James and the Giant Peach: Play
not part of a series
on Goodreads (2,126)
What’s inside...
Join James as he escapes from his horrible aunts and sets off inside the peach on his wonderful adventures. This dramatization of Roald Dahl's hugely popular book can be staged in school, acted out at home or simply read together by a group of friends. With suggestions for staging, props and lighting.Roald Dahl died in 1990 but his books continue to be worldwide bestsellers.Richard George was an American elementary school teacher when he adapted James and the Giant Peach as a school play. Roald Dahl loved it and wrote an introduction.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
91 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you discovered a giant peach? How would you feel and who would you tell first?
Why do you think the insects in the peach were willing to help James?
How do the different characters in the peach contribute to their adventure? Which character would you like to be and why?
What lessons did James learn throughout his journey? Have you ever learned something similar from your own experiences?
How do the themes of friendship and courage appear in the story? Can you share a personal experience about a time you demonstrated or witnessed courage?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts or recollections about giant peaches or unusual adventures, to create a comfortable atmosphere for your child to share.
Encourage your child to imagine vividly by asking them to describe what their own giant peach would look like and what sort of creatures they might meet inside.
Link the story to your child’s life by relating the themes of the book to their personal experiences with friends or challenges they’ve faced.
Validate their feelings and perspectives, demonstrating that their thoughts about the book are valued and important.
Discuss the emotions of different characters at various points in the story, asking your child how they might feel in similar situations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the play, James demonstrates courage when facing daunting obstacles and unfamiliar situations after entering the giant peach. Despite his fears, he perseveres and asserts himself as a leader among the peculiar new friends he makes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears and challenges with bravery, learning that it's okay to be scared but important to keep going. This promotes resilience and self-confidence in handling school or social situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value teamwork, showing them the importance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, whether in group projects, sports, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements of the story, such as talking insects and the surreal adventures, stimulate imagination. James' innovative problem-solving showcases the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination to solve problems and think outside the box. This can be applied both in academic subjects and in playful or artistic expressions at home or school.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Understanding
Explanation: James shows empathy towards the insects’ fears and stories, listening and showing concern. These interactions underscore the themes of understanding and compassion for others’ experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the diverse backgrounds and feelings of people around them, promoting empathy and social skills necessary for school and everyday interactions.