Text Talk Lesson: Beauty and the Beast
Brett, Jan. (1989). Clarion Books a Houghton Mifflin Company
Summary
When Beauty’s father plucks a rose from the Beast’s garden, he must either pay for his mistakes with his life, or with one of his daughters. Beauty insists on going to the Beast herself, since it was she who desired the rose and caused her father’s misfortune.
At first Beauty is frightened by the ugly Beast, but soon his gentle ways put her at ease. Then he falls in love with her, and she is alarmed by his persistent request that she become his wife. As kind as the Beast has proved to be, Beauty is not sure that she can ever return her love but she promises to stay with him forever in the palace so long as she can say goodbye to her family. The Beast grants her wish but insists that she return home before the moon is full. Beauty returns home and becomes so overwhelmed in her old life that she forgets to return to the Beast. On the night of the full moon Beauty has a dream that the Beast is dying so she returns home to find the Beast dying of a broken heart. She realizes she truly loves the Beast and pledges her heart to him. The curse that held him as a Beast is lifted and before Beauty stands a handsome prince.
Focus
A focus for understanding is the big differences between the true story of the Beauty and the Beast retold by Jan Brett, and the Disney version that must children have seen.
Comments and Questions
Cover: Show the cover and read the title. Ask the children relate what happens in the story of Beauty and the Beast. Ask them if they have ever heard a different version and if they have what that story was like. Explain to them that the story of Beauty and the Beast was written in 1756 by a French-woman and it was called La Belle et la Bete. This book is a version of that first story. Begin reading the story.
Page 6: So what is going on? Why is the father asking his daughters what they want?
Page 8: Why do you think the trees aren’t covered in snow?
Page 11: Why do you think the Beast was so upset about the rose?
Page 13: I bet she was really scared, I know I would be.
Page 14: Look at the picture in the background. Why do you think it looks like that?
Page 19: Why do you think he keeps asking that?
Page 22: Do you think she’ll return in time? Why or why not?
Page 27: Why do you think it took her so long to fall in love?
Closure
So what were the differences you saw in the story you know and the story that we just read? Which do you like better? Why? Why do you think they made the Disney version is so different?
Vocabulary Instruction
Grumble: In the story, it says two of the sisters could only remember their former fine life, and cried and grumbled. Grumble means to fuss or complain about something. Say the word grumble.
I am going to say some things and I want you to tell me if you would grumble about them or not. If you would grumble say “grumble” if you wouldn’t say “Oh no way”.
⋲ Doing chores
⋲ Eating ice cream
⋲ Doing homework
⋲ Having a fight with your friend
⋲ Getting a homework pass
What’s our word? Grumble
Sumptuous: In the story the merchant enters the palace to find a blazing fire and a sumptuous meal. This means the merchant saw a very expensive and large meal laid out in front of him. Sumptuous means very expensive and over the top. Say the word sumptuous.
I am going to list some dinners and I want you to tell me is they are sumptuous or not. If they are then say “That’s sumptuous” if it’s not then say “No that’s puny”.
⋲ A big turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing
⋲ Mac and cheese and a hotdog
⋲ Roast duck and caviar
⋲ Grilled cheese sandwich
⋲ Filet Mignon and asparagus with lemon sauce
What’s our word? Sumptuous
Bellow: In the story, when the merchant picked a rose the Beast bellowed at him “How dare you harm my roses”. This means the Beast yelled very loudly at the merchant. Bellow means to yell or roar at someone. Say the word bellowed.
I am going to act out some things I would bellow at. You create some of your own and then share with the class. Now watch me.
⋲ You do your homework right now sir!
⋲ What do you think you are doing?!
⋲ You sit down in that seat right now!
Now you think of your own sentence you would bellow. Share with the class when I call on you.
What is our word? Bellow
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