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Miss Spider's Tea Party



Last updated Saturday, June 3, 2006

Author: David Kirk
Date of Publication: 1994
ISBN: 0590477242
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2006

Synopsis: Miss Spider, unaware of the misconception the other bugs have of her, proceeds to invite them to a tea party so she can make friends. She is confused and hurt by their rejection, but her good intentions and persistence in making friends prevail. The other bugs finally recognize her good nature and warmth, and soon everyone becomes friends with Miss Spider.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever made up your mind about something or someone before you knew anything about it or him or her? (Mention the word ?prejudice? and ask the kids if they know this word. You might discuss what the word means.)
•  Do you like spiders and insects? What?s your favorite? Least favorite?
•  Are all spiders the same? Are some harmful? Are some helpful? How many legs does a spider have?
•  What do you see on the cover of this book? Why are the cups stuck on the web? What does a spider web feel like?
•  Have you ever played at having a tea party? Do you like tea? What do you like to drink?
•  Good vocabulary words to review: reputation, courtesy, mortal dread, mugs (as meaning faces), frail, timid

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have children identify the rhyming words on some of the pages. Discuss the idea of rhyme (words that sound the same at the end).
•  Why do you think the other bugs were afraid of Miss Spider? Did they know anything about her? Were they showing ?prejudice??
•  Would you have tea with Miss Spider if she asked you?
•  Do you know all of the types of bugs Miss Spider tried to have tea with? Can you name all the different kinds?
•  Did you feel sad when no one came to Miss Spider?s party?
•  Can you find all seven butterflies on the butterfly page?
•  Why was the moth the only one who would have tea with Miss Spider?
•  In the end why did everyone become her friend?
•  Why is it a good idea to find out about something or someone before making up your mind?
•  Can you name other words that rhyme with some of the names of the bugs?

Craft ideas:
•  Cut out a spider from colored paper and decorate it. Don?t forget the legs.
•  Draw a web with all your favorite things stuck on it.
•  Make invitation cards to your own personal tea party. Maybe use some rhyming words on your invitation.

Special activities:
•  Bring paper plates. Cut out eight legs from construction paper and accordion-fold them. Attach them to the edges of the plate to make a spider. Decorate the plate as Miss Spider?s face.
•  Take one of the Miss Spider craft cards, lace it up with yarn and color it.

*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!