Sometimes current events can be connected to concepts taught in class. Such is the case with “Punch” the Monkey & The Importance of Attachment in regards to concepts taught in Child Development. Read on to see how you can use this viral story in your class!

Set

• Teacher Note:  Before teaching this lesson, be sure you are familiar with the story. There are alot of articles and videos about it as it has gained alot of media attention.
• Provide students with the background story in case they are unfamiliar with it. Basically, the story goes like this:
  • Punch is a baby monkey born at a zoo in Japan. His mother rejected him at birth and would not hold or feed him. Keepers rescued him and gave him a stuffed orangutan toy. Punch carried this toy everywhere. When he was scared or bullied by other monkeys, he held the toy tightly. Over time, the toy helped him feel safe enough to explore and slowly make friends.
  • Here’s an optional video clip from the news that you can show to students as well.
• Ask students: What does this tell us about what babies—human or animal—need to feel safe? Have students share their ideas.
• Have students complete the What’s Punch Seeking? activity. There are two options for teaching this; one is a movement activity and one is a worksheet version in case you have a sub.
• Option #1: Movement Version: Students move to labeled corners as the scenarios, based on real events, (see attachments below) are read aloud and should be able to discuss and share their reasons for selecting the corner they did. Corners are labeled with file folders or construction paper as:
  • Comfort
  • Safety
  • Love/Connection
  • Exploration/Confidence
• Option #2: Worksheet Version: Students read the scenarios based on real events and using the headings (same as labeled corners), identify what Punch is seeking. Again, students must be able to justify their responses. If you need the KEY, please feel free to reach out via email (kim@familyconsumersciences.com) and I’ll send it to you.
• Ask students: What does Punch’s behavior tell us about what infants need to feel secure?

Materials

• iPads or Laptops (optional)
• Projector & Screen (optional)

Activities

• Depending on your students, you may have to go over a few key vocabulary terms with them. They can be found in the slidedeck under the attachments below.
• So…What can we learn about ATTACHMENT from Punch the monkey’s experience? Show the slide deck to cover this information.
  • Early Rejection Affects Attachment
  • Substitute Attachments Can be Helpful
  • Impact of Safe Haven Behaviors
  • Secure Base for Exploration Needed
  • Gradual Social Integration Occurs
• Finally, to assess students, have them apply the information and make connections to what they learned by completing the Task Rotation Grid.
• Note: It’s been awhile since I included a task rotation grid in a lesson. If you’re new to this learning strategy, please check out the post: Task Rotation Learning Grids for the FACS Classroom
• Revisit the story periodically for updates about Punch!

Attachments

• What is Punch Seeking Scenarios/Worksheet (PDF)
• What Can We Learn About Attachment from Punch?/Vocabulary–Slides (PDF)
• Task Rotation Grid for Punch the Monkey (PDF)