Poetry of Fables, Fairies, and Fauna Fables, Fairies, and Fauna    

Lesson 14: The Monkey and the Cat

by Jean de La Fontaine

Performer: Librivox - Rosslyn Carlyle

Directions

Study the poem for one week.

Over the week:

• Read or listen to the poem.
• Review the synopsis.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

A monkey flatters a cat into sneaking roasting chestnuts from the fire. The monkey gobbles the chestnuts up while the cat only ends up a with burned paw and an empty belly.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Recite the Title, the Poet's Name, and the Poem

• Each day this week, recite aloud the title of the poem, the name of the poet, and the poem. Instructors may need to prompt children line-by-line.

Activity 2: Study the Poem's Pictures

• Study the pictures and describe them in your own words.

Activity 3: Narrate the Poem

• After reading or listening to the poem, narrate the poem events aloud using your own words.

Activity 4: Color the Poem   

• Click the crayon above, and complete page 17 of 'Poetry Coloring Pages for First Grade.'

Activity 5: Create Novel Artwork Based on the Poem

• One day this week, create artwork that includes chestnuts.
• Use paints, crayons, pastels, Legos, blocks, or Play-Doh to create the artwork.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the poem?

1 / 5

Answer 1

The title of the poem is 'The Monkey and the Cat.'

1 / 5

Question 2

What happens in the poem?

2 / 5

Answer 2

A monkey flatters a cat into doing his dirty work.

2 / 5

Question 3

Where does the poem take place?

3 / 5

Answer 3

The poem takes place outside.

3 / 5

Question 4

Who are the characters in the poem?

4 / 5

Answer 4

Jocko the monkey and Mouser the cat.

4 / 5

Question 5

Does the poem teach us anything?

5 / 5

Answer 5

Don't let flattery compromise your judgement. Don't let yourself be used by others.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the poem? The title of the poem is 'The Monkey and the Cat.'
2. What happens in the poem? A monkey flatters a cat into doing his dirty work.
3. Where does the poem take place? The poem takes place outside.
4. Who are the characters in the poem? Jocko the monkey and Mouser the cat.
5. Does the poem teach us anything? Don't let flattery compromise your judgement. Don't let yourself be used by others.