Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Students will engage in imaginative play based on story elements.
Students will practice sharing and taking turns during group play.
Students will identify characters and themes from the story (friendship, adventure).
Stuffed animals (kids bring their favorite)
Assorted scarves, blankets, and pillows to build a 'ship'
Toy pirate hats and eye patches (optional)
Blocks or cardboard boxes for props (e.g., treasure chest)
Book 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' or watch the read aloud here
Introduction (Read-Aloud & Character Discussion): Read aloud 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' focusing on the pirate adventure. Discuss Hannah Banana, Pinky, and other whimsical friends. Ask students, 'Who is your favorite character? What kind of adventure do you think they'll have next?' (5-10 minutes)
Building Our Pirate Ship: Guide students to use blankets, pillows, and blocks to construct a 'pirate ship' in the classroom. Encourage teamwork in arranging materials. (10 minutes)
Embarking on the Adventure: Assign roles (captain, first mate, lookout) or let children choose. Encourage them to bring their favorite stuffed animals as their adventure companions. Prompt imaginative scenarios: 'Oh no, a sea monster! What should we do?' or 'We've found a treasure island! What's inside?' (15 minutes)
Sharing Our Treasures: Gather students and have them share what 'treasures' they found or what exciting things happened on their adventure. Reinforce positive social interactions and creativity. (5 minutes)
Clean-Up & Wrap-Up: Help students put away materials, discussing how adventurers always leave places tidy. (5 minutes)
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Students will verbally retell key events from the story.
Students will create a drawing of a new 'whimsical friend' inspired by the book.
Students will share their imaginative ideas with peers.
Book 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' or watch the read aloud here
Large chart paper or whiteboard
Drawing paper (one sheet per student)
Story Introduction: Read aloud 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' , highlighting the diverse and imaginative friends Hannah and Pinky encounter. Ask students what kind of friends they would like to meet on an adventure. (5-10 minutes)
Character Brainstorm: On chart paper, list some of the whimsical friends from the book (e.g., unicorn, dinosaur, Santa, mermaid). Ask students to describe them using simple adjectives. Then, brainstorm ideas for new magical or adventurous friends. (10 minutes)
My Fantastic Friend Drawing: Instruct students to draw their own fantastic friend on their paper. Encourage them to think about what their friend looks like, what special abilities they have, and what kind of adventures they would go on together. (15-20 minutes)
Share Your Friend: Have students sit in a circle and take turns showing their drawing and describing their fantastic friend to the class. Encourage questions and positive comments from peers. (10-15 minutes)
Wrap-Up: Reiterate the importance of imagination and friendship. (5 minutes)
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Students will identify and describe physical and personality traits of story characters.
Students will use descriptive adjectives in their writing and discussions.
Students will write short, descriptive sentences about different characters.
Book 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' or watch the read aloud here
Whiteboard or chart paper
Worksheet with spaces to draw and write
Story & Character Focus: Read aloud 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky', focusing on the various characters. Ask students to name the characters and what they remember about them. (5-10 minutes)
Introducing Character Traits: Explain that characters have traits – things that describe how they look and how they act. On the whiteboard, create a simple two-column chart: 'Looks Like' and 'Acts Like'. As a class, fill it in for Hannah Banana and Pinky (e.g., Hannah: 'blond hair', 'sleepy'; Pinky: 'fluffy', 'friendly'). (10 minutes)
Exploring Whimsical Friends: Divide the class into small groups or work as a whole to discuss 2-3 other whimsical characters from the book (e.g., unicorn, dinosaur, Santa, mermaid). For each character, brainstorm descriptive adjectives for both 'Looks Like' and 'Acts Like'. (15 minutes)
Character Trait Worksheet: Distribute the worksheet. Instruct students to choose 2-3 characters and draw them in the provided space. Below each drawing, they should write 1-2 descriptive sentences using adjectives brainstormed or new ones they think of. (15-20 minutes)
Share and Reflect: Have a few students share their drawings and descriptive sentences. Discuss how different traits make characters interesting and unique, just like real friends. (5-10 minutes)
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Analyze the key story elements: characters, setting, and plot.
Develop original imaginative characters or fantastical settings inspired by the book.
Write descriptive paragraphs using vivid adjectives and verbs.
Present their creative work and explain their design choices.
Book 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' or watch the read aloud here
Drawing paper (cardstock recommended)
Pencils, erasers
Optional: construction paper, scissors, glue, glitter, pipe cleaners for 3D elements
Read 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' aloud to the class, encouraging them to pay attention to the details of the characters and places. (5-10 minutes)
Lead a discussion reviewing story elements: 'Who are the characters? Where does the story take place (settings)? What is the main plot?' (5-10 minutes)
Challenge students to become 'Imagination Station Builders.' They will either design a brand new whimsical friend for Hannah Banana and Pinky OR create a new fantastical setting for an adventure. Provide examples like 'a flying whale friend' or 'a candy forest setting.' (5 minutes)
Students spend time drawing and coloring their new character or setting. Encourage them to think about details like colors, shapes, special features, and what makes it unique and magical. For those creating settings, prompt them to think about what happens there. (20 minutes)
After drawing, students write a descriptive paragraph (4-6 sentences) explaining their creation. They should use vivid adjectives to describe its appearance and explain why it would be a great friend or place for Hannah Banana and Pinky to visit. (15 minutes)
Students share their drawings and read their descriptive paragraphs to the class, explaining their imaginative choices. (10-15 minutes)
Alternative Lesson Plan Ages 3-7
Children will engage with the story through sensory experiences and imaginative play.
Children will express their understanding of characters and themes through creative activities.
Children will develop social-emotional skills through collaborative play and sharing.
Book 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' or watch the read aloud here
Soft blankets and pillows to create a 'dreamland' space
Various stuffed animals (bunnies, unicorns, dinosaurs, dragons, etc.) - or have kids bring their favorite from home!
Playdough or modeling clay
Large chart paper or individual whiteboards
Optional: Gentle, calming music or nature sounds (e.g., ocean waves)
Read 'The Unbelievable Adventures of Hannah Banana and Pinky' aloud to the children in a calm, engaging manner. (5-10 minutes)
Create a 'Dreamland Cozy Corner' with soft blankets and pillows. Invite children to snuggle in and imagine they are drifting off to sleep like Hannah Banana, ready for an adventure (5 minutes)
Distribute various stuffed animals, encouraging children to choose one to be their 'dream friend' for a little while. If kids brought their favorite stuffed animal from home, have them tell you about their favorite animal. Facilitate imaginative play where children make their stuffed animals 'talk' to each other, embarking on a new small adventure inspired by the book. (15 minutes)
Transition to a creative station. Provide playdough and ask children to sculpt their favorite character from the story or a brand new fantastical creature they might meet in their dreams. Alternatively, provide large paper and crayons for them to draw their 'dreamland' setting. (15 minutes)
Gather the children and invite them to share their playdough creations or drawings. Encourage them to describe their 'dream friend' or 'dreamland' and what adventures they might have there. End with a calming activity, like listening to soft music. (10 minutes)