Alice originally comes across the poem when she realizes she’s entered the world on the other side of the looking glass. She holds a mirror up to the poem and reads it, but it does not make total sense to her. The original first stanza was published by Carroll in 1855 as “Stanza of Anglo Saxon Poetry”. From this first stanza, he incorporated the story of the slaying of the evil Jabberwock, and the son who triumphantly returns home to his father. While many believe that Carroll was inspired by local Sunderland legend of the Lambton Worm, the poem really highlights the themes of good versus evil, and the desire for parental approval.
Student Activities for Jabberwocky
![Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll - Literary Elements in "The Jabberwocky"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-cells/2375996/cell-col-0-row-0-w400.png "Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll - Literary Elements in "The Jabberwocky"")
Essential Questions for Jabberwocky
- How important is exact language in writing?
- How can context help us understand the meaning of words?
- What are some ways that we try to prove ourselves to others?
- What are legends, and where do they come from?
Brief Synopsis of Jabberwocky
The first and last stanzas are seemingly in gibberish, but many scholars agree that the stanzas provide a setting in the woods in the evening, with various animals moving and making noise. The second stanza begins with a father warning his son of a monster with sharp teeth and claws called the Jabberwock; he also warns him of the Jubjub bird and the Bandersnatch. The son takes up his sword and seeks out the monsters. He rests by the Tumtum tree when suddenly the Jabberwock appears. The son cuts down the Jabberwock and takes his head back to his father, where his father receives him into his arms with joy at the boy’s triumph.
How Tos about Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
Engage students with a creative nonsense word activity inspired by Jabberwocky
Encourage students to invent their own nonsense words just like Lewis Carroll. Give them a theme or let them choose one, then ask them to create new words and define them with context clues. This builds vocabulary skills and sparks imagination!
Introduce the activity by exploring examples from the poem
Share some of Carroll’s creative words like 'brillig', 'slithy', and 'gyre' from the poem. Discuss what students think they could mean based on context. This helps students feel comfortable making up their own!
Guide students to create and illustrate their own words
Ask each student to invent a new word and draw a picture that represents it. Display their words and illustrations on a class bulletin board or in a digital slideshow for everyone to enjoy.
Facilitate a sharing session to decode invented words
Invite students to present their words and challenge classmates to guess their meanings using context clues. Celebrate creative thinking and reinforce the importance of context in understanding language!
Connect the activity to real-world vocabulary development
Wrap up by discussing how authors sometimes invent words and how we use clues to unlock meaning. Relate this to learning new vocabulary in daily life and encourage curiosity about language.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
What is the poem Jabberwocky about?
Jabberwocky is a playful, nonsensical poem by Lewis Carroll about a young hero who slays a fearsome creature called the Jabberwock, earning his father's praise. The poem is famous for its imaginative language and themes of bravery and good versus evil.
How can I teach Jabberwocky to elementary students?
To teach Jabberwocky to elementary students, focus on reading the poem aloud, discussing its made-up words, and exploring themes like heroism and imagination. Use activities such as vocabulary games, context clues, and creative storytelling to make the lesson engaging.
What are some quick lesson ideas for Jabberwocky?
Quick lesson ideas for Jabberwocky include word decoding challenges, illustrating scenes, rewriting stanzas in plain English, and comparing the poem to legends or fairy tales. These activities help students understand context and creativity in poetry.
Why is Jabberwocky considered nonsense poetry?
Jabberwocky is considered nonsense poetry because it uses invented words, whimsical sounds, and playful language that challenge conventional meaning. This style encourages readers to use imagination and context clues to interpret the poem.
How does context help students understand Jabberwocky’s made-up words?
Context helps students understand Jabberwocky's made-up words by providing clues from surrounding text, illustrations, and tone. Discussing what’s happening in each stanza lets students infer meanings even when the vocabulary is unfamiliar.
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