The Story of Ferdinand is the latest book we rowed with our Five in a Row Curriculum. It’s a sweet and simple story, and yet it provides a wealth of opportunities for further learning.
I also created a lapbook to correspond perfectly with the activities in the FIAR Volume Two (2nd Ed.). If you’re looking for lapbooking materials for The Story of Ferdinand, you’re in the right place!
The Story of Ferdinand Summary
The Story of Ferdinand tells the story of a young bull, who’s quite unlike the stereotypical bull. He enjoys peace and quiet and smelling flowers. Unfortunately, he’s chosen to be taken into Madrid for the bull fights after he displays his fierce side as a result of a bee sting.
Plot twist: Ferdinand won’t fight, much to the chagrin of the matador, and the story has a happy ending!
If you’re unfamiliar with the FIAR curriculum, I share a basic overview, and why I like this curriculum in the post A New Lapbook for Anna.
Rowing The Story of Ferdinand for FIAR
There are so many learning trails to pursue with this book. Below are a few of the activities with linked resources that we used:
- We spent a good deal of time learning more about Spain with this story. Your Passport to Spain by Douglas Hustad taught us about the history of spain, what daily life is like, and the country’s holidays and celebrations. My daughter was amazed to learn about La Tomatina, where people have a big tomato food fight with each other!
- We took a virtual field trip to a Flamenco dance studio to learn about (and practice) Flamenco dancing.
- We learned about vultures and their amazing characteristics. Did you know these birds eat almost anything, even poop? So gross.
- We’ve been using Spanish language flashcards this year, and are a fun start to introduce your child to simple Spanish words. What a perfect time to start while reading this book!
- We watched the movie version of Ferdinand to celebrate the completion of our study. You can read a review first to determine if it’s a good fit for your family.
Supplemental Resources for The Story of Ferdinand
Did you know that Wee Gillis, another story used in FIAR Volume Two (2nd Ed.), is also written by Munro Leaf and illustrated by Robert Lawson? This unit study is a perfect time to revisit that story and compare the illustrations.
Any additional non-fiction books about bulls, Spain, clover, vultures, or cork would be helpful to acquire before you begin this unit study.
Finally, a travel show about Spain would be a lovely addition. If you’re not familiar with Rick Steves, he is a travel guru for Europe. You may see his show reruns on PBS. His YouTube channel has many Spain travel videos that could enhance your study of Spanish culture and life.
(note: preview first. I’ve found most of his shows to be appropriate for all ages, but each family has different standards).
Other Lapbooks for Five in a Row Volume Two
There are several other lapbooks I’ve created to complement your FIAR studies! The list continues to grow as we make our way through the FIAR manual. Be sure to check them out:
Free Lapbook for The Story of Ferdinand
I am happy to share with you the 9-page lapbook I made for my daughter. It’s currently available in my ever-growing Resource Library for subscribers.
If you sign up, you will have immediate access to this lapbook and all the others I’m making to go along with our FIAR studies. You’ll also get access to other incredibly useful resources for your homeschool and personal self-care as a homeschool mom!
Conclusion
I hope The Story of Ferdinand lapbook will be of benefit as you use the FIAR curriculum. This is a classic children’s book that is worth not skipping over. I hope you enjoy reading the story together AND making a pretty snazzy lapbook as you go.
What about you? Do you use lapbooks in your homeschool? Have you ever used Five in a Row?
Leave a comment and let me know!
