Learning Activities for Favorite Children's Books: Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are was published in 1963 and awarded the Caldecott Medal for "the most distinguished American picture book for children" in 1964. In the story, young Max puts on his wolf suit and makes mischief, prompting his mother to send him to bed without supper. That night, in Max's room a forest grows, and Max himself sails away to the land of the wild things, where he becomes their king. It's not long, however, before Max is ready to return home again, to the place where someone "loves him best of all." Below are four fun activities to accompany this beloved book.

Catch a Wild Thing Rhyming Game

Say the following chant: 

Eeny meenie miney moe
Catch a wild thing by the toe
If he hollers, let him go
Eeny meenie miney moe.

Pause before speaking the word "toe," and ask your child to fill in the blank with a body part rhyming with "moe." Repeat the rhyme, substituting for “moe” other sounds which rhyme with body parts (med, me, mere, etc.) For a more kinesthetic approach, have your child also put his hand on each part of the body as he calls out its name.

Go Wild! 

Have your own wild rumpus by roaring roars, gnashing teeth, showing claws, and rolling eyes just like the wild things do! Use the printable spinner below to determine which action your child should do. Play solo or take turns in a group.

Click here to print the Go Wild! game.

 

Tame the Wild Things

Play a game of "Max Says." An adult or child can play the role of Max, who will call out a series of movements for the wild things to perform. If Max doesn't say, "Max says," the wild things should not do the action. Since Simon Says may be too difficult for many young children, another option is  to simply play follow the leader, where Max leads the wild things around the room, yard, or park, and the wild things must copy his moves.

M is for Max

Visit makinglearningfun.com, and print out two monsters - one sad, and one happy. Attach the monsters to popsicle sticks and hand them both to your child. Call out a series of words. Ask your child to hold up the smiling monster if the word you say begins with "M" as in Max and the frowning monster if it does not. This is a fun and simple way to practice listening to the sounds that begin words. For a greater challenge, ask your child to listen for the "M" sound at the end of the words, or anywhere within the words.