The joy of teaching children about the importance of humility and the dangers of unchecked power! Dr. Seuss's classic tale, "Yertle the Turtle," is a timeless story that has captivated young readers for generations. In this article, we will explore the world of Yertle, provide a downloadable PDF of the story, and offer a comprehensive lesson plan to help you guide your students through the tale.
The Story of Yertle the Turtle
Yertle the Turtle is a story about a power-hungry turtle who decides to become the ruler of all the creatures in the pond. He stands on the back of a turtle, and then another, and another, until he reaches the top of a mountain of turtles. From this lofty perch, Yertle declares himself the king of all he surveys.
However, his reign is short-lived, as a small turtle named Mack burps, causing Yertle to tumble to the ground. The other turtles rejoice at their newfound freedom, and Yertle slinks away, defeated.
Yertle The Turtle Pdf Download
You can download a free PDF version of "Yertle the Turtle" by clicking on the following link:
Lesson Plan: Teaching Humility and Empathy
Grade Level: Preschool to 3rd Grade
Objectives:
- Students will understand the concept of humility and its importance in relationships.
- Students will be able to identify and describe the characteristics of a good leader.
- Students will develop empathy towards others by considering different perspectives.
Materials:
- Copy of "Yertle the Turtle" by Dr. Seuss
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers or colored pencils
- Printed copies of the story (optional)
Lesson Plan:
Introduction (10 minutes)
- Begin by asking students if they have ever felt bossed around or treated unfairly by someone. Encourage them to share their experiences.
- Write the word "humility" on the board and ask students if they know what it means.
- Explain that humility is when we recognize that we are not better than others and treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Reading and Discussion (20 minutes)
- Read "Yertle the Turtle" aloud to the students.
- Stop at various points to ask questions and encourage discussion. Some possible discussion questions include:
- Why did Yertle want to be the ruler of all the creatures in the pond?
- How did Yertle treat the other turtles? Was this fair?
- What happened to Yertle when Mack burped?
- Ask students to consider how Yertle's actions made the other turtles feel.
Activity 1: Drawing Yertle's Tower (15 minutes)
- Give each student a piece of paper and some colored pencils.
- Ask them to draw a picture of Yertle's tower, with Yertle at the top and the other turtles below.
- Encourage students to include details from the story in their drawing.
Activity 2: What Makes a Good Leader? (15 minutes)
- Ask students to think about what makes a good leader.
- Write their responses on the board or chart paper.
- Encourage students to consider how Yertle's actions compared to their ideas about good leadership.
Conclusion (10 minutes)
- Review the story and the discussion points with the students.
- Ask students to reflect on what they learned about humility and empathy.
- Encourage them to think about how they can apply these concepts in their own lives.
Assessment:
- Observe students during the activities and note their participation and engagement.
- Review their drawings and written responses for understanding.
- Use the assessment to inform future lessons and adjust the instruction as needed.
Gallery of Yertle the Turtle
FAQ
What is the main theme of "Yertle the Turtle"?
+The main theme of "Yertle the Turtle" is the importance of humility and the dangers of unchecked power.
What is the name of the turtle who burps and causes Yertle to fall?
+The name of the turtle who burps and causes Yertle to fall is Mack.
What is the lesson plan objective for teaching "Yertle the Turtle"?
+The lesson plan objectives for teaching "Yertle the Turtle" are to understand the concept of humility, identify the characteristics of a good leader, and develop empathy towards others.
We hope this article and lesson plan have been helpful in teaching your students about the importance of humility and empathy. Remember to have fun and be creative in your teaching approach!