Something from Nothing

Activity #1: From a large piece of blue paper, cut out the things that Joseph’s Grandpa makes for him. Shuffle them and ask the children to place them in the correct order.

Activity #2: Tell the story while cutting the shapes out of a large rectangle of blue paper. Children take the paper scraps and cut their own creations out of the bits that are leftover.

Activity #3: This book can be incorporated into units on:

  • Life in the old Jewish shtetls
  • Recycling.
  • Folktales.

Activity #4: Compare various versions of traditional folktales.

Activity #5: Have students ask their parents or Grandparents to tell stories from their childhood.

Activity #6: Tell or write the mouse story.

Activity #7: A lesson on the concept of zero/nothing.

Activity #8: A lesson on the Sabbath

Activity #9: Students bring in a treasured object and tell the story of what makes it special. Where did it come from? How is it used? Etc. These stories can be real or imaginary.

Activity #10: Invite Cascade Theatre in to show their award-winning play based on Something From Nothing.