This spring, our young learners ages 3+ read the classic story, "Where the Wild Things Are" as a preschool book club. Each page was studied through a social-emotional lens and followed with fun, hands-on, interactive activities to complete.
Story Study commenced each week with one of our classrooms transforming into a "forest of imagination" similar to the one created by the main character, Max. Preschoolers played the part of Max by wearing his staple white wolf ears and t-shirt. Classmates then circled together for group discussions on identifying feelings and emotions. A stuffed animal “wild thing” was utilized as a tool to provide children the opportunity to express their feelings, favorite part of the book, encourage imagination and more. Afterwards, all listened intently to a read-aloud and specific vocabulary from the book were defined. To conclude each session, a craft or project to promote creativity, imagination and comprehension was incorporated.
WEEK 1 ACTIVITY:
Crowns were decorated to symbolize being the king/queen of one’s own body, emotions & actions… just as Max was king of the “Wild Things” Themed bookmarks were colored as well.
WEEK 2 ACTIVITY:
Classmates collaboratively completed a “Where the Wild Things Are” puzzle and coloring pages.
WEEK 3 ACTIVITY:
Masks were constructed using paper plates and a variety of materials to resemble “Wild Thing” faces. Each finished product portrayed the well known yellow eyes, gnashing teeth, pointy horns and of course a few unique touches.
WEEK 4 ACTIVITY:
A school-made “Where the Wild Things Are” board game was invented. To play & win, students have to work as a team to assist Max as he travels through the “forest of imagination” to find his way back home. Imaginative tasks that foster social-emotional development are accomplished throughout the game.
WEEK 5 ACTIVITY:
For the final story study session, the group acted out their favorite page from the book: Max sailing to the forest and encountering a sea creature wild thing. A sailboat was arranged using tree stepping stones and a white sail was hung. Small sticks were used as oars and a large branch transformed into a wild thing.
Social-emotional education in early childhood is essential. Alike Max from, “Where the Wild Things Are”, all children experience big feelings/emotions and have a natural desire for adventure. It is important to provide outlets that promote self expression while also instilling tools to use for emotional regulation. In addition, a child’s innate desire to discover should be always encouraged, but with guidance on how to do so safely. It is the role of educators and caregivers to foster all above in order for the next generation to have social-emotional intelligence and the confidence to explore their world.
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