Rudyard Kipling Lesson Plan
Created by: Michael Bowman, 3L Place, 10/17
Applies to: Creative Expression
Purpose: Teach members about the author who wrote the Jungle Book and provide
context for the fact that all media and art are created through the hard work and
perseverance of real people.
Objectives:
- Provide historical background on Rudyard Kipling.
- Explore the role of childhood experiences, both positive and negative, in shaping the life on an artist.
- Read the first three chapters of Kipling’s Jungle Book.
- Introduce members to the British Empire and colonialism.
Materials needed:
- Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book”
- Worksheets (see attachment below)
- Pens, pencils, markers etc.
- iPad, computer or smart board
- The Jungle Book DVD or digital streaming
- Printer
Activity Steps:
- Watch first 15 minutes of Rudyard Kipling on Biography.com for introduction to first 16 years of Kipling’s life.
- Watch Rudyard Kipling - House of Mumbai - The Jungle Book author birthplace for information on Mumbai, Kipling’s birthplace
- Do worksheets at table. This may be best spread out over two sessions. Note: If people in your group like to color, Google and print “Jungle Book coloring.”
- Discuss British Colonialism and how it offered Rudyard a chance to enrich his writing through seeing the world. Which former British colonies have Members visited or heard about?
- Discuss the pro’s and con’s of colonialism. Do Members believe it is just for a powerful nation to control less powerful nations in such a way?
- Discuss how childhood experiences influence who we become as adults. What is a positive childhood experience that influences each Member’s life as an adult? What is a difficult childhood experience that influences each Member’s life as an adult?
- Read the first three chapters of the The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
- Watch Disney’s “The Jungle Book”, members can vote on which version (live or animated) to watch