TWO CLASS SESSIONS ABOUT THE TALE “ELMER”.

Session 1

Time: 45 minutes

Agerange: 5 to 12.

Subjects: Intercultural Education and Science.

1 The teacher plays the video called “Elmer”, a tale written by David Mckee 8:30’

Or if she/he prefers, it can be read (attached).

2 After that, she asks the following comprehension questions:

a) Can you describe how the elephants are similar / different?

b) How does Elmer feel about being different?

c) Why did he decide to paint himself grey with berry juice?

c) How do other elephants feel about Elmer?

d) How did they feel when he turned grey?

e) How did they decide to decorate themselves on one day a year?

3 Write an invitation to the other elephants, asking them to celebrate this day.

4 There are lots of adverbs in the story, e.g. absolutely, quietly, usually... Can you find any more? Can you describe what adverbs are? Can you make some sentences which include adverbs?

5 Now we are going to talk about what happens when someone feels himself different:

a) Do you like to be different?

b) Do you think it is easy? Is it fun?

c) Does it produce problems?

d) How can we celebrate our differences like the elephants do on Elmer Day?

e) An old elephant says to Elmer "It didn't take you long to show your true colours." Discuss with your classmate what this expression means.

f) Use the 'Elephant Expressions' sheet(attached)to tell your classhow to express these different emotions.

Session 2

Time: 45 minutes

Agerange: 5 to 12.

Subjects:Intercultural Education andArts and Crafs.

Age range: 5 to 8:

  1. Take an Elmer image (attached) and colour it by numbers. Or cut squares coloured shiny paper and glue them onto it.
  2. After that, all works are exhibited in the classroom and we enjoy so much colour.
  3. Students will learn to explore visual works and appreciate the differences which make us all unique.

Age range: 9 to 12

  1. Print on a black card Elmer pattern (attached) as a template and take a grocery bag.Start with this bag, cut apart, to use as the canvas because the colour of the paper bag has a good colouring to resemble the elephant before adding a colourful coat
  1. Trace around an elephant shaped template.
  1. Cut up a sponge into little squares/rectangles and set each one in a dab of paint
  1. Cut out the elephant shape from the paper bag and place it on another paper bag for painting.
  1. Then start sponge painting the elephant.
  1. Now our brown elephant has a colourful patchwork coat just like Elmer!!!
  1. When dry, you can stick on a black card and cut leaving a little edge to frame, and thus make a nice picture to be exposed in the class with the rest of the class jobs!
  1. Students will learn to explore visual works and appreciate the differences which make us all unique.

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