int could both solve their problem by talking them out. Solving the problem wouldn't be possible if the dragon couldn't talk. This is good to teach children that problems can be worked out without fighting and violence. CRITICAL THINKINGPre-reading Activities: Develop a brief history lesson about medieval times. Include setting, timeframe, weapons, etc. Create a timeline with the children. Have children create a story pertaining to living in medieval times.Questions: 1. Why isn't the boy afraid of the dragon?2. Is the dragon good or bad?3. What does reluctant mean?4. Why is the story called The Reluctant Dragon?5. What kind of relationship does the boy have with the dragon?6. Why don't the villagers like the dragon?7. Where did the dragon come from?8. Is the dragon old?9. What did you learn from the dragon?10. What did you learn from the dragon?11. What did you learn about different people?12. What did you learn about stereotypes?13. What did you learn about friendship?14. Who are the main characters?15. What was the boy's favorite pastime?Post-reading Activities: Have children write a haiku about the book. Make sure they are given directions on how to write a haiku. Do an art project making swords and shields out of construction paper. Act out a mini skit using the swords and shields.ACROSS THE CURRICULUM: Create an art related Literary Response Mode (LRM). Have children illustrate and color a comic strip about a similar situation regarding friendship. They may use real-life or fictional characters. They will do this project using blank paper, markers, colored pencils, crayons, colored construction paper, and glue....
