Monsters are Make-Believe

Designed by: Virginia P. Riddle, AC Moore

Grade Level: Kindergarten     Subject: Reading

1) Core Curriculum Objective: Distinguish between real and make-believe.  (K-AL-5)

2) Overview:    Teacher will lead students in a discussion of real vs. make-believe. Teacher will give examples of real and make believe and write them on two labeled charts. Students will provide additional examples to add to the charts. The teacher will then read the story, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. After reading the story and discussing monsters as make-believe creatures, the students will create their own monster vests and dance to the tune, "Monster Mash".

3) Purpose/Essential Questions:

What are some things that are real?

What are some things that are make-believe?

4) Time frame: three thirty minute class reading periods

5) Resources:

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Recording of "The Monster Mash" by

Large brown paper bags

Markers

Items to decorate monster vests

Chart paper

6) Assessment:

Given the following items, students will decide if they are real or make-believe.

      Tigers could go to school.

      The children could watch television.

      A monkey could read a book.

      Dogs could meow.

      Mother could cook an apple pie.

      People fly with just their arms.

      People ride in a car.

      A bear sleeps in pajamas.

Score answers with the following rubric.

7) Instructional Activity #1

Teacher will display two charts labeled "Real" and "Make-believe". Teacher will begin discussing real and make-believe with the students. Examples of real and make-believe will be given and written on the appropriate charts.

            Ducks wear shoes.

            Dogs swim in water.

            Children run and play.

            Pigs wear clothes.

            Monsters live under beds.

            Elephants talk.

The teacher will lead students in giving additional examples for the charts.

Instructional Activity #2

The teacher will review the real and make-believe charts with students. Teacher will then read Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak to the students and discuss the fact that monsters are make-believe with them.

Instructional Activity #3

Students will make "Monster Vests" out of large brown paper bags. After discussing real and make-believe and reviewing charts again, students will put on their vests and dance to the tune, "Monster Mash".

Extensions

Cooking - Make cookies and decorate with monster faces.

Science - Using a sheet as a backdrop and a projection light, let children use old hats capes, feathers, etc. to dress up and create monster shadows.