Student Activities for The Tiger Rising
Essential Questions for The Tiger Rising
- What does the tiger represent?
- How does Rob change throughout the story?
- Why did the author choose The Tiger Rising as the title?
- How do Rob and Sistine help each other overcome their sadness?
The Tiger Rising Summary
Rob and his mother had a special bond. She was kind and loving, and when she died of cancer when Rob was only twelve, his life was turned upside down. At his mother’s funeral, Rob’s father made it clear that crying was not an option, so Rob learned to bury his feelings deep inside, packing them away in a “suitcase” along with his belongings when they moved. To get away from the painful memories, Rob’s father moves them to a new town in Florida and gets a job as a maintenance worker at the motel where they live.
One day, while walking in the woods behind the motel, Rob sees a real tiger locked up in a cage. He cannot believe his eyes, and assumes it belongs to the motel’s owner, Beauchamp. When he gets on the bus to school that day, he is greeted by the mean and nasty Threemonger brothers, Norton and Billy. The boys make fun of the rash on Rob’s legs, and call him names. As usual, Rob ignores the boys, and when a new girl named Sistine Bailey gets on the bus, Rob can’t help but notice that she belongs there even less than he does. Sistine is angry and tough, and makes it known to all that she does not plan to stay in Lister with her mother; her father will be back to get her any day now.
Rob is called down to Principal Phelmer’s office, and the two discuss the rash on Rob’s legs. While Rob knows it will not go away and isn’t contagious, Mr. Phelmer is worried that it will spread. He asks Rob to stay home until it clears up, and Rob could not be happier. While he is home, Rob helps his father with work around the motel, and befriends Willie May, the motel’s housekeeper. When Rob asks her if she thinks animals should be caged, Willie May shares her story of her old bird, Cricket, whom she let free and worried about his survival on his own. When Rob tells Sistine about the tiger, she insists that they let it go.
When Beauchamp tells Rob about the tiger and offers to pay him to feed it, Rob cannot believe that he now has the keys to let the tiger loose. After much thought, Rob and Sistine do just that, and as the tiger is running away, they hear a gunshot in the distance. When Rob learns that his father has shot and killed the tiger, he gets angry and then begins to sob. Both he and his father cry for the tiger, for Rob’s mother, and for all of the pain that they have packed away in a suitcase for so long. Although he is sad for the tiger, Rob feels better after releasing his feelings, and has hope for the future for the first time in a long time.
How Tos about The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo
Engage students with a creative tiger symbolism art project
Inspire deeper understanding by assigning an art activity where students visually represent what the tiger symbolizes in Rob’s life and the story. Encourage them to use colors, shapes, and imagery that reflect emotions, freedom, and healing. This helps students connect personally with the novel’s themes and express their interpretations beyond words.
Discuss symbolism and brainstorm ideas as a class
Open a class discussion about what the tiger means to different characters and how symbols create deeper meaning in stories. List emotions, concepts, and events tied to the tiger on the board so students have inspiration for their artwork.
Guide students to sketch their ideas before finalizing
Have students draft a quick sketch of their symbolism project before starting on their final piece. Offer feedback and encourage unique perspectives to help them refine their work and connect it clearly to the story’s themes.
Support students as they create their artwork
Provide materials and encouragement as students work on their tiger symbolism art. Remind them to focus on expressing emotions and story connections through their creative choices.
Facilitate presentations and reflections to deepen learning
Invite students to share their finished artwork with the class and explain their symbolism. Lead a reflection discussion on how visual art can help us understand literature and ourselves more deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo
What is The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo about?
The Tiger Rising is a novel about a boy named Rob who, after losing his mother, moves to Florida and discovers a caged tiger in the woods. The story explores themes of loss, friendship, and emotional healing as Rob befriends Sistine and learns to express his feelings.
What does the tiger symbolize in The Tiger Rising?
The tiger in The Tiger Rising symbolizes Rob's hidden emotions, loss, and the struggle to express feelings. It represents hope, courage, and the power of letting go.
How can I teach The Tiger Rising in my classroom?
Teachers can use discussion questions, character analysis, and creative activities like storyboards to engage students with the themes of loss and friendship in The Tiger Rising. Focus on emotional development and empathy through group work and art projects.
What are some essential questions for teaching The Tiger Rising?
Essential questions include: What does the tiger represent? How does Rob change throughout the story? Why did the author choose this title? How do Rob and Sistine help each other overcome sadness?
How does Rob change throughout The Tiger Rising?
Rob changes by moving from emotional isolation to openness. Through his friendship with Sistine and his experiences with the tiger, he learns to express his feelings, confront loss, and grow stronger.
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