Jack and the Beanstalk
These Jack and the Beanstalk story printables help children aged 4 to 8 read, retell, colour and talk about a classic fairy tale. They are free to print for use at home or in your own classroom.
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At a glance
- Ages: 4 to 8 years
- Skills: Reading, retelling, sequencing and comprehension
- You need: Printed pages, pencils and crayons
- Time: 10 to 20 minutes per activity
Jack climbs into a giant adventure
Jack and his mother live in a small house and have very little money. One day, Jack takes their cow to market, but he trades it for a few magic beans. His mother is upset and throws the beans outside. During the night, a huge beanstalk grows up into the clouds. Jack climbs it and finds a giant's castle. He takes a bag of gold, a hen that lays golden eggs and a singing harp. The giant chases him down the beanstalk. Jack cuts it down, and the giant falls. Jack and his mother use the treasure to live safely. Lesson: Think carefully about your choices and use courage wisely.
Read, retell and talk together
Read the story slowly, pausing to let your child predict what may happen next. Ask which choice Jack made first, how his mother felt about the beans and why Jack returned to the castle. After reading, help your child retell the events using first, next, then and finally. Younger children can name the characters and describe the beanstalk, castle and harp. Older children can discuss whether Jack was brave, foolish or both. You can pair this story with Fairy Tales for Kids for more familiar story practice.
Activities after the story
Use the printables to put story events in order, match words to pictures and complete simple comprehension prompts. Your child can colour Jack, the beanstalk, the castle and the giant, then draw what they think is above the clouds. Try a bean-growing observation activity with a dry bean, cotton and a clear cup, while explaining that real beans do not grow into giant beanstalks. Children can act out the market, the climb and the chase with paper props. For another familiar tale, compare Jack's choices with the three little pigs' choices.
Lumi's tips
- Make it easier by reading one short scene at a time and letting your child point to a picture before answering.
- Make it harder by asking your child to write a different ending in which Jack solves the problem without taking the giant's belongings.
- Keep it fun by making a simple paper beanstalk and measuring how tall it grows during your bean observation.
How to download and print
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Questions parents ask
What is Jack and the Beanstalk about?
It is a fairy tale about a poor boy who trades a cow for magic beans, climbs a giant beanstalk and finds a castle in the clouds. The story follows his risky choices and his return home.
What is the lesson of Jack and the Beanstalk?
The tale can lead to a discussion about courage, responsibility and thinking before making a choice. Jack's actions also raise questions about taking things that do not belong to him.
What age is Jack and the Beanstalk suitable for?
The story is suitable for children aged about 4 to 8 when it is read aloud or shared in short sections. Younger children may focus on pictures and sequence, while older children can discuss characters and choices.
Can I download and print these Jack and the Beanstalk activities?
Yes. Most EarlyActivity printables are free to download and print. A free account is needed, and free accounts can download up to 20 printables a day.
What can children learn from this story?
Children can practise listening, vocabulary, story sequence, retelling and simple comprehension. The story also gives them a clear way to talk about courage, honesty and consequences.
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