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This lapbook includes printable activities based on the book My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett.
When Elmer Elevator tells a stray cat about his dream of being able to fly, he learns of a captive dragon on Wild Island. The dragon has been forced by the jungle residents to serve as their shuttle across a wide river — and anyone who rescues the dragon from its cruel captors might be entitled to a free ride.
Elmer needs no further encouragement to stow away aboard a ship to the island, where he matches wits with hungry tigers, an irate gorilla, cranky crocodiles, and other moody creatures.
My Father’s Dragon Lapbook Study
Chapter 1- My Father Meets the Cat
Lapbook Activity- Kindness Matchbook
Inside the book write about ways “my father” was kind to the cat or write ways you can show kindness to animals.
Lapbook Activity- Flying
Check the appropriate boxes and complete the last sentence.
Chapter 2 – My Father Runs Away
Lapbook Activity- Dragon Shape
Color the dragon according to the cat’s description. On the other dragon shape, write about the dragon’s plight on Wild Island.
Lapbook Activity- Knapsack
Create Elmer’s knapsack!
Chapter 3- My Father Finds the Island
Lapbook Activity – What’s in the Sack?
After you cut/fold the book, open it. On the left side write what the sailors thought was in the sack.
Lapbook Activity- Whale Accordion
Record whale facts in this book.
Chapter 4- My Father Finds the River
Lapbook Activity- Wild Boars: Finding Evidence
The wild boars knew that something wasn’t right. How did they know? Write about the evidence they found in this minit book.
Lapbook Activity- Island Flora and Fauna
Start keeping a list of all the animals (fauna) and plants (flora) that Elmer encounters while on Wild Island.
Lapbook Activity- Tortoise Facts
Record tortoise facts in the minit book.
Chapter 5- My Father Meets Some Tigers
Lapbook Activity- Tiger Facts Wheel
Lapbook Activity- Tiger Math
Chapter 6- My Father Meets a Rhinoceros
Lapbook Activity- Why was the rhino crying?
Write why the rhino was crying on the back of the toothbrush.
Lapbook Activity- Rhino Facts
Record rhino facts in this minit book.
Chapter 7- My Father Meets a Lion
Lapbook Activity- Why was the Lion upset?
Write why the Lion was upset in the minit book.
Lapbook Activity- Lion Facts
Record Lion facts on the pages provided.
Lapbook Activity- Message to the Cat
Have Elmer write a letter to the cat to let her know what’s happening. How will he get it to her? By putting it in a bottle and dropping it in the ocean!
Chapter 8- My Father Meets a Gorilla
Lapbook Activity- Gorilla’s Problem
Write gorilla’s problem inside the minit book.
Lapbook Activity- I See Fleas!
Have your student write some flea facts on the blank pages.
Chapter 9- My Father Makes a Bridge
Lapbook Activity- Crossing the River
Write how Elmer crossed the river on the strips (above the crocodiles).
Lapbook Activity- Crocodile Facts
Write crocodile facts inside the shape book.
Lapbook Activity- What’s Lurking on the East Side of the Island? Pop-up book
The map says “my father doesn’t know what’s on this side of the island.” What do you think you would find there? Draw a picture of something you think you would find there (box is provided in file). On the lines write about the animals/plants found on this unexplored side of the island.
Chapter 10- My Father Finds the Dragon
Lapbook Activity- Adventure with the Dragon
Write about Elmer and the Dragon’s first adventure together. Store your story in the pocket provided.
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How to Get Started with the My Father’s Dragon Lapbook
Follow these simple instructions to get started with the My Father’s Dragon Lapbook.
- Buy a copy of the book, My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, or grab one from your local library.
- Choose and print the lapbook printables you want to use with your student.
- Enjoy a week of literature lapbooking with your student.
Download Your Free My Father’s Dragon Lapbook
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