"The Legend of Mulan" is a story of a woman warrior from Ancient China. Hua Mulan lived during China's Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589 B.C.) This is a beautiful story about a woman who was brave enough to do what she felt was right for her family and country. This legend was passed down through many generations.
The trademark of a legend is that it is passed down by word of mouth or through some written records and this is one fine example.
This packet gives an account of Mulan's life, background, history and her time during the war. Then followed by close reading questions, core aligned to get involved in the story. Next, there is a page on matching vocabulary between word and meaning. The rest of the packet consists of creative activities on writing, a taste of the culture and crafts.
A couple of paragraphs provide some vivid description on the historical background of the dynasty she came from and how the "Mongols" or"Xiongnus" were formidable enemies of China. With this information, the reader can understand why Mulan felt imperative to join the forces to protect her country.
There are 15 pages in all. Pages are:
2-4 is the text
5-6 are Close Reading questions:
Text evidence questions from 1-4, (Multiple Choice)
Example: What did lower class Chinese women do during that period?
Craft and Structure questions from 5-9 (2 are multiple choice)
What point of view is this passage written in?
Analyzing Questions 10-14
The author used this sentence,"That very night, Mulan could not sleep." What is causing this issue?
Culminating Writing Tasks Questions from 15-16
From this passage of “The Story of Mulan”, share how the circumstances, historical background and the character of Mulan have caused her to be an impact to her country.
7 Matching of Vocabulary
8. Food and Culture-Mulitiple Choice
9. Write a summary of the story of Mulan
10. Fun Writing Activities: a. A letter from Mulan to her parents before leaving for the military. b. Describe Mulan
11. Compare the Mulan from this story with the Mulan from the Disney movie using the Venn Diagram.
12. Fun activity: A taste of Chinese pictographic writing
13. Craftivity: A picture of some bamboo plants and a panda bear. Create a Chinese fan or Christmas ornament with it.
14-15 Answers for Activities A to C.
You can do a theme on "A Day with Mulan". Here are some ideas.
1. Decorate the room with lanterns.
2. Serve some chrysanthemum tea with sugar and ice.
3. Play some background Chinese instrumental music.
4. Watch a video or slideshow on ancient China.
5. Read the passage and answer the questions.
6. Work on the activities in the packet.
7. Watch a movie of Mulan.
8. Compare the elements of the story between the written legend and the movie.
For Math, you could ask the children to make some origami and teach fractions and shapes. Origami is an excellent tool to teach on symmetry, shapes, and fractions.
For Science, the children could do a unit on silkworms and how they are raised to produce silk and is used in China to produce their signature silk clothing.
For Social Studies, the children could read on the different inventions from China or study the Silk Route.
You could also add this packet to your collection or theme on woman heroes as well. You can use it as a mini lesson or literacy center idea as well.
Credits for images:
I have enjoyed writing this story and the activities for this packet. I hope you and your students will enjoy this, too. Please let me know how much fun your child or class has with this packet.
It would be great to hear from you. Blessings.
This packet can go with Themes like China, Woman Heroes, Asian culture, Ancient China, Cultural Activities, Legend, Folktale.