The Mixed-Up Chameleon 1975
ISBN#978-0-694-01147-6
CARLE, E. (1975). The Mixed-Up Chameleon.
New York, NY: HarperCollins.
New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Content
The Mixed-Up Chameleon is a story by Eric Carle. I have always loved his style of writing as well as the illustrations that reflect his words. This story is about a chameleon that is living a regular every day (somewhat boring) life until one day he stumbles upon a Zoo. In this Zoo he comes across many animals with different unique traits (ie. "…smart like a fox"). The chameleon finds many of these animals intriguing and makes wishes to be just like them! As he is a special chameleon, he is able to transform himself into specific features of the animals that he finds interesting. When he realizes that he is not able to be himself with all these new additions, he wishes to be back to himself-- just the way he was. The moral of this story is to appreciate others uniqueness’s and differences-- love people the way they are, however it also teaches children that they should not wish to be anyone else but themselves. All the Mixed-Up Chameleon’s wishes are fun at the time, but he soon realizes that being someone else does not make him any happier.
The Mixed-Up Chameleon is a story by Eric Carle. I have always loved his style of writing as well as the illustrations that reflect his words. This story is about a chameleon that is living a regular every day (somewhat boring) life until one day he stumbles upon a Zoo. In this Zoo he comes across many animals with different unique traits (ie. "…smart like a fox"). The chameleon finds many of these animals intriguing and makes wishes to be just like them! As he is a special chameleon, he is able to transform himself into specific features of the animals that he finds interesting. When he realizes that he is not able to be himself with all these new additions, he wishes to be back to himself-- just the way he was. The moral of this story is to appreciate others uniqueness’s and differences-- love people the way they are, however it also teaches children that they should not wish to be anyone else but themselves. All the Mixed-Up Chameleon’s wishes are fun at the time, but he soon realizes that being someone else does not make him any happier.
Pre-Story
I would likely discuss the chameleon as a reptile prior to reading this book. I would likely discuss other types of reptiles and try to make sure that everyone could somewhat understand that some types of chameleons are able to camouflage themselves as well as discuss briefly what the word 'camouflage' means. I would introduce chameleons as lizards with long tongues and feet like a parrot. I would share that they live in hot environments and that we don’t have them in British Columbia. I would introduce camouflage as something that can turn almost invisible or hidden. I would mention how chameleons camouflage themselves in nature especially to match dirt, leaves or trees. We could discuss how they can also change colour depending on their mood.
I would likely discuss the chameleon as a reptile prior to reading this book. I would likely discuss other types of reptiles and try to make sure that everyone could somewhat understand that some types of chameleons are able to camouflage themselves as well as discuss briefly what the word 'camouflage' means. I would introduce chameleons as lizards with long tongues and feet like a parrot. I would share that they live in hot environments and that we don’t have them in British Columbia. I would introduce camouflage as something that can turn almost invisible or hidden. I would mention how chameleons camouflage themselves in nature especially to match dirt, leaves or trees. We could discuss how they can also change colour depending on their mood.
Preschool Aged Children
I think this book is ideal for a Preschool aged child as it has a vibrant rainbow of colours in the art, a variety of animals are shown and different characteristics and traits are used. The chameleon gets silly as he wishes for more and more traits, and I think children would find this really funny. The artwork might be familiar to young children from reading the all time classic 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' which has the similar painting technique. On a nostalgic level, I chose this book because I adore Eric Carle's work and his stories about morals and growing up, have always been close to my heart.
I think this book is ideal for a Preschool aged child as it has a vibrant rainbow of colours in the art, a variety of animals are shown and different characteristics and traits are used. The chameleon gets silly as he wishes for more and more traits, and I think children would find this really funny. The artwork might be familiar to young children from reading the all time classic 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' which has the similar painting technique. On a nostalgic level, I chose this book because I adore Eric Carle's work and his stories about morals and growing up, have always been close to my heart.
The Artists Illustrations
The technique used in Eric Carle's artwork is created using a collage type technique. I understand he creates his art through hand-painted papers and then overlaps many layers to form the colourful images. They evoke a very creative mood and I am drawn to them because they are so unique. They are so unique that you almost want to attempt the art yourself to see what you can come up with.
The technique used in Eric Carle's artwork is created using a collage type technique. I understand he creates his art through hand-painted papers and then overlaps many layers to form the colourful images. They evoke a very creative mood and I am drawn to them because they are so unique. They are so unique that you almost want to attempt the art yourself to see what you can come up with.
Storytelling - Four Ways
Between myself and my incredibly crafty mom, I was able to sew, paint, create and pose (Storybook Yoga) all of the pieces and boards necessary for my four ways of storytelling. Art and crafts has always been a huge part of my life. My mom was a Preschool teacher for 25+ years as well as an amazing leader in Girl Guides. As a result, she is one of my absolute best resources. Although I know there are options to purchase materials pre-made, this wasn’t an option I looked into much further for this specific story. Creating the pieces/props allows me to remember the story that much better and I also believe that creating art is equal to sharing it with children.
Between myself and my incredibly crafty mom, I was able to sew, paint, create and pose (Storybook Yoga) all of the pieces and boards necessary for my four ways of storytelling. Art and crafts has always been a huge part of my life. My mom was a Preschool teacher for 25+ years as well as an amazing leader in Girl Guides. As a result, she is one of my absolute best resources. Although I know there are options to purchase materials pre-made, this wasn’t an option I looked into much further for this specific story. Creating the pieces/props allows me to remember the story that much better and I also believe that creating art is equal to sharing it with children.
Story #1 - Puppet with Felt Story
| Puppet Items/Pieces: | Felt Board Items/Pieces: |
| · 1 large chameleon puppet | · One multi-colour (red/green/yellow/brown) chameleon |
| · A white jacket for puppet | · a red felt flower |
| · Red fox tail | · a green leaf |
| · Orange fish fins | · a yellow layer of sand |
| · Pink flamingo wings and legs | · a brown tree |
| · Yellow giraffe neck | |
| · Green turtle shell | |
| · Blue elephant face | |
| · Purple seal fins | |
| · Black hat and umbrella | |
| · Brown reindeer antlers |
PART I-Using the felt board with the 5 pieces (*) I would read the beginning of the book until the chameleon discovers the Zoo.
Wonders:
'I wonder what kind of animals are at this Zoo?'
'I wonder what the biggest/smallest animal is at the Zoo?'
'I wonder what kind of animals are at this Zoo?'
'I wonder what the biggest/smallest animal is at the Zoo?'
PART II -I would then move the felt board to the side, and add the puppet to my hand. I would continue to tell the story about each animal and the chameleons 'wishes' at the Zoo. Each time a new animal was mentioned, I would attach (Velcro) the specific trait/item by Velcro to the hand puppet chameleon. At the end of the book, when the chameleon realizes he’s best suited being just the way he is-- I will remove all the animal layers/pieces and the chameleon will be himself again. I have then affixed a long tongue inside his mouth (a long balloon) that will poke out and eat the fly (just like the book!)
Story #2: Storybook Yoga
| Items Needed: Your own body & Yoga Mat/foam mats welcomed but not necessary if room is carpeted |
| Chameleon: sit on the ground with your buttocks on your feet and hands on your thighs. Your knees should be hip width apart and your big toes touching. Move into child's pose by first exhaling and lifting and bending your chest to your knees and head to the floor. |
| Polar Bear: Laying on back, grab feet and rock back on floor. |
| Fish: Lying on stomach, hands and legs straight, quickly move hands and feet in similar swimming motion. |
| Turtle: Lying down with the knees bent, feet flat on the floor slightly wider than hip-width apart, rest with the palms up. Bending the knees into the chest spread the knees to the outsides of the body. Holding the shins (or back of thighs) with the hands gently press the knees toward the floor. |
| Flamingo: Standing, shift your weight slightly onto the left foot, keeping the inner foot firm to the floor, and bend your right knee. |
| Deer: Bend the right leg placing the foot a hand’s span from the left thigh, hug your knee with both arms and sit tall . |
| Elephant: Sitting, spread legs as wide as you can, bend all the way forward and reach for the ground in-between our legs. To form the trunk of the elephant we clasp the hands together and lock the fingers. |
| Fox: Start on all fours, with your knees and hands in alignment with the shoulders and hips. Your back flat, in the tabletop position. Look at the floor. Raise your chest and sitting bones up. Return to tabletop. |
| Giraffe: Stand and breathe in, bring arms high above head. Breathe out, put hands on floor as far forward as possible, keep heels on floor, stretch the back. Walk on all fours moving right hand with right leg and left hand with left leg. |
| Seal: Start on all fours, knees on floor, bum raised, head to floor, hands straight above head, flap hands and toes. |
| People: Sitting in prayer. |
I would tell the beginning of the story just with words and when the chameleon visits the Zoo, the Yoga portion of my storytelling would begin. Each pose would be held for a few seconds and we could wonder about each animal as we are in their pose. Wonders: During each pose for each animal, I could wonder with the children, "Do you think Flamingos get tired of standing on 1 leg all day long, I wonder???" or "I wonder how far a Giraffe can see with his long, long neck?"
Story #3 - Wood Magnet Story
Items/Pieces Needed:
Magnetic Frame Board - made with magnetic sheet and re-used wooden frame (light and easily maneuvered)
· 1 green chameleon
· 1 sparkly chameleon
· 1 gray chameleon
· 1 red chameleon
· 1 brown chameleon
· 1 green chameleon
· 1 yellow chameleon
· 1 red flower
· 1 brown tree
· 1flower (red)
· 1tree (brown)
· 1 layer of sand (yellow colour)
· 1 leaf (green)
· 1 flamingo
· 1 red fox
· 1 fish
· 1 reindeer
· 1 giraffe
· 1 turtle
· 1 elephant
· 1 seal
· 1 black hat (symbolizing people)
I would tell the story from start to finish (no chunking) but take a pause between the start of the book and the chameleon arriving at the Zoo. This should be done in part to clear up space on the magnetic board and also to make sure there is plenty of room to ensure all the animals fit on the board! Wonders: “I wonder what it feels like to have all these pieces on the chameleon?” or “I wonder if the chameleon can fly and swim at the same time?”
Story #4 - Magnetic Foam Story
Items/Pieces Needed:
Magnetic Frame Board - made with magnetic sheet and re-used wooden frame (light and easily maneuvered)
· 1 green chameleon magnet
· 1 transparent chameleon with magnet back
· 1piece of sparkly foam magnet
· 1 piece of gray foam magnet
· 1 red flower magnet
· 1 brown tree magnet
· 1flower (red) magnet
· 1tree (brown) magnet
· 1 layer of sand (yellow colour) magnet
· 1 leaf (green) magnet
· 1 white chameleon magnet
· 1 flamingo legs and wings magnet
· 1 fox tail magnet
· 1 fish fins magnet
· 1 deer antlers magnet
· 1 giraffe neck magnet
· 1 turtle shell magnet
· 1 elephant face magnet
· 1 seal fins magnet
· 1 black hat (symbolizing people) magnet
·
I would tell the story from start to finish (no chunking) but take a pause between the start of the book and the chameleon arriving at the Zoo. This should be done in part to clear up space on the magnetic board and also to make sure there is plenty of room to ensure the chameleon has plenty of room to grow features! Wonders: “I wonder what it feels like to have all these pieces on the chameleon?” or “I wonder if the chameleon can fly and swim at the same time?”
Provocations
1. Display in Open Area: Leaving parts of one of the four stories in plain sight or in the middle of the classroom. Example, a yoga mat with all the little wooden animals (elephant, fox, etc) lined up along the mat. Provoke the interest 'what are these animals doing on that Yoga mat?' or 'What types of yoga poses can you make and look like an animal at the Zoo?'
2. Scavenger Hunt: Take a photo of each animal trait/features (ex. flamingo wings, turtles shell, etc) from the book. Hide the pieces of the story around the classroom and see if the
children can match up the felt pieces to the photo from the Scavenger Hunt.
3. Photo: Blow-up a photo of the teacher(s) with a drawn trait/feature of an animal and a short verse attached. Example, a photo of Barb with wings of bee, "I wish I could be busy like a little buzzzzing bee" or "I wish could have hundreds of little feet like a caterpillar"
4. Natural Provocation: A provocation might come up naturally if there is a sense of jealousy about something within the classroom. This book would be an ideal way to bring up the topic of being happy with exactly what you have already.
Extensions
1. Nature walk: Using a clear contact page/overhead sheet, create see-through chameleons. Move around the room or outside areas and discover objects, clothing, foods, skin colours, etc throughout the space. When the translucent chameleon is held up to a different item/object, the child can visualize him magically changing colours/textures.
2. Music & Movement This song can be sung and actions can be acted out. Children can point out items in the classroom (i.e. point to blue hat, red shirt) and then 'blend in or camouflage' into an area of the classroom that reflects the colour of the clothing they are wearing.
Song: Do you have Green Skin? (Piggyback to Turkey in the Straw Melody)
Do you have green skin? Can you shed the skin you’re in? Can you change your colour too? Turn from green, to red, to blue? Do you live in the trees? Blending in with sticks and leaves? Do you have green skin?
3. Take a photo of the child and have them add their own art drawing/painting to the picture. Ask them to include a favourite characteristics/trait of an animal, friend, etc (i.e. wings of a bee, feet of a caterpillar). All the children’s photos can be combined together, laminated and bound to create a very personal copy of 'The Mixed-Up Me'.
4. Science & Nutrition: Discussions around chameleons and how they can change various colors including pink, purple, brown, light blue, yellow and green. As the book also touches on the chameleon enjoying flies to eat and nutrition, we could discuss how they also eat crickets and grasshoppers and plenty of vitamins to stay beautiful. We could talk about the different types of things in the world that change colour (the sky, a rainbow, the leaves on a tree, etc) and create our own new colours by mixing paints with water, on paper, etc.
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