If you haven’t read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, you are in for a real treat. This heartwarming story follows Edward, a porcelain rabbit. In the 1930s, Grandmother gave Edward to Abilene. Abilene adored Edward and treated him as a member of the family.
While on vacation, two mischievous boys throw Edward overboard while Abilene is traveling on the Queen Mary. Edward ends up in the depths of the ocean. He is fished out and passed from one owner to the next over several years
Activities for The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Book Unit Samples
If you would like to try out The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Book Unit this sample includes the including:
- Vocabulary Practice for Chapters 1-2
- Comprehension Questions for Chapters 1-2
- Constructed Response Question – Cause and Effect
- Photos to Show What the Rest of the Unit Looks Like
Teaching Idea #1 – Anchor Chart
As you can see from the anchor chart. When he is lost at sea, he begins a series of adventures that take him through various owners.
Through his journey, Edward learns about the power of love and compassion. Edward witnesses the kindness and generosity of the people who take him in. He also sees the pain and suffering of those who have lost someone they love. Through these characters, Edwards learns about the importance of being humble and understanding. He experiences the cruelty of those who mistreat him. He sees the loneliness of those who cannot or will not open their hearts to love.
Each owner teaches Edward to grow in character from a self-absorbed toy to a loving and caring individual.
Teaching Idea #2 – Tracking Edward’s Journey Free Printable
Download this free printable chart for your students to track Edward’s travels. Use the chart to discuss Edward’s different names.
Discussion Questions:
- Does a name change a person?
- Edward is given both male and female names. Does that change who is he?
- Do the names fit the circumstances Edward finds himself in? Explain.
Teaching Idea #3 – Characters and Settings
Students may have a difficult time remembering all the characters and settings of the novel. Here are a few ideas for helping students keep the details straight:
Character Sketches
Ask the students to create character sketches the characters in the book. They can include physical descriptions, personality traits, and the role each character played in the story.
Timeline
Have students create a timeline of Edward’s journey. Include all the important events in the story.
Artwork
Have students create artwork based on scenes from the book. For example, they can draw or paint a picture of Edward sitting on the ocean floor, or make a collage of his different owners.
Teaching Idea #4 – Comparing Stories
Edward’s journey in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz share some similarities and differences.
Both
- Edward and Dorothy go on a physical journey that takes them away from home.
- Both are exposed them to new experiences and challenges.
- Both encounter a variety of characters who teach them valuable lessons about life.
- Their journeys test their courage.
Differences
- Dorothy’s journey is a quest to find her way back home. Edward’s journey is more about self-discovery and personal growth.
- Dorothy is aided by friends. Edward is often alone or mistreated by those around him.
- Edward’s journey is more transformative than Dorothy’s. Dorothy remains largely the same at the end of her journey.
Teaching Idea #5 – Discussion Questions
What is the significance of the title? How does the word “miraculous” apply to Edward’s journey?
How does Edward’s journey transform him?
- What does the china rabbit represent?
What is the significance of the ending? How has Edward changed by the end of the book?
How does the book explore the idea of empathy? How does Edward’s journey help him to develop empathy for others?
What themes does the book explore? How does the author use Edward’s journey to explore these themes?
What is the message of the book? How does it relate to your own experiences and understanding of life?
See the product that inspired this post.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Book Unit contains graphic organizers for an interactive notebook and game activities. Vocabulary, comprehension, constructed response writing, and skill practice are all included.
