“Philmore, Xebob and the Impossibility Theory” is a book that I have had the pleasure of reading to two separate grade 2 classes. The students in both classes enjoyed the adventure and humour of the story. As teacher, I found it a great aid in not only promoting reading, but also other life goals such as perseverance, team work and helping others. The background of the author and how the story came to be further expands these messages. Along with other teachers, I have compiled an assortment of activities/lessons that can be used in conjunction with the reading of the book. Please feel free to adjust the lessons according to the needs, abilities and interests of your students. I’m sure they will have as much fun with the book as we did!
Paula Jasek
PYP Department Head
Meadowridge School
Philmore Activity Ideas
- Philmore has many important personal qualities. He shows thoughtfulness, bravery and heart. What does he do in the book that showcases these qualities?
- Use plasticine, paint and/or other material to create your own creature. Decide what makes it unique from others.
- Stories generally have a beginning, middle and an end, but good adventure stories have a sense of climax, when all hope seems lost. Write your own adventure, focusing on creating an exciting climax.
- The story is about a group of creatures who work together to overcome the impossible. Tell the class about a time when you worked with someone to achieve something you couldn’t manage on your own.
- The story is also about having heart. It is about having courage. And it is about believing in yourself when all hope is lost. Describe a situation when you felt like giving up, but instead you kept going and were able to accomplish a seemingly impossible task.
- If you could write a letter to the author of the story, Lucas Spata, what would you say?
- Most readers are surprised to find out that Fling, the strongest creature in the group, is a girl. How did you react to this twist in the story?
- Use recycled materials to make your own beacon. What planet would you travel to if you had the opportunity? Describe what the planet looks like.
- The characters in the story are very different. They come from different planets, have different physical features, and they each have their own special abilities. Have you ever talked to someone who you think is different from yourself? Is it okay to be different? Did the person you met turn out to be very different from you or did you find that you had a few things in common?
- What if Philmore had never found out what Professor Ichbiddlestein thought about him? Do you think it would have changed his actions? Would he have gone back to help the others? Write your own conclusion to the book.
- If you were a Knogg-Knogg bird, entrusted with the role of distributing all of the energy of the universe evenly, what would you say to Philmore at the middle and/or end of the story? Draw the vision you would like to convey.
- At the start of the story, Philmore expresses frustration about his brother Stanmore, who is always the best at whatever he undertakes. Have you ever felt jealous or angry towards a sibling or friend? What did you do?
- Send you teacher a postcard from another planet such as Plices. Describe and/or paint what sights you have seen.
- Create a Philmore board game. Does he save his friends? Does he beat the UMEiiGD? Does he free the Knogg-Knogg birds?
