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Marjan the Magnificent
Objective: Students will be able to explain in writing how war can affect our
animal friends. Using Marjan’s name as an acrostic poem they will be able
to share the effects of war on animals.
(Day 1)
Into: How do
wars start? Read the Sneetches by Dr. Suess. Students will do a “quick
write” (a short paragraph) on what the problem in the story was. (The Star
Belly Sneetches and the Plain Belly Sneetches both thought the were better than
the other.)
(Day 2)
How do wars escalate? Read The Butter
Battle Book by Dr. Suess. Students will draw a story map that shows how the
weapons kept getting bigger and more out of control. The Zooks and the Yooks
could not agree about the best way to eat bread and butter...butter side up or
butter side down.
(Day 3)
Through: How do wars effect other
things than grown people? Read The Cherry Tree by Dauisaka Ikeda.
Students will keep a list of animals as the story is read that shows
how war had effected them and how the cherry tree helped the village and the
animals heal from the war. Introduce Marjan’s memorial. Make copies of the
epitaph and memories of the lion. Talk about what the reporter said about
him.
Why do you think that lion was important enough to be given such
tributes? Who helped him? Why did they help him?
How would you help
Marjan of other animal that was a victim of war?
What could we do as a
class to help an animal from New York or Washington?
As a tribute to
Marjan students will write an acrostic poem using his name. For each letter or
phrase, think of a word that might be used to tell Marjan’s story. Post
the poems on Rainbows Bridge.
Beyond: Go to Rainbows Bridge and find a
new resident. Make an acrostic poem for that fur baby and send it e-mail to the
people parents.
In case acrostic poetry is a form you aren't familiar
with, here is a sample of how it works (not a good one I'm afraid :-):
Magnificent, mighty warrior, removed from his home far away.
Always proud,
Regal
Just awaiting a crowd to
visit him that day.
All that hurt and sadness he beared from a war
he did not create.
Now he is healed, safe and warm with his Quanni,
forever.
References of animals that can be used
for the curriculum:
Marjan the
Lion
World Trade
Center Furbabies
Vietnam Fur
Soldier
Cello - K9
Police Officer |