This book is a great way to introduce key lessons to elementary students, including comparing and contrasting, picking up on key themes, and analyzing vocabulary words. Including storyboards in these activities will enhance creativity and comprehension due to the visual nature of storyboarding!
Student Activities for Amos and Boris
Amos and Boris Summary
A mouse named Amos lives on land near the ocean. He loves the ocean and wonders about the faraway places across the water. He decides to build a boat so he can venture across the sea. Amos works extremely hard on his boat and when it is finished he loads it with all the necessities a little mouse would need to navigate the seas.
On the sixth of September, Amos decides to set sail. With all his strength he pushes the boat into the water and starts his journey on the Rodent. After only one day of seasickness, Amos, proves to be a natural sailor.
One night, little Amos, who was overwhelmed by the beauty of his surroundings, rolls right off the deck of his boat! The boat evades his grasp and he is stuck treading water alone in the big ocean. He thinks about his options and decides to just stay afloat and hope that something would save him.
The next day, Amos, who is still alone wonders what it would be like if he drown. He feels very bad for himself until a giant creature looms out of the water. It is a whale named Boris. Boris and Amos introduce themselves and Amos asks if Boris could bring him to shore. Boris, being a very nice whale, agrees to help Amos and they start off on their journey back to shore.
On their journey, Boris and Amos talk about everything. They develop a deep admiration for one another. Boris delivers Amos to shore and they discuss how they are going to miss each other and how they wish they could be friends forever. They decide that they will be friends forever but one has to live on land and one has to live in the sea. Amos is so grateful to Boris for saving his life that he tells Boris if he ever needs help that he will be there for him. Neither one knew how Amos could ever help the big whale.
Many years later, a hurricane comes and washes Boris on to the shore. Boris cannot get back into the water. He sees Amos and cries for help. Amos runs away and comes back with two elephants that push Boris back into the ocean. Amos’ quick thinking saved Boris. Amos and Boris say what could be their final goodbyes but each one knew that they would be friends forever.
How Tos about Amos and Boris by William Steig
Engage students with creative friendship letters based on Amos and Boris
Introduce the activity: Explain to students that they'll write letters as if they're Amos or Boris, sharing thoughts and feelings about their friendship journey. This helps deepen understanding of character perspectives.
Assign character roles for letter writing
Invite each student to choose to be Amos or Boris. Encourage them to think about what their character might feel and want to say to their friend. This enables students to empathize with both characters.
Guide brainstorming of key friendship moments
Have students list important events from the story where friendship was shown. Suggest focusing on moments like saving each other or saying goodbye. This reinforces story comprehension and theme analysis.
Support drafting heartfelt letters using story details
Encourage students to use specific events and feelings from the book in their letters. Remind them to express gratitude, loyalty, and hopes for their friendship. This builds writing skills and emotional literacy.
Share and reflect to celebrate friendship
Allow students to read their letters aloud or share in small groups. Facilitate a discussion on what makes a strong friendship, connecting their writing to real-life relationships. This fosters classroom community and personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Amos and Boris by William Steig
What is the main theme of Amos and Boris by William Steig?
The main theme of Amos and Boris is friendship and loyalty. The story shows how two very different characters help each other and build a lasting bond, highlighting the importance of kindness and support.
How can teachers use Amos and Boris in elementary classrooms?
Teachers can use Amos and Boris for lessons on comparing and contrasting characters, identifying key themes, and exploring vocabulary. Activities like storyboarding help students visualize the story and deepen their understanding.
What are some creative activities for teaching Amos and Boris?
Creative activities include making storyboards to retell events, comparing Amos and Boris with Venn diagrams, discussing the story's themes, and exploring vocabulary through context clues and group discussions.
Why is Amos and Boris a good book for teaching friendship?
Amos and Boris is ideal for teaching friendship because it shows characters from different worlds helping each other, modeling empathy, gratitude, and loyalty—key traits for positive relationships in school and life.
What lesson plans are available for Amos and Boris?
Lesson plans for Amos and Boris often include storyboard activities, theme analysis, character comparison, vocabulary exploration, and group discussions to encourage creativity and comprehension.
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