Student Activities for My Father's Dragon
Essential Questions For My Father's Dragon
- Why do we hand stories down to the next generation?
- How are points of view different between people?
A Quick Synopsis of My Father's Dragon
My Father’s Dragon is narrated by a young child telling the story of his father, Elmer Elevator, rescuing a baby dragon.
One day, Elmer Elevator meets an alley cat. He offers to take the cat to his home to give him shelter and milk, but his mother refuses to let the cat stay in the house. Despite not being able to keep the cat in the house, Elmer and the cat become good friends. The cat asks Elmer if he would like to fly, but not in an airplane. Elmer says he would love to be able to fly away to anywhere he desires. The cat tells Elmer about his trip to Wild Island, where a baby dragon is held captive and forced to transport the locals and cargo from one side of the river to the other. Elmer decides he will venture to Wild Island and rescue the dragon. Together, the cat and Elmer pack all the necessities for the trip. Elmer stows away on a ship and reaches the Island of Tangerina.
On the island, Elmer collects many tangerines, which he keeps in his knapsack with his other supplies. He sets off at night to cross the Ocean Rocks (the Ocean Rocks link the Island of Tangerina with Wild Island). When he arrives on Wild Island, Elmer finds he is not wanted, and has been labeled an ‘invasion’. Elmer tries to take the quickest route to the dragon, but he is blocked by many animals: seven tigers, a rhino, a lion, a gorilla, and six monkeys. He uses his wits and the supplies in his knapsack to get by each of the obstacles.
When Elmer reaches the river, he knows he has to get across, both because that is where the dragon is being held, and because he is being chased by the wild animals of the Island. Elmer cannot get across the river without the help of the crocodiles, but all they want to do is eat Elmer. He comes up with a plan. He gives a lollipop to a crocodile and then ties another onto his tail. He soon creates a chain of crocodiles, all tied up, eating lollipops. Elmer runs across the backs of the crocodiles to get to the dragon. While he is cutting off the rope tied around the dragons neck, the other animals attempt to cross the crocodiles backs, but the chain of crocodiles moves toward the middle of the river and all the animals chasing Elmer are stuck. Elmer frees the dragon and they fly off, away from Wild Island, forever.
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How Tos about My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
How to lead a character traits exploration using My Father's Dragon
Guide students to identify character traits by focusing on Elmer Elevator’s actions and decisions throughout the story. Ask students to cite specific examples and explain how those moments reveal Elmer’s personality.
Create a class chart of Elmer’s strengths and challenges
List Elmer’s strengths (like bravery and creativity) and challenges (such as obstacles he faces) on a large chart. Invite students to contribute their observations for a collaborative, visual summary.
Encourage students to compare themselves to Elmer
Ask students to write or discuss a time they faced a problem and how they solved it. Connect their experiences to Elmer’s resourcefulness, helping students relate personally to the story.
Facilitate a group discussion on character growth
Lead students in discussing how Elmer changes during his adventure. Prompt them to use story evidence and reflect on how challenges can help people grow.
Assign a creative project illustrating Elmer’s traits
Invite students to draw, write, or storyboard scenes showing Elmer’s character traits. Encourage thoughtful captions and details to reinforce their understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
What is the main theme of My Father's Dragon?
My Father's Dragon centers around themes of courage, resourcefulness, and friendship. Elmer Elevator's rescue mission teaches children the value of problem-solving and helping others, even in challenging situations.
How can I use My Father's Dragon in a classroom lesson?
You can use My Father's Dragon for read-aloud sessions, creative writing prompts, character analysis, and problem-solving activities. The story's adventure and imaginative plot make it accessible for group discussions and critical thinking exercises in elementary grades.
What are some engaging activities for students based on My Father's Dragon?
Popular activities include story mapping, role-playing, creating rescue plans, drawing Wild Island, and discussing character traits. These activities help students explore narrative structure, teamwork, and empathy through hands-on learning.
Why is My Father's Dragon considered a good read-aloud for young children?
My Father's Dragon is praised for its humor, imaginative adventure, and relatable main character. Its simple language and short chapters make it ideal for engaging young listeners and encouraging early reading skills.
What lessons can students learn from Elmer Elevator's journey?
Students can learn creative problem-solving, perseverance, and empathy from Elmer's actions. The story encourages children to think critically and compassionately when facing obstacles.
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