The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship Unit Study & Printables

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This unit study includes lessons and printables based on the book The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale by Arthur Ransome.

When the Czar proclaims that he will marry his daughter to the man who brings him a flying ship, the Fool of the World sets out to try his luck and meets some unusual companions on the way.

Thanks to Cindy West for writing the lessons for this The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale unit study.

The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship Unit Study Lessons

Here are some sample lessons from the The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship Unit Study.

Social Studies: Traditions
The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship is a traditional Russian fairy tale. Russian peasants would tell their children and each other these tales to pass time. They would talk of wise and beautiful princess while drinking tea or on their way to war. It has long been part of the Russian culture to share these tales with generation after generation. Traditions that are started during childhood are experiences that are fondly remembered, but also so much more. They can shape our character, bind together families and friends, and write the chapters of our family history books. As long as traditions are carried on, so will the joy and laughter of those experiencing them. Does your family have any traditions such as this? Is there a story, or perhaps a custom or heirloom that has been passed down in your family? If so, discuss these with your child.

Geography: Russia
Our story is a tale from Russia. Russia is located in both the continents of Europe and Asia and is the largest country in the world. Northern Russia gets very cold, while southern Russia has a hot climate. One fourth of Russia is farmland, most of it owned by the state, and the two main crops are wheat and sugar beets. While Russian is the main language spoken, there are over sixty different languages used throughout the country. Russia is known for its ornamental structures, being pioneers in space exploration, their Russian dancing, and handcrafts such as stacking dolls. If desired, research more about Russia.

Science: Flight
We know that a flying ship is not possible, but at the time of the earlier czars, flying was not possible at all. People have watched birds and been enamored with the thought of flight for thousands of years. The first known reference to flight by man is in II Kings 2:11 where Elisha watches on as Elijah is carried up to heaven with a chariot of fire. In the late 1400’s, an artist and inventor named Leonardo da Vinci sketched designs for a flapping wing and a helicopter, but never went through with building them. In the 1700’s people experimented and succeeded at flying in hot air balloons. In 1903 the Wright brothers first flew in their airplane creation. It stayed in the air for a total of 12 seconds. This was the first time that a machine carrying a person had gone into the air under its own power, and landed without wrecking. Research more about the history of flight with your child

You can grab a copy of the entire The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship Unit Study and Lapbook in an easy-to-print file at the end of this post.

The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship Notebook Printables

In addition to the unit study lessons, this file contains these printables for your student to create a The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship Notebook:

Flag of Russia Simple Fold Book
Map of Russia Shutterfold Book
Wright Brothers Notebooking Page
Ivan the Terrible Notebooking Page
Frederick the Great Notebooking Page
Peter the Great Notebooking Page
Catherine the Great Notebooking Page
Czarina Anna Notebooking Page
Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle
Comparing Stories Venn Diagram
Russia Notebooking Page
Comprehension Questions Worksheet
Fairy Tale Detective Clipboards
And more!

How to Get Started with Your The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship Unit Study

Follow these simple instructions to get started with the The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship Unit Study:

Buy a copy of the book, The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale, or borrow one from your local library.
Print the The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship unit study.
Choose the lessons you want to use with your student (a highlighter works great for this).
Choose and prepare the notebooking printables you want to use with your student.
Enjoy a week of .