Princess Minna: The Enchanted Forest

by by Kirsty Applebaum

Princess Minna is not your typical princess; she is brave, bold, and ready for adventure in the Enchanted Forest. This easy reader series follows her as she faces magical challenges with courage and resourcefulness.

Big Idea

Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it when others need help.

Discussion Questions

1.What makes Minna a different kind of princess?
2.What challenges does the Enchanted Forest present?
3.How does Minna solve her problems?
4.Why is it important to be kind to creatures you meet?
5.What would you do if you entered an enchanted forest?

Lesson Plan

⏱ 40 minutes📦 Large paper, colored pencils, markers

Learning Goals

Develop spatial awareness
Practice descriptive writing
Enhance creative problem solving
Identify narrative settings

Activity Steps

1.Sketch a rough map of a magical forest
2.Label the locations with creative names
3.Add illustrations of obstacles or allies
4.Write a two-sentence description for each location
5.Present the map to the class

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.4

Pace-Write-Read Study with Pace-Write It!

Kirsty Applebaum writes with the brisk pace necessary for early readers, using short sentences to keep the plot moving forward. The pacing helps young readers feel accomplished as they conquer each chapter.

Element	How to notice or teach it in the novel
Pacing	Use the frequent chapter breaks as 'cliffhanger' moments to build anticipation.
Plot	Focus on the 'problem-solution' structure of each chapter to understand how Minna overcomes obstacles.
Prosody	Practice reading with 'brave' energy, emphasizing active verbs like 'leaped', 'charged', and 'found'.
Word	Highlight the action verbs Applebaum uses to define Minna’s adventurous personality.
Voice & Worldview	Discuss how Minna’s view of the forest changes from unknown to manageable.

Pace-Write It!

Create a 'bravery badge' design and write one sentence about a time you showed courage like Princess Minna.

Classroom Activities

Map the Enchanted Forest

Students design their own map of the Enchanted Forest, including key landmarks Minna encounters or ones they invent.

Map the Enchanted Forest

Students design their own map of the Enchanted Forest, including key landmarks Minna encounters or ones they invent.

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Discussion questions PWR workshop PDF download