Parts



Last updated Thursday, January 3, 2008

Author: Tedd Arnold
Illustrator: Tedd Arnold
Date of Publication: 1997
ISBN: 0803720408
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2008

Synopsis: from barnesandnoble.com: First, his hair started falling out then skin started peeling from his toes. Some stuffing came out of his belly button and a piece of something gray and wet (his brain?) fell out of his nose. Is this normal? Or is this boy coming unglued? With a perfect combination of humor and grossness, this look at one boy's farfetched fears will have readers laughing their heads off!

Note to readers:
•  Vocabulary word: appalled

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What does the word "parts" mean? What kinds of things have parts? (Ex: cars, toys, computers, ...)
•  What kind of parts do you think he's taking about? (Body parts)
•  Where do you go if you get sick?
•  Do you get scared if you get a cut or an injury?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Are you made out of stuffing? Have you ever lost any hairs on your head?
•  Does brain matter come out of your nose? What does come out of your nose?
•  What holds your parts together? (Skin, joints, muscles-not glue)
•  Do you tell your parents if something is wrong? Would you tell your teacher if something is wrong?
•  Do you think your arms and legs will just fall off? Will tape keep your arms and legs on?
•  What's the worst injury you ever had?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a Person Puppet. Cut out separate body parts (head, body, arms, legs...) and attach with tape/glue
•  Group Draw: Every child gets a piece of paper. Each child draws a face on the top of their paper and then folds the paper so the head is not visible. Pass the paper to the child on the right. That Child will draw the neck and arms and body and then fold that so it is not seen. Pass the paper to the child on the right again. That child will draw the legs/knees and then fold that paper over again and pass it to the child on the right. That child will draw the feet. In this activity every child gets a drawing but not all of it they drew! Unfold and see your person -- color it in.

*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!