Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand and appreciate the story of Mr. Popper's Penguins.
Materials and Prep
- A copy of the book "Mr. Popper's Penguins" by Richard and Florence Atwater
- Paper and pencils
- Coloring materials
- Internet access (optional)
Activities
- Read aloud: Begin by reading the first chapter of "Mr. Popper's Penguins" together. Encourage the student to follow along and ask questions if something is unclear.
- Character exploration: Discuss the main character, Mr. Popper, and his love for penguins. Ask the student to draw a picture of Mr. Popper and write a short description of his personality based on what they have learned so far.
- Penguin research: Use the internet (if available) or books to research different types of penguins. Have the student choose their favorite type and draw a picture of it, labeling its unique features.
- Act it out: Select a key scene from the book and have the student act it out. This can be a fun way to bring the story to life and encourage creativity.
- Sequencing activity: Write down the main events of the story on separate pieces of paper and mix them up. Have the student put the events in the correct order, discussing why each event is important for the overall plot.
Talking Points
- Mr. Popper is a man who loves penguins and dreams of having one as a pet.
- He receives a surprise package from Admiral Drake, a famous explorer, which contains a penguin named Captain Cook.
- Mr. Popper's life changes as he learns to take care of the penguin and more penguins join his household.
- The Popper family starts performing with the penguins to earn money and go on adventures.
- The story is about friendship, family, and following your dreams.