Activity #1: Using colored paper, create a large tree. Written work is glued on to balloon shaped colored paper and tacked onto the tree. Suggestions:
- Write your own magic words.
- Favorite part of the story.
- If I had a magic tree …
- Pretend to be the Archduke in prison. Write a letter to the King or Princess Leora, complaining about conditions and asking for freedom.
Activity #2: Photocopy sheets of paper with synonyms and antonyms placed inside of balloons. Students draw strings to connect corresponding balloons.
Activity #3: Do a unit on the Middle Ages
Activity #4: Try writing calligraphy. (Stationary stores sell inexpensive felt calligraphy pens.)
Activity #5: Tack real balloons onto a fake tree. Add and subtract balloons. Sort by colour, shape, or size.
Activity #6: Students share the balloons. Does each wind up with an equal amount? Are there any leftover?
Activity #7: Estimate: how many balloons tall is a student? Check answer by having the student lie down to be measured.
Activity #8: Estimate with a string, the circumference of various balloons. How close was the estimate? What happens if air is let out of a balloon or added to one?