If you teach upper elementary reading, chances are The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate has made its way into your classroom at some point. It’s one of those books that sticks with students—the kind that tugs at your heartstrings while sparking some of the best classroom conversations.
Once your students finish the book, you might be wondering… what next? How can you keep them engaged while helping them dig deeper into Ivan’s world, his relationships, and the powerful themes in the story?
Let’s talk about some meaningful—and creative—extension activities that go beyond basic comprehension questions. These ideas will help your students connect with the text on a whole new level (and have fun doing it!).
1. Start with a Novel Study
Before jumping into extensions, it helps to have a strong foundation. My One and Only Ivan Novel Study on TPT is designed to make your planning simple and effective.
It includes chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions, vocabulary work, and discussion prompts—so you can spend less time prepping and more time guiding your students through meaningful conversations about the story’s themes and characters.
Once your students have that foundation, they’re ready for some hands-on, creative fun!
Now on to some creative ways to extend the book further:
2. Write from Another Character’s Perspective
Ivan’s voice is unforgettable—but what if someone else got to tell part of the story? Invite students to rewrite a short scene or journal entry from another character’s point of view.
Maybe Ruby tells what she thought when she first met Ivan. Or Stella describes what it feels like to be the “wise old elephant.” Or even Mack shares his justification for keeping Ivan in captivity.
This is a powerful way for students to explore motivation, empathy, and how perspective can shape a story.
To help scaffold this activity, download this free Character Perspective Journal for The One and Only Ivan.
3. Animal Research & Real-World Connections
Students are fascinated by Ivan because he’s based on a real gorilla! Tap into that curiosity by having them research the real Ivan—or another animal mentioned in the book.
They can compare facts about the real species to how the author portrayed it in the story using a Venn diagram or a mini research report. This is a great way to sneak in some nonfiction reading and even a little science while reading The One and Only Ivan.
4. Literary Device Hunt: Theme, Symbolism, and Voice
Once your students understand the plot, it’s time to look at how Katherine Applegate crafted this beautiful story.
Theme Hunt: The One and Only Ivan is rich with themes like friendship, freedom, hope, and identity. Have students find short passages that illustrate these ideas. When Ivan comforts Ruby or promises to protect her, that’s friendship in action. When he paints pictures of what he dreams of, that’s hope and freedom. Have students explain why they chose their passages and what message they think the author wanted to share.
Symbolism Search: Encourage students to look for recurring objects or images in The One and Only Ivan that represent something deeper—like Ivan’s cage (captivity), Stella’s paintbrushes (creativity), or Ruby’s toy (innocence). Have them explain how each symbol changes or grows throughout the story.
Voice and Tone Study: Ivan’s narration is simple, thoughtful, and quietly funny. Discuss how his short sentences and gentle humor make readers feel close to him. How would the story feel different if someone else were telling it? Students can even try rewriting a paragraph from The One and Only Ivan in a completely different tone—angry, sarcastic, or silly—to see how much voice matters.
5. Bring It to Life with Drama
For students who love to move, try a dramatic reading or tableau activity. In small groups, they can act out a scene or freeze in position to represent a powerful moment in the story—like when Ivan promises to care for Ruby or paints his famous message.
After performing, each group can share which part of the story they chose and why it was meaningful. These kinds of kinesthetic activities help students feel the emotion behind The One and Only Ivan.
6. Extend Understanding Through Writing
Wrap up your unit on The One and Only Ivan with a few creative writing options. Try prompts like:
- “If I were Ivan, the one thing I’d change about my life would be…”
- “Write a letter from Ruby to Ivan.”
- “Explain how Ivan’s understanding of freedom changes from beginning to end.”
Short responses work great for bell ringers or quick writes, while longer essays can help you assess deeper comprehension.
Creative and Out-of-the-Box Extension Ideas
Once you’ve covered the key comprehension and literary skills in The One and Only Ivan, it’s time to let creativity take over! These projects give students room to interpret the story in unique, hands-on ways.
7. Create a Mini “Art Exhibit for Ivan”
Since Ivan is an artist, have students step into his shoes! They can create their own artwork inspired by a moment, feeling, or theme from The One and Only Ivan. Encourage them to write a short “artist’s statement” explaining how their piece represents Ivan’s story.
Display the artwork gallery-style around the room and host a mini “museum walk” so students can admire each other’s work.
8. Record a Podcast
Let students show off their inner podcasters! They can record a short “episode” or diary entry as if they were one of the characters from The One and Only Ivan. Maybe Ivan reflects on life at the mall, or Ruby describes her first day in the enclosure. The free character perspective journal is a great way to help students start planning their pods.
This activity builds speaking and listening skills while helping students dig into tone, emotion, and perspective from The One and Only Ivan.
9. Design a Billboard or Poster Campaign
When Ivan’s paintings become symbols for change, it’s a great chance to connect to persuasive writing. Have students design a billboard or poster that Ivan might have created to raise awareness about animals in captivity.
They’ll combine art and writing as they decide what message, images, and words could inspire action.
10. Create an Animal Advocacy Project
The story in The One and Only Ivan is based on real-life issues, which makes it perfect for a mini advocacy project. Have students research animal protection organizations or design their own fictional campaign for animal welfare.
They can come up with a name, slogan, logo, and simple action plan—connecting reading to social responsibility in a meaningful way.
Wrapping It All Up
The One and Only Ivan isn’t just a book—it’s a story that opens doors to empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. Whether you’re discussing themes, performing scenes, or creating art, every activity helps students connect with Ivan’s journey on a deeper level.
And remember, if you want a head start on planning, my One and Only Ivan Novel Study has everything you need to guide students through the text with structure and confidence.
Happy teaching, and give your students (and Ivan) a big round of applause when they finish this unforgettable story!
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