Where the Wild Things Are

Title:  Where the Wild Things Are

Story and Pictures by Maurice Sendak

 

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Subjects: Art, Drama, Dance, Writing, Language Arts

Objectives: Character analysis, verbs, autobiography, presentation, creativity, comprehension 

Grade(s): Any Grade

Materials Needed: Depending on the activity you may need: paper, crayons or colored pencils, or other types of art material (colored chalk, paint, etc.), scissors, music, “Where the Wild Things Are” dvd, or other materials.

 Brief Description: This is a great book to use at the beginning of the year as a “Get to know you” ice breaker.  It also introduces presentation.  The lesson can be adapted depending on the age of the children.  The activities could be more in depth for older children, and simpler for younger children.  It can be used to teach character analysis and/or encourage creativity and critical thinking skills all while having fun with art, drama, and dance.  It can also be used as part of a lesson plan for an autobiography.

Lesson:

1.   HOOK: (Get the students interested.  Chances are they have read this book before).  Put a mask on your face that you made previously.  The mask should be a “Wild Thing” created by you.  The mask should indicate your own personality.

2.   While wearing the mask- read the book to the students.

3.   Talk about the book.  What happened?  Who were the characters?  Talk about Max’s character.  Why was he upset? What was his personality?  How did the “Wild Things” react to Max? etc.

Choose one or more from the following activities:

4.   Art Integration Activity: Have students create their own “Wild Things” mask.  For younger children you could have them color/draw their favorite animal, food, etc.   You may want to have pre-cut masks for younger children. For older children, encourage more creativity.  Students can tell a story about themselves in how they design their mask.   

5.   Dance Integration Activity: This is a great activity when talking about verbs or vocabulary in the book.  Some vocabulary words include: mischief, tumbled, gnashed, tamed, frightened, and rumpus.  Talk about what the words mean.  Put students in groups and give each group a vocabulary word.  Have each group come up with a dance that describes their vocabulary word.  Have the groups perform the dance in front of the class.

6.   Writing: Use the mask and book as part of a unit on writing an autobiography.  This lesson could be used as character development of yourself.

7.   Drama Integration Activity: Have students present themselves and their personalities using their masks.  To integrate more dramatics into the lesson- have students act out their “Wild Thing” story.

8.   Technology Integration: If you school allows it, you could watch the movie, “Where the Wild Things Are.”  This can be viewed before or after the activities.  If viewed before, it might be best to pause the movie throughout to talk about the characters and their personalities.  Why did they do certain things? Etc.

At Home Use:  You can use any of the classroom ideas with your children at home, or you can make a family of "Wild Things" using materials you have at home such as ribbons, sticks, leaves, etc.  You could also have a "Wild Thing" party and make "Wild Thing" food, and have a "Wild Thing" dance.