Kate Simpson’s How to Move a Zoo is a fantastic book to explore history, storytelling, and critical thinking in the classroom. Based on the true story of Jessie the elephant’s 1916 journey through Sydney, this beautifully illustrated book offers opportunities for literacy, geography, and even art. Here are some How to Move a Zoo classroom activities to bring this incredible story to life in your classroom!
Write a Newspaper Article about Jessie’s Journey
Turn your students into journalists with this How to Move a Zoo classroom activity! Have them report on Jessie’s big move. Students can write a news article describing the event as if they were reporting in 1916. Encourage them to think about the who, what, when, where, and why to structure their writing.
For a twist, students can also write an opinion piece debating whether zoos should exist. Should animals live in enclosures, or should they stay in the wild? This activity promotes persuasive writing and critical thinking.
Explore Informative Writing with Animal Research
A great way to enhance the How to Move a Zoo classroom activities is by having students research zoo animals. They can pick an animal, research its habitat, diet, and unique features, and then write an informative report. If possible, you could even take a trip to a local zoo to observe the animals firsthand!
Make Zoo Animal Crowns and Act Out the Story
Bring How to Move a Zoo to life by getting students involved in the story through role-playing. Have them make zoo animal crowns using simple craft materials like construction paper, markers, and glue. Each student can choose their favorite zoo animal and create a crown that represents that animal.
Once the crowns are ready, students can act out the story! They can take turns being Jessie the elephant, the zookeepers, or the people in Sydney watching the move. This How to Move a Zoo classroom activity is not only fun but helps students understand the narrative in a hands-on way while developing their dramatic expression skills.
Map Jessie’s Journey Through Sydney
One of the How to Move a Zoo classroom activities that brings geography into play is mapping Jessie’s route. Students can trace Jessie’s journey from Moore Park Zoo to Taronga Zoo, highlighting key landmarks along the way. This activity also encourages a discussion on how Sydney’s landscape has changed over time.
Design a New Zoo Entrance
What should a zoo entrance look like? Should it have statues of animals, interactive displays, or a giant archway? After looking at images of Taronga Zoo’s entrance, students can design their own, thinking about how to make it inviting and educational.
Compare Zoos of the Past and Present
Zoos have changed a lot over the years! In the early 1900s, visitors could ride elephants at Taronga Zoo—something that would never happen today. Now, zoos focus on conservation and education. Have students compare zoos from the past with modern zoos. They can create a Venn diagram to show the differences or write a short reflection on how zoos have evolved.
Bring History to Life!
Using How to Move a Zoo in your classroom helps students connect history with literacy and creativity. Whether they’re writing newspaper articles, mapping Jessie’s journey, or designing a zoo entrance, they’ll be developing key skills while engaging with a fascinating real-life event.
How will you use How to Move a Zoo in your classroom?
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