Virtual Mr. Sweet Potato Head ***CLICK HERE

Paper Plate Donkey (Yes, Eeyore is a Donkey)

Materials Needed:

• 2 white paper plates
• Blue, pink, and tan paint
• Black and white paper
• Black sharpie
• Glue/Tape
• Brown crayon

We started by cutting the paper plate into the shape of Eeyore’s face but after painting it, we realized it curls up. So I would recommend drawing the lines with pencil first and having the kids paint then cut.

Take the second plate and cut out some ears for Eeyore. Cut out two ovals from white paper and draw black pupils with sharpie. Cut out some crazy black hair with paper and tape it on the top of his head.

After the paint dries, take a brown crayon and add his facial features on his nose. Put two black lines under his eyes to show he’s tired…all done!

What Is The Difference Between A Sweetpotato And A Yam?

Discussion Questions:

• Do you think that being first really makes Pinkerton happy? Why or why not?
• How does the Sandwitch help him understand that first isn't best?
• Do you think the Sandwitch really wanted someone to care for her, or do you think she was just trying to teach Pinkerton a lesson? Why?
• Do you know anyone like Pinkerton who always wants to be first?
• Can you think of some ways you might try to help that person, like the Sandwitch helped Pinkerton, instead of reacting with anger?
• How does Pinkerton change over the course of the book?
   

Begin by making your bookmark corner- step by step instructions:

Start by making "corner" paper bookmark following step by step photo instructions!

• Take your A5 sheet of paper and fold over one corner to create a triangle.
• Cut off the excess and rotate your triangle so the long edge is at the bottom and the right angle faces up.

• Fold the lower right corner up to meet the top right angled corner.
• Repeat for the left side.
• Fold these two back open.
• Flip down ONE of the top sheets and crease.

Now fold the flaps you created back up and tuck INTO your bookmark.

Repeat for the other side

Congratulations, you have just created your basic Corner Bookmark.

NOW...to turn it into a Cool Pig Mark.

Ugly Fish Questions:

• I wonder how Ugly Fish will act towards the new fish?
• Why do you think Ugly Fish ate Teensy Fish?
• Do you think Ugly Fish could have acted differently?
• I wonder why Ugly Fish was feeling glum?
• I am noticing something different about the new fish, do you?
• Why is Ugly Fish acting nice to Shiny Fish?
• What do you think Ugly Fish is thinking right before Shiny Fish Eats him?
• Why do you think Shiny Fish ate Ugly Fish?

Ugly Fish Printable Fish Tank:

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR VERY OWN UGLY FISH TANK

Draw your very own "Ugly Fish"

How to Build a "Pillow Fort"

Sarah likes to use crayons to draw pictures of the animals in the book.

• “When Sarah draws a picture of the lion being happy, she holds it up so all the animals can see it. What shapes do you see in her drawing?” 
• “How many circles do you see in her drawing?”
• “How many triangles do you see?” 

If you have crayons draw you favorite animal (try using shapes) and share with your parent why you chose that animal.

Sight Words

Some words are easier to learn as sight words.

Read each word aloud. Ask your student to use the word in a sentence that has to do with Wilbur’s story.

• said
• when
• saw
• clothes
• they
• look
• thought
• wear

After-Reading Themes and Discussion Questions

Expressing Yourself: A major theme in the book is doing what you love and being proud of it.

• What is Wilbur’s favorite outfit—is it fancy or plain? 
• Do you have a favorite outfit?—if so, what is it and when do you wear it?
• Have you ever liked something, but a family member or friend didn’t like it? Was that okay? and how the difference in opinion made them feel. 
• Talk about whether expressing yourself can have a good effect on others too.

Being Different: Discuss how Wilbur is different from the other naked mole rats.

• Why do the others make fun of him?
• Have you ever felt like they’re not part of the crowd? If so, how did you handle it?
• Think of school —is everybody the same, different, or a little of both?
• How are Wilbur and the other naked mole rats the same and how are they different in the story?

Naked Mole-Rat Cam Smithsonian's National Zoo

Naked Mole Rat Web Cam Link

Talking Points:

--Without trying to, humans make uninformed decisions about things and places and people every day. Our preconceived notions are often not based in fact but rather assumptions based on hearsay, limited observation, or misunderstandings. This book is a great conversation starter. It helps us think about and talk about preconceived notions and how things and people are often not quite what we assume at first.

-- Imagine what happens after the last page.

What does the knight do?

Does he have fun?

Does he go back over the wall?