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Oh, Say Can You Say?



Last updated Monday, July 3, 2017

Author: Dr. Seuss
Date of Publication: 1979
ISBN: 0394842553
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2017

Synopsis: Tongue twisters abound in this classic Dr. Seuss Beginner Book!

"Bed Spreaders spread spreads on beds.
Bread Spreaders spread butter on breads.
And that Bed Spreader better watch out how he's spreading . . .
or that Bread Spreader's sure going to butter his bedding."

This riotous collection weaves together a wonderment of words designed to twist the lips. Wordsmiths and beginning readers will love Oh Say Can You Say? and treasure tackling these tangled tongue teasers.

Note to readers:
•  You and the kids will probably enjoy spending some of your time doing a picture walk-through of this book.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Lots of times, poetry rhymes. Can you finish the last line of each verse I read? (Kind of like the radio show "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me")
•  Do you know what a tongue twister is?
•  What words on the cover rhyme?

Vocabulary

•  Greedy - having or showing a selfish desire to have more of something
•  Keen - very excited about and interested in something
•  Fare - the money a person pays to travel on a bus, train, boat, or airplane or in a taxi
•  Urchin - a usually poor and dirty child who annoys people or causes minor trouble

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What is the difference between fresh, fresher, freshest? Good, better, best? (pg. 2)
•  Where are your shins? What is the difference between a shin and a shin bone? (pg. 4)
•  (Pete Pats Pigs): Have you ever patted a pig? Where?
•  (How to tell a Klotz from a Glotz): What are the differences between spots and dots?
•  What do you want to be when you grow up? (pg. 26)

Craft ideas:
•  Pick words and make a rhyming book with them using construction paper (example starting words: cap, ran, top). See Pinterest example.
•  Draw a picture of what makes you laugh and smile.
•  Draw a picture of fun things you want to do this summer. (go to the beach, the park, the zoo ....)
•  Check our craft ideas for July on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2017-summer-fun-games/

Special activities:
•  Try to write a silly poem as a group. Pick a noun or verb and have kids provide words that rhyme with 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!