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Mary Poppins



Last updated Friday, May 3, 2019

Author: P. L. Travers
Illustrator: Julia Sarda
Date of Publication: 1934
ISBN: 1328498840
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2019

Synopsis: From the moment Mary Poppins arrived at Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane, life at the Banks house forever changed. It all starts when Mary Poppins is blown by the east wind onto the doorstep of the Banks house. She becomes a most unusual nanny to Jane, Michael, and the twins. Who else but Mary Poppins can slide up banisters, pull an entire armchair out of an empty carpetbag, and make a dose of medicine taste like delicious lime-juice cordial? A day with Mary Poppins is a day of magic and make-believe come to life!

Note to readers:
•  There are some very British and old-fashioned words and spellings in this book. Examples include Nannie, banister, bath/bathe, queue, shilling (12 cents), tuppence (2 cents).
•  Please read to page 32 so you can understand the craft suggestions and how magic/imagination intersect.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you heard of Mary Poppins?
•  Have you seen the old or new Mary Poppins movie? This book is based on the older movie.
•  What is Mary Poppins? (a nannie--a person who takes care of children)
•  What type of things do nannies do for the children they care for?

Vocabulary

•  dilapidated -worn out
•  queue (pronounced "cue")--line, as in stand in line
•  shilling-British monetary amount worth 12 cents today
•  gilt--thinly coated/painted in gold

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Is Mary Poppins magical? Why?
•  Where do Mary and Bert go on their day out when Bert doesn't have enough money for tea? (into the chalk drawing)
•  What would you put in our "Fairyland" chalk drawing?
•  Do you think Mary and Bert were really in the chalk drawing or were they using their imagination?

Craft ideas:
•  Either cut out feather shapes using felt and glue them on or glue real feathers on. Use googly eyes and paste on a "beak."
•  Make a map of Cherry Tree Lane, showing the Bank's house, the Admiral's house, the Park, etc.
•  Make a Mother's Day card. Mother's Day (for mother, aunt, grandmother, someone who is like a mother to you.)
•  Draw your own "Fairyland" painting.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2019-crafts/

*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!