This document discusses using the children's book Yertle the Turtle to teach students about American imperialism. It provides discussion questions to help students draw connections between events in the story and the US justification for and expansion during the imperialist period. Students read the story in sections and compare each section to aspects of American imperialism, considering the feelings of expanding nations, reasons for continued growth, complaints of controlled peoples, and lessons for imperial rulers.

1. Yertle the Turtle and Imperialism

2. Bellwork 1/13
• How did the
US justify
Imperialism?
• What was the
main reason
for American
Imperialism?

3. Using picture books to learn
• We will read Yertle the Turtle together.
• Consider ways that it connects to Imperialism
• Yertle theTurtle
People:
Events:
Beliefs:

4. Making connections:
• Write your name on the bottom (empty space
on the back)
• Number the stanzas (except for the one liner
on the back)

5. Connections to US
• Lets read stanza 1 again:
• How does that part of the story compare to
American Imperialism?

6. Comparing to US Imperialism:
• Everyone in the group pick one stanza from
this list:
• 3, 5, 8, 11, 14
• INDIVIDUALLY: Compare your stanza to
American Imperialism

7. share
• As a group: discuss ONE of each member’s
comparisons.
• Record your own connections as you discuss.

8. Some things to think about (the
number corresponds with a stanza):
4. How did America feel as they acquired more
territory?
6. Why do nations continue to expand event when
they control a lot of land?
7. What TR quote can this remind you of?
9. What complaints might come from people under
imperial control?
10. Once so big, how do nations maintain control?
13. What lesson should Imperial rulers take away
from this story?

9. Notebook p. 15
• Attach the story so you can flip it and see both
sides

10. Closing:
• Answer the questions on the form
• One the back: what is your favorite quote
from the story? Why?