Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Elephant is a beautifully crafted story filled with mystery, hope, and the power of belief. This captivating story follows a young boy named Peter who lives in the city of Baltese. One day, a fortune teller informs him that his sister, whom he thought was dead, is alive. This revelation sets Peter on a journey filled with wonder, where he discovers that an elephant conjured by a magician holds the key to reuniting him with his sister. The story’s themes of perseverance, compassion, and the interconnectedness of lives make it a perfect choice for sparking deep conversations and creative exploration in the classroom.
To make the reading experience unforgettable for your students, here are several fun and engaging activities you can incorporate into your lessons. Plus, a peek at a fantastic novel study resource that will help you engage students with the book.
Activity 1: Create a City Map of Baltese
Peter’s journey takes him all over the city of Baltese, a fictional yet vividly described setting. Have students work in small groups to create a detailed map of Baltese based on the book’s descriptions. Encourage them to include key locations like:
- The opera house where the magician performs
- Peter’s home
- The fortuneteller’s tent
- The prison where the magician is held
Extension Idea:
Once the maps are complete, have students write a short description of what life might be like for someone living in Baltese. This can help them connect to the characters and deepen their understanding of the setting.
Activity 2: Write a Fortune Teller’s Prediction
In the story, the fortune teller’s prophecy sets Peter on his quest. Ask students to imagine they’ve visited the fortune teller’s tent. What question would they ask? Have them write a creative response from the fortune teller that includes a hint of mystery and intrigue.
Discussion Prompt:
Talk with your class about how the fortune teller’s words influenced Peter. How do predictions or prophecies shape the actions of characters in stories? Can they create self-fulfilling prophecies?
Activity 3: The Magician’s Elephant Art Showcase
The elephant plays a central role in the story—it’s magical, mysterious, and a symbol of hope. Let students’ creativity shine by hosting an “Elephant Art Showcase.” Students can choose any medium (drawing, painting, collage, or even sculpture) to create their interpretation of the magician’s elephant.
Classroom Connection:
Display the artwork around your classroom and invite students to write a short paragraph explaining how their piece represents the elephant’s significance in the story.
What’s better than art about elephants? Art done by an elephant, of course. A quick google search will give you plenty of examples to choose from.
Activity 4: Character Perspectives
This book features a wide cast of intriguing characters, each with their own dreams and struggles. Assign each student a character from the story (e.g., Peter, the magician, Leo, Adele, or the elephant). Have them write a journal entry from that character’s perspective at a pivotal moment in the book.
Guiding Question:
How does this character’s perspective shape their decisions and interactions with others? What can we learn about them through their thoughts?
Activity 5: Compassion in Action
One of the central themes of The Magician’s Elephant is compassion. Discuss this theme as a class and brainstorm examples of compassionate acts from the story. Then, challenge students to perform a “kindness and compassion project” in their school or community, such as:
- Writing kind notes to classmates
- Helping a younger student with homework
- Collecting donations for a local animal shelter
Good news! I’ve got a free resource that is perfect for this! Download these free kindness cards along with several ideas for implementing them with in your classroom, school, or community.
Reflection Idea:
Ask students to share their experiences and how practicing compassion made them feel.
A Novel Study Resource for The Magician’s Elephant
Looking for an easy way to check comprehension, spark meaningful discussions, and practice literary analysis skills with your students? A novel study resource for The Magician’s Elephant is the perfect companion to these activities! This resource includes chapter-by-chapter questions, vocabulary activities, and essay prompts for deeper thinking. They’re a fantastic way to keep students engaged while guiding them through the book’s rich themes and intricate plot.
Engaging students with creative and meaningful activities not only helps them connect with the story but also encourages critical thinking and empathy. By bringing The Magician’s Elephant to life in your classroom, you’re giving students the opportunity to explore complex themes and develop a deeper appreciation for literature.
So grab your copy of The Magician’s Elephant and get ready to sprinkle some magic into your lessons. Who knows? Your students might just find that hope and wonder are closer than they think!
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