Harold and the Purple Crayon
Lesson one of two:
Read the book, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, about a little boy who literally "colors his world" by using a crayon to draw whatever he happens to need. The story begins with the little boy, Harold, wanting to take a walk in the moonlight. Because there isn't a moon, Harold decides to draw one, as well as a path to follow on his walk. When Harold realizes that the straight path is getting him nowhere, he decides to draw a short cut. As the story moves along, Harold and his crayon move along too. Harold draws what he desires, finds himself in difficulty, and draws his
way out of his dilemmas. This story is a wonderful exploration of the powers of the imagination. It also serves as an example for children about how problems can be solved through perseverance and creative thinking.
The students will match puppets that are the same as the pictures on the pages as the story is read out loud.
If you had a purple crayon that could draw anything, "What would you draw?" "Where would you go?" "What would you do or see?" Use your purple crayon to create your adventure, and tell your friends about it.
Lesson two of two:
Retell Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson using picture puppets that match Harold's
drawings in the book.
First, students will share problems that they have had and the teacher will write them on a piece of paper.
Then, they will solve the problems through discussion with a peer. Finally, they will complete the sentence stem of
"The problem is _____________. We solved the problem by ____________________________.
(Problem) (Action to solve the problem.)
