The Ugly Duckling — Standard IPC Level 2 Version

Level 2 focuses on comprehension + application—students practise skills through purposeful play and begin reflecting on choices and outcomes.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Fairy Tales
• Learning area: Language Arts / SEL
• Level: EYFS Reception

Objectives

• Retell key parts
• Answer why/how questions
• Apply skill with increased independence
• Collaborate in pairs/small groups

Materials

• Storybook
• Props/puppets/flannel
• Craft materials
• Manipulatives
• Simple graph/story map
• Fan or breath test (STEM)

Instructions

Read and discuss; add one higher-order prompt ("Why did…?"). Students complete the activity with teacher coaching: e.g., flannel retell with roles; scratch-art + kind words; engineering build-test-record; story map beginning/middle/end; number/art integration. Include a quick reflection: "What worked? What would you change?"

Educator tip

Rotate speaking turns; explicitly teach vocabulary; encourage peer talk; document outcomes with photos/quick notes.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Anecdotal notes on retell accuracy, skill performance, peer collaboration, and reflection.

More from EYFS Fairy Tales

• The Ugly Duckling — Extension/Challenge Version
• The Three Little Pigs — Sensory Story & Feeling Words
• The Three Little Pigs — Simple Retell & Hands-On Play
• The Three Little Pigs — Guided Small-Group Version
• The Three Little Pigs — Standard IPC Level 2 Version
• The Three Little Pigs — Extension/Challenge Version
• The Three Billy Goats Gruff — Sensory Story & Feeling Words
• The Three Billy Goats Gruff — Simple Retell & Hands-On Play