Students will explore the story of "The Velveteen Rabbit" and identify its theme. Students can then explore others' stories to enhance the concept of theme in a narrative story. This lesson is designed to increase student attention by relating the theme of the Velveteen Rabbit to their own experiences.

LIBRARY MEDIA SKILLS OBJECTIVES
The student will:
-listen to stories read aloud and retell the tales.
-listen to a story and identify its theme.

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES:
This lesson may be included in a unit on listening and/or sequencing.

MOTIVATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
The student will:
-become interested in the research process.
-understand the importance of information skills.
-experience increased confidence in research ability.
-achieve satisfaction in research accomplishments.

Resource list
Pull-out Rabbit Template

 

Credits:

School Library Media Activities Montly Adapted for SOS by Kori Gerbig School of Information Studies Syracuse University

Sources:

School Library Media Activities Monthly December 2002; 19(4); 14-16 http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com http://www.crinkles.com

 

INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES:
-This activity may be completed by either the library media specialist or the teacher in several read aloud sessions.

ACTIVITY AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETION:
-As children are seated in a circle for story time, the tale of the Velveteen Rabbit may be shared. The book may take more than one session to read aloud and discuss. The story should be read without showing any illustrations.

-After the story, share a stuffed toy that is somewhat bedraggled.

-Discuss the theme of the book and ask students if they can identify with the boy or the rabbit. Can they retell the story? Do they have favorite toys? Introduce the pull-out rabbit to make. Students may color and complete the pull-out and write the theme of the story on the back.

-As students work on their pull-out rabbits, ask them how they picture the stuffed bunny. Now share some of the many examples of illustrated versions. Ask students to consider how people think about what they read or hear in different ways. Which versions are favored by the students?

FOLLOW-UP:
-The student may make a pull-out of his or her favorite toy.

EVALUATION:
-The student will listen to the story of The Velveteen Rabbit and identify the theme on a pull-out representing the story.

School Library Media Activities Monthly
December 2002; 19(4); 14-16
http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com
http://www.crinkles.com