An 8-Step Lesson for Critical Thinking Featuring “Llama Llama”

Llama Llama Mad At Mama by Anna Dewdney is an early elementary favorite. The lesson below is geared to ending first grade/second, but of course, can be changed/modified to meet your student needs.

The Critical Thinking Triangle^® In Action! tool has been a huge success with students in K-8. The Critical Thinking Triangle^® (CTT) is the crux of the Story Grammar Marker^® methodology for students when working through their problems, comprehending stories presented in academic settings, or when formulating and expressing personal narratives.

If you are unfamiliar with The Critical Thinking Triangle^® in Action! please click on the following links to review lessons using the selections...

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Be A Perfect Person In Just Three Days by Stephen Manes

Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe

— In addition, three recent webinars related to this topic are available —

5 Elements of the Critical Thinking Triangle^® in Action!

Autism Awareness Webinar with Focus on Critical Thinking Triangle^®

Demo Lesson for Critical Thinking Triangle with Second Graders

Lesson Using Llama Llama Mad at Mama

1. Have students discuss the title and Llama’s expression on the cover of the book. Students may want to use Feeling Frames (see blog, Using Feeling Thought Frames to Gauge Character’s Feelings) to demonstrate the Feeling.
2. Each child should use his/her CTT in Action! bookmark. Ask students to find the word mad , underline it, and then circle the synonyms associated with the word.
   
   List the words in order presented on a whiteboard and discuss how the words all relate to mad, with enraged being the strongest word that relates to feeling very angry/mad. Lead the discussion to fit your student needs (e.g., You may just be talking about mad, upset, and angry). Other feeling words (frustrated, unhappy, for example) may be discussed.
   
   Using Turn and Talk, students may share examples of times they have felt a certain way. Relate the feeling words to characters/events in previous stories read with students.
3. Read the book to the students.
4. Have the following materials from the CTT in Action! ready, depending on your students:
   • Large thought bubble and feelings icon
   • Feeling words for mad, annoyed, upset
   • Thought bubbles using the words think, know, and the blank
   • Wipe on/off marker
5. Read pages 7 and 8. Model your thinking aloud. Ask, “What do you think Llama is thinking?” “Yes, he is thinking, I’m tired of standing here with all these big feet!” (Responses will vary). Write responses on the thought card either in sentence form or key words. Discuss how Llama is depicted in the picture on page 8. I chose annoyed, which would be one feeling word that may not be as familiar to students (again it will depend on your students). Put the feeling word annoyed in the pocket.
   
   Proceed with the following pages, 9-12...
   
   ...and pages 13-16.
6. Invite a child to turn the pages of the book as you model/review with the thought bubbles and feeling words.
7. Place the completed materials in a center. I like to make copies and create permanent materials to store and use for the following year, but that is up to you. Students can review with one another AND/OR...

Download Free Llama Feelings & Thoughts Drawing Page

8. Use this free downloadable and set up as follows: Staple three papers the same size as the squares (I actually used sticky notes as I had some exactly the correct size) on the squares as shown. (You may also want to check out commercially made sticky notes of Thought Bubbles and Hearts to use with this activity, available on various sites online.)
9. 
10. Have students write what Llama was thinking as modeled (the cards that you did with the class may be placed in order on the chalk tray or pocket chart for reference as needed), add Feeling words, and then color the Llama (drawing compliments of my daughter, Mary!). (See below.) Then, ask the students to share with one another and then take the completed project home and share!
11. 
    Extension: Reread pages 16-23
12. Using the CTT Student Mat, use the Kick-Off when momma tells Llama she is bored too, but is glad to be with him. That is a new Kick Off for Llama. Write it in the space provided as shown.
13. Use the same procedure as above and discuss the thought process of Llama as shown in the following pictured sequence.
14. Write in the Plan: To enjoy his time with Mama (Be a team)
    
    

The CTT provides a visual scaffold to model through thought processes of characters, so critical in understanding motivations/perspectives, comprehending stories, and working out problems of our own… lifelong skills!