Miss Rumphius



Last updated Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Author: Barbara Cooney
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0670479586
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2006

Synopsis: As a child Great-aunt Alice Rumphius resolved that when she grew up she would go to faraway places, live by the sea in her old age, and do something to make the world more beautiful--and she does all those things, the last being the most difficult of all.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you want to do when you grow up?
•  What do you see on the cover of the book? Is that a place where you would want to live?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Who is Alice? What does Alice want to do when she grows up? What does her grandfather want her to do?
•  Who is Miss Rumphius? What is her job?
•  Where does Miss Rumphius go? Which place would you want to go visit?
•  What does Miss Rumphius end up doing to make the world more beautiful?
•  What name do people call Miss Rumphius when she is an ?old, old lady??
•  What can you do to make the world more beautiful?

Craft ideas:
•  Using colored paper, have students design their own garden.
•  Make a flower crown with a paper plate and cut out flowers.
•  Make lilies out of paper and pipe cleaner. Trace child?s hand on paper and cut out. Curl each finger around a pencil and then using the palm, roll into a cone shape. Glue or tape the bottom together and then staple onto a pipe cleaner or straw. Cut out leaves and staple or tape onto pipe cleaner or straw. Make a bouquet!

Special activities:
•  Bring paper cups, potting soil, and flower seeds for students to plant.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!