ask students: 'Show me the prop that tells me you are a chef.' Or, 'Point to the costume piece that shows you are a king.' Observe if students can correctly identify and use the items.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Role Play
• 30 min · Pairs

Pairs: Quick Costume Design

Pairs choose a character like a doctor from key questions. Using scarves, paper hats, and string, they assemble a costume. Partners wear it alternately, act a scene, and discuss how it changes their feelings and actions.

How does wearing a hat or scarf change how you feel in a story?

Facilitation Tip

For Quick Costume Design, provide old sarees, dupattas, and neckerchiefs to give children familiar textures they can drape easily.

What to look for

After students have created a prop or costume, ask: 'How does this item help you pretend to be someone else?' 'What story does this prop help you tell?' Record student responses to gauge their understanding of the item's function.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 03

• Role Play
• 40 min · Whole Class

Whole Class: Simple Set Relay

Divide class into four teams with large chart paper as backdrop. Teams take turns adding one set element, like trees from green paper or a house from boxes. Complete the set, then perform a short class story using it.

What simple prop could help you tell a story about cooking?

Facilitation Tip

In the Simple Set Relay, assign each student a small task like cutting cardboard or painting a section to keep everyone engaged.

What to look for

Provide students with a drawing of a character. Ask them to draw one prop or costume item that would help tell a story about that character. Below the drawing, they should write one word describing the character (e.g., brave, happy, tired).

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

Activity 04

• Role Play
• 25 min · Individual

Individual: Personal Prop Sketch

Each student draws their favourite prop for a story, labels colours and materials needed. Share sketches in a circle, then select one class favourite to build together. This builds from personal ideas to group work.

What costume would you wear to pretend to be a doctor?

Facilitation Tip

For the Personal Prop Sketch, give students small clipboards with plain paper so they can draw comfortably while sitting anywhere in the room.

What to look for

During a play activity, ask students: 'Show me the prop that tells me you are a chef.' Or, 'Point to the costume piece that shows you are a king.' Observe if students can correctly identify and use the items.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Social Awareness
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with familiar objects like a doctor’s coat or a chef’s hat to show how costumes spark imagination. Avoid giving exact instructions for constructing items, as open-ended tasks build problem-solving skills. Research shows that when children handle materials themselves, their engagement in storytelling increases significantly, so allow plenty of time for free exploration before structured tasks.

By the end of the activities, students will confidently use simple materials to create props and costumes that enhance storytelling. They will explain how their choices help tell a story and work together to build a set that supports their play. Look for enthusiasm in role-play and pride in their handmade items.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Prop-Making Workshop, watch for students who say, 'We need real scissors and fancy paper to make good props.'

  Remind them that newspaper and string work just as well, and compare their creations to show how resourcefulness leads to creative solutions.

• During Quick Costume Design, watch for students who believe a costume does not change how they act in a story.

  Ask them to try wearing a hat or scarf while telling a short story, then discuss how their movement and voice changed during role-play.

• During Simple Set Relay, watch for students who say, 'We don’t need a set for our small play.'

  Have them build a quick backdrop and observe how it helps the class imagine the story world during the performance.

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Methods used in this brief

• Role Play