This lesson introduces the concept of fantasy in story telling. The fanciful story of Yari and her magic bean allows the students to enjoy a tale while learning about fantasy in literature.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the lesson, ask students to talk about their favorite fairy tales or stories. Are they real? What is fantasy?

Yari and the Magic Bean
This story takes place in Brazil along the Amazon River. Using a map or globe, talk about where Brazil is located. There is a break halfway through the story to allow the students to color a picture of the story characters. As it is a colorful story with many characters, use this activity time to talk about the different characters and the imaginary aspect of the story.
Touch-screen - There are two hidden images in the picture on the Learning Station. As students locate the images, touch them to highlight.

Yari's Boat Touch-Screen Game
This is the first of two simple mazes in the story. This one is also to be reproduced from your disk of handouts. The other students can follow the maze as one student completes the maze on the Learning Stations. Some younger students may have never completed a maze before. This one is simple, therefore rewarding, for those students.

Yari and the River Touch-Screen Game
As the story progresses, another maze requires the 'driver' of the boat to follow simple directions (three turns in the river) as presented in the story.

Yari and the Magic Bean - Part 3 Touch-Screen
This exercise is a question and answer game to quiz students on their observations throughout the story. How many brothers and sisters? (4) Would you invite a crocodile to dinner? (no) Touch the 3 beans hidden in the image. (on airplane, can, girl's shirt).

Review of Yari and the Magic Bean
This is a review of the fantasy aspect of the story. Encourage discussion. Talk about other stories that are fantasy. The concept of having and reaching a goal is also presented. Talk about a goal for the class.

Videotaping Activity
A backdrop of the jungle is presented on the Learning Station. The teacher should assign roles from the story. There are 8 characters, so some guidance will be necessary. Encourage students to use their creativity as they pretend to be the different characters.

Planting and Harvesting Coffee Plants Touch-Screen
Because some students may not know what a coffee bean actually is, this short activity illustrates how coffee beans come from coffee trees. Talk about planting seeds and what helps them grow. Students water the plants on the Learning Station and harvest the coffee when the plants have grown. Talk about why someone would grow coffee beans.
Optional Activity - Start a simple garden in the classroom. Using paper cups, each child can have his/her own 'garden'. Plant fast-growing seeds such as basil or grass. Water well and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Keep the gardens is a warm and sunny location. Encourage the students to check daily. Sprouts will appear very quickly.

Before Students Go Home - Review
The definition of fantasy
What other stories are fantasy?
Are the beans you planted in class (optional activity) magic beans?

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Handouts (from disk) of Amazon River maze
Optional - small paper cups, potting soil, fast-growing seeds, plastic wrap
Videotape