As mentioned in our Activities section of this website, creative drama is a wonderful outlet for expressing feelings and exercising one's ability to imagine and pretend. Using the context provided by Deli's Pickle, here are some suggestions:
The interaction between Deli and her brothers in the beginning of the story can be acted out followed by discussion of Deli, Danny and David’s behavior. Ideas of how siblings should treat each other might be discussed followed by the scene being played illustrating better behavior.
Deli’s encounter with the forest creatures can be fun and exciting for children to act out because of the other creatures involved. After discussion about the behaviors and emotions of the characters, different outcomes could be discussed and acted out.
Great Grandpa Grump is a good character to discuss. Why Deli did not like him at first can be an interesting study. Children often shy away from older people unless they know them well. What is it about aging that can frighten kids?
The chapter called “The Visit” lends itself to discussion of best friend relationships and the treatment of each other. What in Lily’s personality makes her accept and appreciate her best friend in spite of Deli’s bossiness?
“The Accident” is another option for performance and discussion. Accidents happen and children seem to enjoy discussing things that have happened to them or people they know. A discussion of emotions lends itself very nicely here. Deli’s capture and subsequent feelings of fear and loss make a great discussion platform, as well. Too often these days children experience separation situations. This can be very fearful. Asking children about times like these can be enlightening for parent or teacher. Sharing ideas of what a person can do to remain hopeful and strong during these times can be helpful for young children.
Comparing the characters of Jackie and Terry gives ample opportunities for discussion and writing activities. Carly also is a good character study. Listing character traits for book characters and why those traits are likeable or dislikeable can give kids a chance to examine their own characteristics and qualities.
Deli’s escape, the searching by the mice, Great Grandpa Grump finding Deli plus Jackie almost finding the mice are all exciting options for acting out later chapters from the book.
The relationship between Deli and Terri is a good avenue for discussion, as well as thinking about what it would be like to be confined in a cage or a pocket and needing to be perfectly quiet. Children’s imaginations can be wonderful and a whole new world of learning can be the result for all participants.
Please enjoy the suggestions and, by all means, let me know if I can be of help in any way.
For more creative and fun activities visit Activities Time on my Delightful Reading website!
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