Student Activities for Zlateh the Goat
Essential Questions for "Zlateh the Goat"
- How do relationships change during difficult times?
- Are animals able to communicate, question things, or draw conclusions? Why or why not?
- What role does trust and loyalty play in a friendship?
- Can there be a special relationship that occurs between humans and animals? Why or why not?
A Quick Synopsis of "Zlateh the Goat"
Hanukkah is right around the corner and it is unusual that snow hasn’t fallen. Reuven the furrier, a family man who makes fur garments, is not getting enough business and decides to sell Zlateh, the family goat, to the butcher. Aaron is responsible for taking Zlateh to town; his mother wipes her tears and his sisters wail over the loss of their goat. The family says goodbye to the goat and Zlateh licks their hands happily, unaware of what will happen to her.
Aaron and Zlateh walk awhile toward town. Soon, however, the weather begins to change. A large black cloud with a bluish center appears in the east and spreads itself rapidly over the sky. A dense snow begins to fall and a cold wind blows. Aaron no longer knows where he is, and he cannot see through the snow. The snow becomes thicker and thicker, and Zlateh refuses to go any farther. Aaron knows they need to find shelter quickly or they will freeze to death.
Aaron spots a hill in the distance; the hill is a haystack covered in snow. He creates a hole to enter the haystack and crawls in. Aaron and Zlateh are saved; Zlateh eats the hay all around her, and Aaron eats the small snack he brought with him. Aaron is still hungry and drinks milk straight from Zlateh’s udders.
The storm continued for three days. Aaron makes sure to poke a hole through the snow for air, he drinks from Zlateh’s udders when he is hungry, cuddles with her to keep warm, and tells her stories to pass the time. Aaron loves Zlateh like a sister.
On the fourth day, Aaron hears sleigh bells coming from the road. The peasant driving the sleigh points Aaron to the direction of his town. Aaron’s family and neighbors had been out searching for him and Zlateh, but had decided that they were lost, and were very upset. One of the neighbors rushes in to tell them Aaron is on his way home. Everyone is elated! The family never considers selling Zlateh again, and with all the snow, Reuven the furrier receives more business, allowing for delicious pancakes to be served and Hanukkah to be celebrated. Occasionally Aaron asks Zlateh if she remembers those three days together, and Zlateh responds in her usual loving way.
How Tos about Zlateh the Goat by Isaac Bashevis Singer
Create a classroom discussion circle to explore trust and loyalty in 'Zlateh the Goat.'
Gather students in a circle and assign each one a role—such as Aaron, Zlateh, Reuven, or a narrator. Encourage them to share thoughts and feelings from their character’s perspective about trust and loyalty. This helps build empathy and deeper understanding of the story’s themes.
Prepare open-ended questions for students to spark meaningful conversation.
Draft questions like, “How did Aaron’s feelings for Zlateh change during the snowstorm?” or “Why do you think Zlateh trusted Aaron?” Use these prompts to guide discussion and allow students to think critically about relationships in the story.
Set clear expectations for respectful listening and sharing.
Explain that everyone’s ideas are valued and students should listen attentively when someone is speaking. Model polite responses and encourage students to build on each other’s ideas.
Encourage students to connect story themes to their own lives.
Invite students to share experiences of trust, loyalty, or friendship with animals or people. This connection makes the story more relevant and personal for each learner.
Wrap up with a creative reflection activity.
Ask students to write or draw about a time they felt trusted by someone or showed loyalty. Share these reflections as a class to reinforce the importance of trust and loyalty, just like Aaron and Zlateh.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zlateh the Goat by Isaac Bashevis Singer
What is the main lesson students learn from 'Zlateh the Goat'?
'Zlateh the Goat' teaches students about the importance of trust, loyalty, and the bonds between humans and animals, especially during challenging times.
How can teachers use 'Zlateh the Goat' in a classroom lesson?
Teachers can use 'Zlateh the Goat' to spark discussions about relationships, empathy, and resilience. Activities like role-play, story mapping, and exploring essential questions help deepen understanding.
What are some quick activity ideas for teaching 'Zlateh the Goat'?
Quick activities include character analysis charts, creative writing prompts about trust, group discussions on human-animal friendships, and drawing story scenes.
Why is the relationship between Aaron and Zlateh significant in the story?
The relationship between Aaron and Zlateh highlights mutual support and emotional connection, showing how adversity can strengthen bonds between people and animals.
What themes can students explore when reading 'Zlateh the Goat'?
Students can explore themes such as trust, loyalty, survival, empathy, and the special relationships that form between humans and animals during difficult times.
- Hay Bale • Mary Trebilco • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
Introductory School Offer
ONLY$500
- 1 School
- 5 Teachers for One Year
- 1 Hour of Virtual PD
30 Day Money Back Guarantee • New Customers Only • Full Price After Introductory Offer • Access is for 1 Calendar Year
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office