Miss Primary

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe is a favourite read aloud that I enjoy sharing with first graders (Year 1-2) (see 100 dresses for another gem). This heartwarming tale captures the imagination of young readers, sharing how friendships can be formed in the unlikeliest of places. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a lonely giraffe who longs for friendship. Through a series of letters, Giraffe and Penguin form a unique bond, despite their vastly different lifestyles. It sparks conversations about friendship, empathy, and the power of imagination.

When reading this book and the sequel (Dear Professor Whale), I wasn’t expecting to use them as a teaching resource in any other subject. However, it inspired some really great teachable moments and some child-led activities too. Here are a few activities that I’ve used, and a few that some students came up with:

Lesson Activities Inspired by Yours Sincerely, Giraffe

1. Letter Writing:
   • Encourage students to write letters to a new friend / animal. They could be an animal too!
   • Discuss the components of a letter: the heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature.
   • Model letter writing, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise language.
   • Have students decorate their envelopes with colorful drawings.
2. Character Analysis:
   • Discuss the characters of Giraffe and Penguin.
   • Create character profiles, noting their physical appearance, personality traits, and feelings.
   • Compare and contrast the two characters. Add in a Venn Diagram if you want a mathematical element.
3. Imaginative Writing with Synonyms and Antonyms :
   • Prompt students to write their own stories about unlikely friendships.
   • When planning, include lessons on synonyms and antonyms to help their contrasting characters.
   • Encourage them to use vivid descriptions and creative language.
   • Share and discuss the stories as a class.
4. Art Activity: Mail Art
   • Create envelopes and postcards using various art materials (paint, markers, collage).
   • Decorate the envelopes and postcards with whimsical designs inspired by the book.
   • Write messages of friendship, gratitude and kindness on the postcards for members of staff and faculty from the class.
5. Geography Lesson:
   • Discuss the different habitats of giraffes and penguins.
   • Use maps to locate the countries where these animals live.
   • Learn about the unique adaptations of these animals to their environments.

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe is a versatile book that can be used to spark creativity, promote literacy skills, and foster empathy and understanding. By exploring the themes of friendship, communication, and imagination, this book offers endless opportunities for engaging and meaningful learning experiences. Let me know if you end up reading it with your class!