Jack and the Bean Stalk Activities
Nearly every child knows the story of poor Jack who sold his beloved cow for five magic beans which then grew into a magic beanstalk, ultimately taking him to the land of the giants. The fairy tale lends itself to several classroom activities that can help children learn about literature, botany, math and art.
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Literature: Putting Jack on Trial
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Will your students convict or acquit Jack for his alleged crimes? Point out that Jack robs from his hostess and then kills her husband. He, though, would likely claim self-defense for the giant's death and might also point out that the giantess encouraged him to take at least some of the treasure. Have students write an "ever after" story in which Jack is put on trial for breaking and entry, theft and murder. If you have younger students, you could act it out rather than have them write it. Encourage some students to take the position of a prosecutor while others take the position of a defender.
Botany: Growing a Beanstalk
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Give each child a small peat pot and let him fill it with potting soil. Have each child put his name on the pot or have him decorate it before filling it with soil. Plant a pole bean in each pot. Place all the pots in a sunny window. Water them daily and keep an eye on them. When they start to grow, put a craft stick in each one for the stalk to climb around.
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Math: How Many Beans
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Estimation helps students grasp number concepts. Estimation is an important early math skill. After telling the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, show the class two clear jars that you prepared ahead of time. One should be filled with dried beans and the other with toy gold coins. Pass the jars around and have students guess how many items each jar contains and write it on a piece of paper. Then have them count how many of each item is in the bottom of the jar and how many they can see going up the side. Based on the count, have them multiply the two numbers and make another guess about how many items are in each jar. Then have two students count the contents of each jar. Discuss how close their guesses were.
Art: My Home is My Castle
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On a bulletin board, create the outline of a large castle. Break it up into different rooms. Then have children create furnishings out of construction paper or craft foam and decorate the castle. Encourage them to also create rugs, wallpaper, wall hangings, door knobs and all the objects described in the story that are in the giant's castle.
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