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There are many sayings attributed to a fox: "Crazy like a fox," "Hey, Foxy Mama," or "Like a Fox in a Hole". Those little, whimsical turns can't compare to the apt title the "Fantastic Mr. Fox", a perfect ode to a truly, remarkable character and animal. The novel the "Fantastic Mr. Fox" by Roald Dahl has been turned into a movie that is in wide release for Thanksgiving. There is enough time before the movie opening to read this short novel to your children.
Roald Dahl was the only son of a second marriage. While he kept a diary from the age of eight, and wrote a weekly letter to his mother until her death, he stumbled onto a writing career by accident. The Official Roald Dahl website has an abbreviated biography and photographs for perusal. It is the go-to site for all things Dahl. Research Roald Dahl has children conduct a study of the life of the writer. After completing the lesson, students pick another author to investigate on their own.
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" is about how Mr. Fox saves his family and friends from starvation. His ability to quickly get out of a predicament is not only enchanting, but truly clever. With the help of his good friends, and his own children, Mr. Fox is able to provide a feast for all, supplied unwittingly by his tormentors: Boggis, Bunce and Beans. The movie uses stop motion animation. George Clooney is the lead voice. The actor's personality is the perfect embodiment of Mr. Fox. Meryl Streep is the loving and adoring wife, who is the one who gives her husband the fantastic mantle. The official movie site has pictures of the characters and downloads for children.
Animal friendships are explored in the novel. There are several classic literature books that are perfect companions to "Fantastic Mr. Fox", including "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame. This book examines the leisure class in Edwardian England. Mr. Toad, one of the characters, gets involved in humorous escapades, and his hobbies become all consuming. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White has an unlikely friendship between a pig and a spider. The love between them overcomes what seems like impossible obstacles. Both books have numerous movie adaptations in live action and animation.
There are other ways to provide activities related to "Fantastic Mr. Fox". Foxes can be studied. The Fox Website has information on ecology, habitat, and even attitudes concerning the red fox. Burrowing animals factors heavily into the story. There is even the moral question posed by whether animals stealing could be considered morally right or wrong. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can answer questions on controlling animal populations and protecting the nation's wildlife. The lesson plans that follow can lead to a study of the "Fantastic Mr. Fox".
Fantastic Mr. Fox Lesson Plans:
Hunting, Gathering & Harvesting has children read several legends about hunting. Students compose their own stories on the subject, and discuss their feelings about hunting.
Foxes has students research about the topic. Children write original poems, using the information as inspiration.
The Fantastic Mr. Fox is a comprehensive unit on the book. There are story problems and test questions.
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