CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3 - Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges

• 1Students will identify and describe the main character's emotions throughout the story
• 2Students will connect the theme of imagination to their own experiences
• 3Students will demonstrate comprehension through creative dinosaur-themed activities

• Copy of 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak
• Dinosaur puppet or stuffed toy for storytime
• Large chart paper for class discussion
• Dinosaur-themed writing paperPrintable
• Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
• Wild Thing headband craft templatePrintable
• Dinosaur footprint cutoutsPrintable
• Emotion word cardsPrintable

Begin by showing students a dinosaur puppet and asking: "If you could go on a wild adventure with this dinosaur, where would you go?" Allow 2-3 students to share their ideas. Then introduce the book by explaining: "Today we're going to read about a boy named Max who goes on the wildest adventure of all - and our dinosaur friend is going to help us understand his journey!" Show the book cover and ask students to predict what the 'Wild Things' might be. Record predictions on chart paper.

Observe student participation during discussion and timeline activity. Review Wild Thing drawings and writing for evidence of comprehension and creativity. Use a simple rubric to assess: 1) Can identify Max's emotions, 2) Can connect story to personal experiences, 3) Demonstrates understanding through creative work.

For struggling readers: Provide sentence starters for writing activity ("My Wild Thing is ___ and we would ___"). Pair with a reading buddy during discussion. For advanced learners: Challenge them to write a sequel paragraph where Max returns to the Wild Things with a dinosaur friend. Ask them to identify themes in the story. For ELL students: Pre-teach key vocabulary (wild, terrible, gnash, roar). Provide visual supports and allow drawing as primary response.

Gather students in a circle. Pass the dinosaur puppet around and have each student share one word that describes how Max felt during his adventure. End by asking: 'What did Max learn about home and imagination?' Remind students that like Max, they can go on wild adventures in their imagination anytime!

Draw a picture of yourself having an adventure with Max and the Wild Things. Write one sentence about what you would do together. Share with a family member and ask them about their favorite childhood book.

Consider extending this lesson into a week-long unit exploring imagination in children's literature. Connect to science standards by comparing Wild Things to real animals. Drama extension: Students act out the Wild Rumpus scene.