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The Pout-Pout Fish
Last updated Monday, July 7, 2014
Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hanna
Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 0374360960
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2014
Synopsis:
Deep in the water,
Mr. Fish swims about
With his fish face stuck
In a permanent pout.
Can his pals cheer him up?
Will his pout ever end?
Is there something he can learn
From an unexpected friend?
Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading “dreary wearies” isn’t really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in Deborah Diesen's fun fish story that’s sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What do you think the fish is feeling? How can you tell?
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Do you have a pet fish? If yes, what color/type?
Vocabulary:
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pout - to show displeasure by pushing out the lips
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dreary - to be lifeless and depressing
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glum - to seem gloomy and sad
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locomotion - the act or power of moving from place to place
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scowl - to make a frowning expression of displeasure
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mope - to be in a dull and gloomy state
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aghast - to be overwhelmed with amazement
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astounded - to shock with wonder or surprise
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Do you think the pout-pout fish will be a pout-pout fish for life?
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How does the pout-pout fish think he needs to behave when greeting others?
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What different kinds of sea life does Mr. Pout-Pout Fish encounter? Have you ever seen any of these animals in an aquarium?
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How does the silent silver shimmer convince Mr. Pout-Pout Fish to stop pouting? Did he change his behavior after the smooch?
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Do you know anyone like the pout-pout fish? Do you ever act like the pout-pout fish? What other ways can you cheer up the pout-pout fish?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw, color and cut out sea creatures to create a sea-scape.
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Make your own pout-pout fish by using a paper plate. Cut a tail on the bottom half & fold. Draw a smiley fish face on the top half & a frowning fish face on the other side. Fold the tail up to show one side then fold the other way to show the other side. (see sample)
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| Special activities: |
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Have the children make faces of the various traits used to describe Mr. Pout-Pout. (the traits are listed as the vocabulary words)
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Go back and identify the various marine life.
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*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!
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