James and the Giant Peach: a Play
on Goodreads (2,078)
What’s inside...
Roald Dahl fans will rejoice at the opportunity to bring their favorite books and characters to life. Five of Dahl's hugely popular, beloved books have been adapted into winning plays for children. With useful tips on staging, props, and costumes, these plays can be produced with a minimum amount of resources and experience. Teachers, parents, and children everywhere will recognize Quentin Blake's appealing classic cover art and will find these easy-to-perform plays to be a great source of entertainment!
Age
8-12
Length
91 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
James Henry Trotter
Glowworm
Ladybug
Miss Spider
Earthworm
Centipede
Old-Green-Grasshopper
Aunt Sponge
Aunt Spiker
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were James, embarking on a giant adventure with new friends? What excited or scared you the most?
What lessons do James and his insect friends learn about teamwork and courage throughout their journey?
If you could talk to any of the characters, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the play? What causes these changes?
Imagine creating your own adventure with your friends. What would it be like and who would you bring along?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story, emphasizing that all feelings and ideas are valid.
Discuss the moral lessons in the play, such as bravery and friendship, and relate these themes to your child’s daily life.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt creative thinking, like imagining different endings or additional adventures for the characters.
Create a fun and relaxed environment for the discussion, possibly acting out parts of the play to foster deeper understanding and enjoyment.
Use examples from the play to instill values such as empathy and cooperation, discussing how these values play out in both the book and in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'James and the Giant Peach: a Play', James and his insect friends work together to navigate the giant peach across the ocean. Their collaboration is crucial for overcoming various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value teamwork by cooperating with friends and classmates to achieve common goals, enhancing their social interactions and collaborative skills.
Example Lesson: Courage and overcoming fears
Explanation: James faces his fears by embarking on an adventure inside a giant peach. His journey teaches bravery and self-confidence.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of confronting fears and challenges, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and try new experiences.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The surreal adventure of traveling in a giant peach triggers creative thinking and imagination in both the characters and readers.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to engage in imaginative play can foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and an innovative mindset.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: James's ability to adapt to his constantly changing circumstances and find solutions under pressure showcases resilience.
Real-World Application: This narrative can inspire children to persevere through their own difficulties, emphasizing that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Interacting with a variety of unique characters in the story, James learns to understand and empathize with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of empathy and considering multiple perspectives, fostering a more inclusive attitude and better interpersonal relationships.