Pax Lesson Plan: Exploring Feelings, Friendship & Point of View

Engage students with Sara Pennypacker's 'Pax' using this detailed lesson plan. Explore themes of friendship, separation, character feelings (Peter and Pax), and point of view through reading aloud, discussion prompts, and creative activities designed to foster empathy and reading comprehension.

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Exploring Feelings and Friendship: A 'Pax' Adventure

This lesson focuses on understanding characters and perspective using the book 'Pax'.

Introduction (5-10 minutes)

Start by asking: "Have you ever had a very special animal friend? How did that friendship feel?" Introduce the book 'Pax' by Sara Pennypacker. Show the cover. "This story is about a boy named Peter and his fox, Pax. They have a very strong bond, but something happens to separate them. Let's start reading to find out more."

Reading Aloud (15-20 minutes)

Read the first 2-3 chapters of 'Pax' aloud. Use expressive tones, trying to capture the emotions of the scenes. If possible, use slightly different voices or tones when reading sections from Peter's perspective versus Pax's perspective. Pause briefly if the student has questions or reactions, but keep the flow going.

Discussion (10-15 minutes)

After reading, discuss the chapters. Use questions like:

  • "Wow, a lot happened already! How do you think Peter was feeling when he had to leave Pax? What makes you say that?"
  • "How do you think Pax felt being left alone? What clues did the author give us?"
  • (Use the optional figures if you have them to represent who is being discussed).
  • "Did you notice how sometimes we knew what Peter was thinking, and other times we knew what Pax was thinking and seeing? That's called 'point of view'. The author helps us understand both of them."
  • "Why do you think Peter's dad made him leave Pax?" (Focus on understanding character motivation).

Activity: Feelings & Predictions (15 minutes)

Give the student a piece of paper and drawing supplies.

  1. Ask them to fold the paper in half.
  2. On one side, write "Peter's Feelings" at the top. On the other side, write "Pax's Feelings".
  3. "Let's draw (or write words) to show the main feelings Peter had in these chapters." Discuss ideas (sad, scared, worried, maybe angry?).
  4. "Now let's do the same for Pax." Discuss ideas (confused, scared, loyal, determined?).
  5. Turn the paper over. Ask: "What do you think will happen next? What will Peter try to do? What will Pax do? Draw or write your prediction."

Wrap-up (5 minutes)

Have the student share their drawings and prediction. Briefly recap: "Today we met Peter and Pax, saw how much they care for each other, and felt how sad their separation was. We also saw things from both Peter's and Pax's point of view. I wonder if your prediction will come true! We'll have to read more next time." Praise their thoughtful responses and drawings.