Anansi’s six sons are an important part of the story: together they save him from great danger! For this activity, students will create a spider map that describes and illustrates the unique abilities that each of Anansi’s six sons possess, and how those abilities saved Anansi.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a 6 cell spider map that describes and illustrates each of Anansi’s six sons from Anansi the Spider.
Student Instructions:
Guide your students to work together by creating a large, visible chart of Anansi's sons and their abilities. Assign each student or small group a son to research and present, then add their findings to the chart. This builds teamwork and deepens understanding through discussion.
Have students choose or assign one of Anansi's six sons to focus on. Students will then research the character, summarize their unique ability, and draw a picture showing how that ability helped Anansi. This makes the lesson personal and engaging for each student.
Lead a conversation about how the sons' talents worked together to save Anansi. Encourage students to share examples from the story and relate them to real-life situations where teamwork is important. This builds social-emotional connections and comprehension.
Showcase each student's illustration and description by posting them on a bulletin board or wall. This not only celebrates student effort but also reinforces the content for everyone throughout the unit.
Invite students to invent a new 'son' for Anansi with a unique ability. Have them write a short paragraph explaining how their character could help Anansi in a new situation. This encourages creativity and applies knowledge in a fun way.
Anansi's six sons each have a special ability: See Trouble (sees danger ahead), Road Builder (creates roads quickly), River Drinker (drinks rivers dry), Game Skinner (skins animals), Stone Thrower (throws stones very far), and Cushion (softens falls). Each skill helps save Anansi in the story.
To create a spider map, have students draw six branches from a center circle labeled 'Anansi’s Sons'. On each branch, write a son’s name, describe his unique ability, and add a simple illustration showing how he helped Anansi.
Use a character map activity where students name each son, describe his power, and draw a scene from the story. This hands-on approach helps younger learners understand and remember the characters’ roles.
Anansi's sons work together, each using their special talent to rescue Anansi from danger. Their teamwork shows the value of different strengths and family cooperation in solving problems.
Yes! For example, See Trouble spotted Anansi in danger, Road Builder made a path, River Drinker cleared the river, Game Skinner opened the fish, Stone Thrower saved Anansi from the falcon, and Cushion caught him safely when he fell.