James & The Giant Peach Novel Study
If you’ve been around here a while, you know I love bringing books to life with hands-on learning. Currently we are reading James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. This classic is quirky, funny, and full of imagination, making it the perfect pick for a homeschool novel study.
But here’s the thing: sometimes kids need more than just reading and talking about a story. That’s where my new Giant Peach acrylic writing boards come in! These reusable boards are shaped like the peach and the main insect characters, and they’re designed to make learning interactive. Kids can use dry-erase markers or chalk markers to write directly on them, erase, and use them again and again.
These colorful, wipe-clean boards turn reading into an interactive experience. Instead of zoning out mid-chapter, kids stay engaged by jotting down thoughts, acting out scenes, and tracking the story as it unfolds—literally, in their hands.
Whether you’re a homeschool parent or a creative teacher, here’s how to transform your James and the Giant Peach unit into a hands-on adventure.
Meet the Characters
Character Tracking: As you read, have your kids write down character traits, actions, or even silly quotes on each insect board. It helps them connect with the story while practicing comprehension. You can work on character analysis by tracking how the characters change or grow by the end of the story.
Compare & Contrast: Place two boards side by side (like Centipede vs. Grasshopper) and jot down how they’re alike and different. You can write differences on each character board and use the giant peach to write down the similarities. Or make a venn diagram on the giant peach to keep it all in one place.
Examples:
Ladybug vs. Centipede: Who’s more optimistic? Who complains more?
Spider vs. Earthworm: How do their fears and strengths play into the story?
Interactive Read-Alouds: Bring the book to life with a little reader’s theater! Assign each child a character board as a badge. As you read aloud, they can act out dialogue, change voices, react in character. It’s a fun twist that turns passive listening into dramatic participation.
Visualize the Plot
Chapter Summaries: After each chapter, kids can write one sentence on the peach board to sum it up. By the end, you’ll have a visual timeline of the whole book!
Plot Checkpoints: Use the insect boards as markers to note when each character plays an important role. Track when each character becomes most important. Place boards on a timeline on your wall or table and move them as the plot progresses. Super visual and super helpful!
Example:
- When does the Centipede save the day?
- When does Earthworm finally gain confidence?
Prediction Station: Before reading the next section, let your kids jot their guesses on the peach. After each big event, pause and let your child write a prediction right on the peach board. Later, come back and revisit: Were they right? What surprised them? Erase. Rewrite. Repeat.
Get Creative with Writing Extensions
Diary of an Insect: Pick a character board and write a diary entry in that insect’s voice. (“Dear Diary, today James insisted I crawl inside this sticky peach…”)
Alternate Endings: What if the peach landed somewhere else? Kids can brainstorm silly or serious new endings and jot them on the peach board. Use the board as a jumping-off point for a short story rewrite.
Character Interviews: Use the boards as nameplates for role play. Interview Centipede or Miss Spider and let your kids answer as the characters.
Tie It Into Science and Other Subjects
You’re not just teaching ELA here—you’re hitting science, art, and even a dash of drama.
Insect Research: Use each insect board as a springboard for a mini science study. Kids can write facts about real-life spiders, centipedes, grasshoppers, and more.
Have kids explore:
- Real-life habitats
- Diet
- Role in ecosystems
Then, present findings with the acrylic board as a nameplate or visual aid.
Plant & Fruit Life Cycle: The peach board is perfect for labeling seed, pit, fruit, and life cycle diagrams. You can also use it to introduce vocabulary like pollen, seed, blossom, etc.
Art & Drama: Sketch character designs, storyboard adventures, or act out scenes using the boards as props.
Sketch their characters on paper using the boards as models. Focus their attention on the details and specific parts of bugs and their unique characteristics.
Storyboard scenes using both peach and insect boards. Create scenes using the acrylic boards, photograph them, turn them into a flipbook your children can use to retell the story.
Make It Fun with Games and Reviews
You’ve made it to the end of the novel—time to wrap it all up with some play-based review!
Quote Match: Write famous lines from the book on index cards and have kids match them to the right character board.
Prediction Erase Game: Go back to your earlier predictions. Were they right? Let kids update them now that they’ve finished the story.
Sorting & Classifying: Sort character boards into categories—brave vs. cautious, friendly vs. grumpy, helpful vs. selfish.
Why Hands-On Literature Works
When kids can write, doodle, and interact with a story, they retain so much more. It moves the lesson beyond passive listening into active learning. Plus, it keeps them engaged (which is half the battle some days, right?).
These acrylic boards are durable, reusable, and versatile—you can use them not only for James and the Giant Peach, but also for other insect studies, creative writing prompts, or imaginative play.
Ready to Bring James and the Giant Peach to Life?
You can grab your own set of James and the Giant Peach acrylic writing boards. They’re the perfect addition to any homeschool bookshelf and will turn your next read-aloud into a hands-on adventure your kids won’t forget. And don’t forget to grab the BOOK if it’s not already on your bookshelf!
Happy reading, friend—and may your homeschool always be a little bit peachy 🍑✨
Let’s Get Social!
Leave a Reply