Poetry of Fables, Fairies, and Fauna Fables, Fairies, and Fauna    

Lesson 9: The Lion and the Gnat

by Jean de La Fontaine

Performer: Librivox - Rosslyn Carlyle

Directions

Study the poem for one week.

Over the week:

• Read or listen to the poem.
• Review the synopsis.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

A gnat mocks and stings a lion, turning the lion's strength against himself. The sassy gnat gets his comeuppance when he becomes entangled in a web and eaten by a spider.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Recite the Title, the Poet's Name, and the Poem

• Each day this week, recite aloud the title of the poem, the name of the poet, and the poem. Instructors may need to prompt children line-by-line.

Activity 2: Study the Poem's Pictures

• Study the pictures and describe them in your own words.

Activity 3: Narrate the Poem

• After reading or listening to the poem, narrate the poem events aloud using your own words.

Activity 4: Color the Poem   

• Click the crayon above, and complete page 12 of 'Poetry Coloring Pages for First Grade.'

Activity 5: Create Novel Artwork Based on the Poem

• One day this week, create artwork showing a gnat caught in a spider's web.
• Use paints, crayons, pastels, Legos, blocks, or Play-Doh to create the artwork.

Review

Question 1

What is the title of the poem?

1 / 5

Answer 1

The title of the poem is 'The Lion and the Gnat.'

1 / 5

Question 2

What happens in the poem?

2 / 5

Answer 2

An arrogant gnat torments an arrogant lion, then is eaten by a spider.

2 / 5

Question 3

Where does the poem take place?

3 / 5

Answer 3

The poem takes place outside.

3 / 5

Question 4

Who are the characters in the poem?

4 / 5

Answer 4

The lion, the gnat, and the spider.

4 / 5

Question 5

Does the poem teach us anything?

5 / 5

Answer 5

Arrogance is always misplaced. No matter how smart, fast, strong, etc. you are, don't be overconfident. Realize there are always situations that may end in your downfall.

5 / 5

❮ ❯

1. What is the title of the poem? The title of the poem is 'The Lion and the Gnat.'
2. What happens in the poem? An arrogant gnat torments an arrogant lion, then is eaten by a spider.
3. Where does the poem take place? The poem takes place outside.
4. Who are the characters in the poem? The lion, the gnat, and the spider.
5. Does the poem teach us anything? Arrogance is always misplaced. No matter how smart, fast, strong, etc. you are, don't be overconfident. Realize there are always situations that may end in your downfall.