Maurice
Sendak’s book, Where the Wild Things Are
can be used to teach many different skills and fun activities that can be
stretched across the curriculum. The
following are some exciting activities using Where the Wild Things Are that
can be altered to fit different age groups while still being educational.
Character
Education: “Why Be a Wild Thing?”
The
story is a great way to introduce a discussion on emotions and how to handle
them. After reading the book, ask students if they know what emotions are. Allow time for students to answer. Then, explain that emotions are feeling. Once you have explain what emotions are, ask
students if they have ever been angry like Max and if they have, how did they
handle that anger. You can have them
look at the consequences of Max’s behavior-being sent to his room without
supper. Then brainstorm with them things
that they could do differently.
Social Studies: “Where are the Wild Things?”
Have
students design their own world map or globe. The model must include the 5
oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic) and at least two
continents that actually exist. Then, allow them to create their own “Land of
the Wild Things” on their map. Older students can make their model 3-D.
Science: “And a Forest
Grew”
Have
your students grow their own forest.
Students can do something as simple as plant seeds in paper cups and
watch them grow. If you want to do
something on a larger scale, you can plant a classroom garden in a designated
spot outside.
Art: “Create a Wild
Thing”
Students
can draw and paint pictures of what they think a wild thing is. They can also use pictures from the internet
or various magazines to create their own “wild thing”.
Language Art: “Wild Review”
Once
the students have read “Where the Wild Things Are”, have them practice their
writing skills by either doing a book review.
Have students include the story elements such as plot, setting, and
theme. They can rate the book on a scale
of 1 to 5 with 1 being not interesting at all and 5 being very interesting.
“Wild about Books”
Students
can also write their own children’s story.
The book can be about wild animals or how to deal with different
emotions. Their story should also include fun illustrations.
Music: “Wild Rumpus”
Students
can make their own rumpus. Let them use
different musical instruments to make some fun “wild rumpus” of their own
during playtime or music class.
Where the Wild Things
Are
is an unforgettable children’s book. It
can be used to teach students about anger management, geography, plant growth,
and how to write book reviews.
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