Discussion

• Van Allsburg’s narrative inspires many discussion questions that engage students to think critically about concepts and to apply the story’s themes and lessons to their own lives. Arrange the class in a circle and challenge students to reflect on the story. For instance, ask students to reflect on how Peter and Judy change as a result of their experience with the board game. Challenge them to consider what important lessons the children learn, such as the importance of following directions. Another possible discussion topic is the power of imagination. Ask students to take turns describing a time in which they, like Peter and Judy, were bored and had to use their imaginations to create fun. An alternative to class-wide discussion is to arrange students in small groups to answer these questions.
  
  

Art and Illustrations

• The narrative of “Jumanji” is enhanced by dynamic illustrations, some in color and some in black and white. Have students draw their own illustrations based on the text. Assign each student to draw a different scene from the book, which expresses his interpretation of the scene rather than simply imitating Van Allsburg’s illustration. Collect all the drawings and assemble in order to share with the class. Another art project based on the text is to have each student design a cover for the book. Challenge students to reflect on the scenes of the story, as well the story’s important messages and themes, such as the power of imagination, the importance of following directions and the magic of the jungle come-to-life. Have each student draw a cover for the book based on her own interpretation of the story. A third activity is to have students analyze a favorite image or illustration. Ask students to identify their favorite illustration and to explain why they think the illustration is so effective or powerful as a visual representation.
  
  

Responsive Writing

• “Jumanji” inspires diverse prompts for writing assignments. For a creative writing assignment, ask students to re-write the story by describing what might have happened if Peter and Judy had read the board game’s directions. Alternatively, have students re-write the story using characters and scenes from their own life. A non-fiction writing activity is to have students describe a time in which they, like the hero and heroine, failed to follow directions. Ask students to explain this experience and what ensued as a result of their negligence. Alternatively, ask students to analyze the story’s main message or theme. Challenge them to identify this theme, explain why it is important and cite specific passages in which Van Allsburg develops this theme.
  
  

Re-enactment

• Bring the story to life by re-enacting it. Assign students different roles, including shared roles as narrator. Have students recite the lines of the story while acting it out at the front of the classroom. Use props, such as a board game, a table, a telephone cord and stuffed animals to represent the different jungle characters. Alternatively, re-enact the story with puppets. Make puppets of Peter, Judy, a hungry lion, monkeys, a tour guide, a rhinoceros and a python. Draw these characters on poster board, cut them out and glue to the end of a tongue depressor. Make a puppet show to re-tell the narrative.