Help the children learn about Pippi Longstocking's home country, Sweden, through interactive geography projects. Have the students locate Sweden on a world map or globe and discuss the topography and other aspects of the geography of the area such as climate and weather. You can also play a video showing the country or bring in food native to Sweden such as "lefse," a flat bread, and "kransekake," a Swedish dessert. Have the children discuss the differences between the United States and Pippi's native country of Sweden. Discuss both the differences and similarities in culture, climate, topography and lifestyles between the countries.
The Pippi Longstocking character claims to have and demonstrates great physical strength. Explore this attribute with children in a study of strength and weight. Have scales available, along with a variety of items that the children can weigh. For instance, have a 10-pound bag of sugar available, along with a can of soup and a cotton ball or feather for children to weigh. Have the children handle the objects and estimate the weight and determine which object is the heaviest or the lightest. Discuss whether Pippi would have an easy or difficult time lifting the object and discuss other heavy items that Pippi lifted in her books, such as an automobile.
Engage students in practicing their performance skills. Help students create finger or hand puppets that resemble Pippi Longstocking, with her distinctive long red braids. Students can also create other characters from the books. Encourage the children to retell a Pippi Longstocking story. Additionally, you can help the children create Pippi Longstocking costumes for a performance. Learning to be comfortable in front of an audience will help students gain confidence and other public speaking skills and experience, as well as aid in their comprehension and retention of the Pippi Longstocking stories.
Other Pippi Longstocking projects include having students write their own story based on Pippi and the other characters in the story series. Or have the children draw a picture to illustrate an existing Pippi Longstocking story. In the books, Pippi claims her full name is "Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking." Ask the children to give themselves some nicknames that explain their personality or describes a hobby or special talent.