Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are is a book written by Maurice Sendak. It is currently published by HarperCollins Publishers. Books like Where the Wild Things Are are an integral part of language arts curriculum. This story is about a mischievous boy named Max who dawns a wolf suit while interacting with wild creatures.

The story begins when Max’s mother sends him to bed without any dinner for misbehaving. During the night, a strange thing happens. A forest grows right in his bedroom. This, of course, is just a figment of Max’s imagination.

Where the Wild Things Are’s summary continues when Max gets tired of interacting with the wild things he discovered in the forest. He makes his way back home where he finds a bowl of hot soup that his mother had made for him.

This book is important for children to read because it not only demonstrates the power of the imagination, but also the importance of facing your fears. Parents can use this book to ignite a discussion about love, even though punishments are sometimes necessary.

This Where the Wild Things Are passage captures the Max’s energy and the reason for which he got in trouble with his mother. “And now,” cried Max, “let the wild rumpus start!”

Another Where the Wild Things Are passage shows Max realizing that he misses the love he receives from his mother. “And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all.”

Since Where the Wild Things Are is story for students currently in preschool through second grade, teachers can orchestrate a few games to be played at the end of the books reading. First, teachers can provide the students with some old Halloween costumes so the children can dress up like Max did. Masks can also be created out of paper plates to create a wild creature look. Literature printable worksheets can help students retain information they have read. Additionally, teachers can put together a spelling list, or import a ready made first grade Where the Wild Things Are word list, and students can use this list to practice not only their spelling, but also their knowledge of the book. Finally, teachers can aid students in writing a letter of appreciation to their parents. The letter should express the love the children have for their parents, even though the parents sometimes have to enforce a punishment.