The Wonder of the CircusThe Wonder of the Circus

The Magic of the Big TopThe Magic of the Big Top

The Wonder of the Circus is a series of free, downloadable resources produced by Circus Starr. Each title explores a different aspect of the circus, helping children understand, enjoy and engage with this unique and magical art form. The resources aim to help foster a life-long appreciation of the performing arts as well as open new doors into other arts and cultural experiences. Activities can be used by classroom practitioners and parents.

The Magic of the Big Top is the first in a new series of resources produced for classroom practitioners and parents to help prepare a child for a trip to Circus Starr. Aimed at KS1 and KS2 children with differentiated activities to include children

with Special Educational Needs.

Key ObjectivesTo find out about some of the acts in the circus.

Whole Class Activities

PICTURES Children can draw a picture of what they imagine a circus looks like. This could

include the big top and some of the acts they may see today.

Different mediums could be used to convey the colours and vibrancy of the circus such as

pencil crayons, pens, paints, collaging.

POSTERS Traditionally, circuses put up posters all over the towns they were performing in a

few weeks before the show (resource 2). Ask the children to design a Circus Poster

illustrating some of the acts they hope will be appearing.

Show the children a range of recent circus photographs (resource 1) and old circus posters

(resource 2) illustrating some different circus acts (past and present).

What might they see at the circus nowadays? (acrobats, clowns, trapeze artists).

Discuss the differences between past and present and why today there are very few animals

involved in the circus.

Circus Starr includes no animals in any of its acts.

Curriculum subjects and areas covered by the end of this lesson include:

• English – using the spoken language.

• Art and Design - Using drawing and painting to share their ideas, experiences and

imagination (KS1)

• Art and Design - to improve their mastery of techniques, such as drawing and painting

with materials (e.g. pencil, charcoal, paint) (KS2)

Independent Activities

Suitable for KS1 or KS2 The Magic of the Big Top

Plenary

Children can share their pictures and posters and explain why they have chosen to present it

in that way.

Resources

Photographs of the circus (resource 1). Circus posters (resource 2)

Success Criteria

Children can identify different circus acts.

They can portray circus acts in a picture.

Circus Starr is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation also known as 'the circus with a purpose'. With world class performers, aerialists, acrobats, dancers and entertainers from across the globe, it prides itself on creating a magical show that captures the hearts and minds of the youngest to the oldest members of the audience.

Circus Starr operates a unique Donated Ticket Programme that enables thousands of children to attend free circus shows ever year thanks to the generous support of local businesses who, in turn, enjoy the opportunity to ‘give back’ to their communities.

Resource written by Charlie Lacy, BSc (Hons), EYPS, PGcert, PGCE for Circus Starr.

Starr in the Community CIC, registered in England & Wales, registered company no. 7477542

Registered o�ce: Dane Mill, Broadhurst Lane, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1LATelephone: 01260 288690 www.circus-starr.org.uk

Suitable for KS1 or KS2 The Magic of the Big Top

Resource 1

Resource written by Charlie Lacy, BSc (Hons), EYPS, PGcert, PGCE for Circus Starr.

Starr in the Community CIC, registered in England & Wales, registered company no. 7477542

Registered o�ce: Dane Mill, Broadhurst Lane, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1LATelephone: 01260 288690 www.circus-starr.org.uk

Suitable for KS1 or KS2 The Magic of the Big Top

Resource 1ctd

Suitable for KS1 or KS2 The Magic of the Big Top

Resource 2

Suitable for KS1 or KS2 The Magic of the Big Top