Ask students to write a journal entry from the perspective of Djeow Seow. Throughout the book, she explains that she feels like an outsider in her family. Have students imagine they find a journal or diary kept by the main character. Ask them to write one entry as they think she would have written it. The entry should include a realistic portrayal of events from the viewpoint of Djeow Seow, based on the information presented in the story. You can use this activity to check for reading comprehension.
"The Emperor and the Kite" takes place in China. Provide students with a variety of research materials on China from your school library. Ask them to look through the books and magazines and record five interesting facts about China. Bring the class together and have students share their research with one another. Write down some of the most interesting facts on a poster and hang it in your classroom.
Jane Yolen, author of "The Emperor and the Kite," received many awards for children's books she wrote over the years. Point this out to your students and show them the Caldecott medal on the front of the book cover. Ask students to make a list of the various medals, including the Caldecott, won for this book, and have them choose one to study further. Students should create a poster detailing the history of the award and list a few books that have also received the honor. Have students present their posters to the class.
Illustrations in "The Emperor and the Kite" showcase the beautiful Chinese craft of paper cutting. Look through the book and point out the paper cutting throughout the story. Discuss the history of the craft with students. Provide them with paper and scissors and allow them to create their own paper cutting example. Allow students to be creative and choose a picture of an animal, plant or anything else they wish to make using this technique. Display the students' artwork around your classroom.