Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching Allen Say

These family and homeschool activities are designed to complement the Allen Say topic on BrainPOP Jr.

Draw from Memory

Allen Say’s memoir is called Drawing From Memory. Ask your child what they think it means to draw something from memory. Why might someone draw a memory? What are some challenges they might face? Prompt your child to think of a place they’ve visited, and to draw it with as many details as they can remember. Invite your child to share their drawing and the memories that inspired their work.  

Name That Theme

Allen Say uses comics and art to communicate themes like the value of belonging to multiple cultures. With your child, brainstorm common themes from their favorite fairy tales, books, or movies. Then, have your child secretly choose a theme from your list. Ask them to draw a picture representing their theme without telling you which one they chose.Try to guess their drawing’s theme, and then switch roles.