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Mr. Popper's Penguins

Printables for a Lap ~n~ Notebook
 

Penguin Cards for Various Breeds (on pages 7-9)

 

A Note from Ami: Before I knew I was going to write up a unit and make printables for this book, I had already purchased this Easy Make & Learn Projects- Penguins.  It has really cute folds and projects to complete.    This is not a mandatory purchase in order to complete this unit; it is just a supplement.

Chapter 1- Stillwater
 

Language Arts

Vocabulary –

Calcimine – a white wash made of whiting, or zinc white, with glue and water, for ceilings and walls.
Expedition – a journey or voyage for a definite purpose.
Bungalow – a small house or cottage, usually with one or one and a half stories.
Absent-minded – Not paying attention to one’s surroundings because the mind is preoccupied with other matters.
 

Comprehension Questions –

1. What kind of work does Mr. Popper do? (House painter)
2. Why was Mr. Popper always absent-minded? (Always dreaming of far away places)
3. How many children did Mr. and Mrs. Popper have? (Two)
4. What did Mr. Popper wish he were instead of a house painter? (A scientist)
5. What was Mrs. Popper worried about, come fall? (Not having enough money)

Creative Writing –

Mr. Popper had wanted to travel the world, seeing exciting places. Have your child create a travel brochure trying to convince Mr. Popper to come visit your town. What exciting things might one see in your town? Anything your town is known for? Have your child write brief descriptions and draw pictures, or even use photographs he takes around your town.

Creative Thinking  and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
Mr. Popper is a painter, but he really wants to be an explorer.  What would your student like to be when he grows up?  Why? 
 

Social Studies

Geography/Map Skills –

Mr. Popper had wanted to see the world, hunting tigers in India, climbing the peaks of the Himalayas, diving for pearls in the South Seas, and visiting the Poles. Get out a world map with your child and locate these places. Review or introduce the seven continents, Africa, Asia, Australia, Antarctica, North America, South America, and Europe. What continents are the places Mr. Popper wants to visit on?

Different Kinds of Maps--
There are various kinds of maps and globes, each one with a specific use.  A map shows a place from above. Different maps include world, state, and local maps, resource maps showing the things people make or grow in a certain area, a landform map which shows mountains, rivers, lakes, and oceans, and route maps which show the way to get to certain places. A book of maps is called an atlas.  There are features that most maps have in common. Introduce to your child the different parts of a map, having him locate the following:

Title – the title of the map tells you where the map is about.
Compass Rose –  A compass rose helps you tell the direction. North is always at the top.
Map Key – Contains symbols that tell you what products are produced, kind of work people do, areas of special interest, capitals and cities, and/or what landforms exist in the place on the map.
Scale – The scale tells you how many miles in the real world equal a certain distance on the map. The scale will help you to know distances between cities.

Globes are three-dimensional maps in the shape of a sphere. They are divided into two halves, called the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, by the Equator. There are lines that run parallel to the equator called lines of latitude, which help you locate places north and south of the equator. Another important line on the globe is called the Prime Meridian. It is the imaginary line that goes from the North Pole to the South Pole. This line divides the world into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. On each side of the Prime Meridian are curved lines called lines of longitude. They measure how far east or west a place is. Have your child locate all these various lines on a globe.

Occupations –
There are many careers mentioned throughout this story. As you come across them, discuss with your child what the job may entail, and whether or not it sounds like something he may like to do. 

Scientist – a person devoted to scientific study or investigation. There are many kinds of scientists, including those that study animals (zoologists), plants (botanist), environment, weather (meteorologist), rocks and earth (geologist), etc.  Scientists explore and observe, test out data, and come to conclusions that will hopefully improve our world. 

Explorer – a person who travels to new or strange places. Your child may be familiar with early explorers such as Columbus, John Smith, Lewis and Clark, or maybe Daniel Boone. As most of the world has already been explored, new explorers go to the far distant Poles, the bottoms of the seas, or into outer space.

House Painter – a person who prepares and paints the interior and exterior walls of homes. A house painter should be someone who is mindful of details, neat, and can communicate well with his customers.

Keep track of the various occupations throughout the book with this Occupations Page.

Math

Chapter 2- The Voice in the Air

Language Arts

Vocabulary -
Spectacles – Eyeglasses

Comprehension Questions –
1. What did Mr. Popper think was the nicest part of the Antarctic? (Penguins)
2. What kind of pet did the Popper family currently have? (Goldfish)
3. Explain how penguins check to see if it is safe to go in the water for food.

Creative Thinking and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
Why does Mr. Popper want a penguin for a pet? Why doesn’t his wife want one? What exotic animal would your student like to have for a pet? How would he design a special place for this pet? What would it look like and what would it include?

Social Studies

South Pole –
Mr. Popper was reading a book called Antarctic Adventures. If you look at the very bottom of a globe you will see the Antarctic Circle. Within this circle lies the continent Antarctica and the South Pole. Antarctica is almost entirely covered by a vast sheet of ice, and actually contains 90% of the world’s ice and snow. Nobody ever lives there permanently due to the extreme cold but scientists who study the animals and weather patterns visit it. Most of the continent isn’t owned by anybody, but England, France, Australia, and New Zealand claim portions.

National Geographic Magazine –
Mr. Popper liked the National Geographic Magazine. The National Geographic Society, a group of scientists that has sent research expeditions all over the world since 1888, started this magazine. Their headquarters are in Washington, DC. The magazine is a monthly periodical that has extensive coverage of the expeditions, including those of Admirals Robert Peary and Richard Byrd into the Polar Regions. If you have access to a National Geographic Magazine, look through it with your child. (FYI there is often nudity, so you may want to preview). Discuss the difference between monthly and bi-monthly subscriptions, show your child how to fill out a subscription card, and decide together what a good magazine may be for your entire family.

Civic Organizations -
Mrs. Popper is in the “Ladies Aid and Missionary Society”. This is a civic organization in her area that gives aide to citizens in need. Research local civic organizations in your area, using the phone book as a resource.

Science

Penguins
The most unique thing about these birds is that they don't use their wings to soar above the earth.  Instead, they use them to fly through the water.  They also get around by hopping, sliding, or walking.  Can your student think of any other birds that are "flightless?" 

There are 17 different types of penguins in the world.  Most live in the cool waters of the world's southern oceans.  They like to live close to other penguins.  Groups of penguins are called colonies and they vary in size from 400- 40,000.    Each breed is unique in its own way.  Print the cards below and explore the wonderful world of penguins!

Penguin Cards for Various Breeds (on pages 7-9)

Recommended go-along book:  The Penguin Book - Birds in Suits by Dr. Mark Norman
This book dedicates two pages to each type of penguin; it compares and contrasts where they live, what they eat, how they nest, etc.

Note:  As you complete the lessons throughout the story, you will learn more about penguin diets, predators, anatomy, and nesting/breeding.
 

Chapter 3- Out of the Antarctic

Language Arts

Vocabulary -
Meekly – gently, mildly, kindly
Receipt – a written acknowledgement of payment for or delivery of goods
Debris – scattered fragments or remains
Pompous – marked by exaggerated self-importance

Comprehension Questions –
1. What was delivered to Mr. Popper’s home?
2. Describe how it was packed.
3. What did Mr. Popper think the bathroom tile reminded the penguin of?
4. What did Mr. Popper name the Penguin?

Creative Thinking and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
What does the word curious mean? How do you know the penguin is curious? What is your student curious about? Make a list.

Math

Measurement
The penguin seemed to take six steps for the length, two steps for the width. Length is how long something is, and width is how wide something is. Walk the length and width of a room in your house. How many steps for the length? How many steps for the width? Older children can find the area of the room by multiplying the length x width. The answer would be in square steps.

Science
 

Adelie Penguins
Get your penguin cards out from the Chapter 2 lesson.  Based on the description in the book, is it possible to determine what breed of penguin Captain Cook is? (use location, distinguishing marks, and size as clues)  Captain Cook is an Adelie Penguin.   Adelie Penguins are about 24 inches high and weigh in at around 10 pounds.  Adelies have white rings around their eyes and long feathers at the base of their red bills that hide the red color.  The tail of an Adelie is a little bit longer than other breeds' tails.   These cute curious creatures can journey long distances by lying down and sliding on their stomachs.  What a way to travel! 

Note:  No penguins are known to make "ork,"  "gook," or "gork" sounds; however, given the penguins such words does add for some humor to the story!

Chapter 4- Captain Cook

Language Arts

Compound Words
A compound word is a word composed of two or more words.  You can point some out to your student in chapter 4 and see if she notices any in chapter 5.  Here are a few examples found throughout the story:  somehow, himself, suitcase, washstand, tailcoat, icebox, policeman, friendship, railway, and jigsaw.   (Look for compound words on pages 3, 16, 23, 69, and 102.)

Compound Word Puzzles and Pocket
Have your student write compound words on puzzle pieces (one part of each compound word on each side).  Cut apart.  Store in pocket.

Vocabulary -
Solemnly - seriously
Bore – drill

Comprehension Questions –
1. What did the penguin eat that upset Mrs. Popper? (The goldfish)
2. Where did the penguin fall asleep? (In the ice box)
3. What do penguins make their nests out of? (Pebbles and stones)

Social Studies

Captain Cook -
Captain James Cook was an English explorer that lived from 1728 to 1779. He was commissioned by England to explore Antarctic waters. His expeditions were notable because of their remarkable health records. Cook insisted on proper hygiene and diet and only one sailor died in the three-year expedition. Cook was killed in an argument over a stolen boat in 1779.   More Information

Science

Penguin Diets
The children try to figure out what to feed Captain Cook.  What do penguins like to eat?  Penguins eat food they find in the ocean— various kinds of fish (sardines, anchovies, etc.), crustaceans such as krill, and squid.  Would shrimp be a food fit for a penguin?  Yes, it would!  

Even though they all eat from the ocean, different breeds of penguins' diets vary.  Adelie penguins dart through the water moving their heads side to side while gobbling small fish, krill, and opossum shrimp.

Krill Print-out
 

Chapter 5- Troubles with a Penguin

Language Arts

Contractions
A contraction is a shortening of a word by leaving out a letter (or letters).  In formal writing, it is not appropriate to use contractions; however, it is very important to use them in dialogue because we really do use contractions when we speak.   Discuss this with your student.  Point out the contractions used in the dialogue in this book-- it’s, don’t, I’m, didn’t, aren’t, I’ve, I’ll, you’ll, let's, etc.

Let your student play the contraction matching game.  You can add this file folder game to your Lap N Note, if desired.  Watch this video for a how-to sample. 
 

Vocabulary –

Ice Box – refrigerator
Indignantly – righteously angry
Remodeled – to make over or anew

Comprehension Questions –
1.    What did Mr. Popper pay the serviceman with? (Two five dollar bills)
2.    What did the serviceman do to the icebox? Explain each step.
3.    What happened when the serviceman spotted Captain Cook? (Ran away throwing tools and slamming the door) 

Chapter 6- More Troubles

Language Arts

Vocabulary –
Municipal – pertaining to a town or city or its local government
Ordinance – a law of a municipal body

Comprehension Questions –
1.    Where did Mr. Popper call to obtain a license for Captain Cook? (City Hall)
2.    Act out Mr. Popper’s phone call with City Hall.

Social Studies

City Government
Mr. Popper tries to find the city ordinance concerning penguins, and he calls City Hall about getting a license.  Explore your local government with your student.  Do you have a town board?  A mayor?  Who do you contact if you have a concern?  If you want to add on to your house, do you need a building permit?

There are various divisions of city government including police and fire departments, street department, water & sewer departments, parks & recreation departments, health department, etc.  If possible, set up field trips and visit some of these places. 

Virtual Field Trip:
Tour City Hall in pictures
Tour City Hall with animation
 

Chapter 7 – Captain Cook Builds a Nest

Language Arts

Vocabulary -
Idle – not engaged in work
Rookery – a breeding place for sea birds, seals, etc.

Comprehension Questions –
1. What was the result of Captain Cook’s trips through the house? (a collection of many things for his rookery)
2. From memory, name ten items Captain Cook had in his rookery.
3. What do you think Mr. Popper is going to do with a few yards of clothesline?

Social Studies

Practical Life Skills -- Housekeeping & Personal Hygiene
Mrs. Popper wants everything to be clean and tidy. She is an excellent housekeeper. Talk about chores and cleanliness. Importance of keeping kitchen and food very clean.

Mr. Popper shaves, smooths hair, puts on fresh clothes, brushes his tailcoat, etc. Discuss importance of personal cleanliness and having a neat appearance.

Just for Fun - Games and Recreation

Family Game Night
Captain Cook gathers many lost game pieces to put in his rookery, so the family must enjoy playing games. Plan a family game night using some of the games mentioned in the story (chess, jigsaw puzzle, playing cards, dominoes, marbles, checkers, parches).

If your student is up to the challenge, let him create a new game using pieces from other games. He may even want to construct a game board and write up the rules.

Chapter 8 - Penguin's Promenade

Language Arts

Vocabulary -
Reasonable - sensible
Derby – stiff felt hat with a curved, narrow brim
Graciously – kindly; politely
Tripod – article having three feet or legs
Bystander – an onlooker

Comprehension Questions –
1. What did Mrs. Callahan think Captain Cook was? (Anteater; South Pole goose)
2. What did the photographer think Captain Cook was? (Pelican; Dodo)
3. Where did Mr. Popper take Captain Cook to escape the crowds? (Into the barbershop)

Creative Thinking and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
Mr. Popper takes Captain Cook for a walk. What do people do when they see Captain Cook? What would people say or do if you took your pet of choice (from chapter 2) for a walk?

Writing- Hooks
At the end of the chapter, we are left with a hook-- something that grabs the reader, pulls them in, and leaves them wanting to read more!  What makes you curious about the statement at the end of the chapter (“The man who kept the barbershop had, up to this time, been a very good friend of Mr. Popper’s.”)?  

Point out hooks as you notice them in other books that you read with your student.    As your student matures, encourage him to use this technique in his own writing.

Social Studies

Occupations
Pharmacist- A pharmacist fills prescription drug orders.  The orders are from doctors for their ill patients.  They also give information about those drugs and make sure that patients understand the instructions for using the drugs.

Cameraman - Someone who operates a camera for the purpose of filming video or television productions.

Newspaper Reporter- Under the direction of an editor, a newspaper reporter gathers facts about current events through interviews, investigations, and observations and write stories describing the events and the effects of those events. 

Photographer- Photographers use combinations of cameras, films, lenses, filters, and lighting to create pictures.  This job requires an understanding of camera operation, lighting, and the properties of film and paper.   There are different kinds of photography-- portrait, commercial (take pictures for sales purposes), news, and scientific.  Scientific Photographers require a lot of training in science as well as in photography; they use special equipment like microscopes for producing photos of very tiny items. 

Barber- A barber's main job is cutting hair and trying to please the customer who is having his hair cut. 

Science

Dodo Birds
Someone mistakes Captain Cook for a Dodo Bird.  Does your student know what that is?  Dodos are extinct birds that were, at one time,  found on an island in the Indian ocean.   They were as big as turkeys and closely related to pigeons and doves; they were flightless, lived on the ground, and ate fruit.       Printout from Enchanted Learning

Chapter 9 – In the Barber Shop

Language Arts

Vocabulary -
Lather – suds formed by soap
Unwearyingly – tiredly

Comprehension Questions –
1. Was Captain Cook a welcomed guest at the barbershop? Why or why not?
2. What did Captain Cook do on the steps?
3. Why was Mr. Popper all untidy by the time he got home?
 

Chapter 10- Shadows

Language Arts

Vocabulary –
Curator – a person in charge of a museum or institution
Rotogravure – the process of printing photographs from cylinders etched from plates and run through a rotary press
Mopey - gloomy
Sympathetic – feeling for another’s sufferings
Stupor – when your senses or faculties are greatly dulled

Comprehension Questions
1. What were Captain Cook’s symptoms of illness?
2. What did the curator of the aquarium think might be the cause?
3. Who is Greta?

Newspapers –
Mr. Popper and Captain Cook are in the newspaper. Newspapers provide important information to the community. Look through a newspaper with your child, discussing the various sections. Point out a headline, and find the different sections such as local, state, and world news, sports, classifieds, and/or public interest stories. Have your child locate the names of the reporters in the articles. It may be fun to go on a newspaper scavenger hunt, looking for various items in the paper. If possible, visit a local newspaper facility.   Scavenger Hunt Page from Enchanted Learning

Creative Thinking and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
How do people show their sympathy for Captain Cook? Make a list of ways you can help encourage a friend of family member who is sick or not feeling well.

Social Studies

Occupations
Veterinary Doctor- Veterinarians deal with animal medical problems.   They treat and diagnose animal diseases as well as work to prevent the spread of animal diseases.  Most veterinarians work in private practices and treat pets such as cats and dogs.  Some other veterinarians specialize in larger animals (like horses). 

Chapter 11- Greta

Language Arts

Creative Thinking  and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
Is Mr. Popper’s solution for keeping the penguins a good or practical idea (windows open in November in a blizzard?)  How would you keep two penguins?  (and possible babies)

Vocabulary
tremendous- causing dread, awe, or terror
amused- to be pleased, entertained, or humored

Science

Snow –
What did you think of all the snow inside the house? Do you know how snow is formed? Snow is formed when ice crystals in a cloud bump into each other and stick together. If the temperature of the air below the cloud is cold enough, snow falls. If the ground temperature is not cold enough, the snow will melt. All snowflakes have six sides, and some snowflakes have as much as 100 ice crystals. You will never find two snowflakes that are alike. Decorate a notebook page with cut out snowflakes, and describe in your own words how snow is formed.

Art

Contrast
Why did Mr. Popper choose to use white paint on the penguins' backs? Why not dark blue paint or green paint? He chose white so that it would stand out and be easily read, so that the colors would contrast with one another. Dark blue or green would be too hard to see.

Contrast is a principle of art. It is the arrangement of opposite elements in order to create visual interest, excitement, or drama. There are many different ways to create contrast-- you can use color, texture, and even shape.

White and black provide the greatest degree of contrast. Complementary colors (red/green, blue/orange, yellow/purple) also highly contrast with one another. Review the complementary colors with your student. You may even want to make a color wheel to explain complementary colors.

Discuss different textures that can be used in art works that would contrast one another (rough and smooth). Discuss different shapes that would contrast with one another (large and small). Encourage your student to use contrast the next time he creates a masterpiece.

 

Chapter 12- More Mouths to Feed

Language Arts

Vocabulary
expensive- having a high price
credit- an amount or sum that a bank or company will let a person use
astonished- struck with wonder or sudden surprise
droll- having an odd or amusing quality
toboggan- to slide as if on a sled
spar- a pole
solemn- serious

Alphabetical Order
Put the names of the penguins in alphabetical order.

Creative Thinking  and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
Based on your favorite reading materials, what would your student name ten penguins?

Chapter Titles
Authors use chapter titles in various ways.  Chapter titles give readers clues as to what is coming next.  Predict what is going to happen in this chapter based on the chapter title.  

Science

Breeding Habits/Lifecycle of Penguins
Once a year penguins leave the sea and return to the place they were born.  Male and female penguins call to each other and pair up.  A burrow is prepared or a simple nest is prepared using feathers, grass, or rocks.  The female penguin lays one or two eggs each time she nests (but never ten eggs- the Atwaters included this in the book in order to have a fun, humorous story). 

Penguins (both male and female) have a patch for incubation (known as a brood-patch); this is a special patch that is placed on the eggs when the penguin sits on them; this special patch releases just the right amount of heat to incubate the eggs.  In an Adelie penguin, the patch is only the size of one egg.  Adelie females usually lay the eggs and then go out to sea for six weeks to feed. 

At first, on the inside of the egg, you would see the yolk and a little red blob.  After ten days, it begins to take shape.  After about two months, the chick chips its way out of the shell using an egg tooth on the end of its beak. 

Applied Math

Credit
Credit is an agreement to receive goods or services now and to pay for them at a later date.  What did Mr. Popper buy on credit? 
There is a benefit to credit.  You are able to receive something right away; however, there is also a price to pay.  When you buy something on credit, there is usually an extra fee added on.  This is known as interest or a finance charge. 

Different families have different views on credit.  Discuss your own family beliefs.  Discuss the dangers of spending money you don't have.  Is it wise to use credit to buy something?  Is it ever necessary?  Make sure your student has a solid understand of the differences of wants and needs.  For example, you may want a new television or gaming system, but is it necessary to survival?  (No.)    Would it be wise to buy this on credit?   What if someone in your family needs to go to the doctor, but you don't have the cash to pay for it?  Is it okay to use your credit card in this situation? 

Print amortization table to use with the following scenario.

Say that your student wants to buy a $150 bike, and the bank is willing to give her a loan at 12 % interest for one year.  If she takes the loan, how much will she pay each month?  How much will the bike cost her at the end of the year?
 

In this problem, at the end of the year, she would have paid $159.92.  To calculate this, simply add up the payments for every month.  This is on the table.  You can also calculate the interest by taking the total payments $159.92 and subtracting the cost of the bike $150.00 which gives you $9.92.  You can also ask questions such as, "How much do you owe at the end of x month."  This would be in the ending balance column.  This would be called the "payoff".

Note:  keep the amortization chart; you will need it again for another credit lesson

Social Studies

History:  Famous People
The names of the penguins are interesting.  It says that Mr. Popper had always been a great reader and that helped in deciding the names.    Who are the names referring to?  Does your student recognize any of the names?   Do some research together to see if you can figure out who is who on the list.  Or, give your student a little bit of background information about each famous person and let him choose one to investigate further. 

Can your student imagine becoming the Queen of England at age 18?  Learn more about Queen Victoria

Robert Falcon Scott was a British Royal Naval officer who led two expeditions to the Antarctica -- the Discovery Expedition in 1901-1904 and the Terra Nova Expedition in 1910-1913.  Learn more about Robert Falcon Scott

Who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492? Christopher Columbus!  Learn more about him and what he found. 

Sailing around the entire world sounds exciting, doesn't it?  The first man to do this was Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer.  Learn more about Magellan.

Let your older student try to figure out who the other penguins namesakes are and why they are famous. 

Chapter 13- More Worries

Social Studies
 
Training Animals
Animal training is teaching animals specific responses to specific conditions.  For instance, if you want your dog to learn to shake your hand, you give him a signal, show him what to do, and reward the behavior.  Given time, he will perform the act when he sees the signal.   Successful animal training requires patience and repetition on the part of the trainer.  People train animals for different reasons, but the most common include companionship (this includes pets- housebreaking, learning to walk on a leash, teaching a parrot to talk, etc.), detection (police dogs), protection (watch dogs), and entertainment.

What is the reason Mr. Popper trains his penguins?  Entertainment!   Many different kinds of animals are used for entertainment.   Can your student think of some different ways animals are used in entertainment?  This includes circus animals, marine animals at zoos, and even animals used in television and movies. 

Learn more about one of the following:
Lipizzaner Horse Shows
Cormorants are trained to catch fish; the Chinese have been training these birds for over 1,200 years.
Falconry raptors (birds of prey) are trained to hunt game
Lion taming
Military Dolphin
Elephant Training
Dog Training
Circus Animals


Science

Penguin Anatomy
It is noted in this chapter that the penguins already have costumes—little black and white tuxedos.   It's important for a penguin to be black and white.  When a penguin is cold, it can turn it's back to the sun and absorb heat!

Penguins' contrasting colors are also important for hiding from predators.  They are designed with a special defense called countershading.  When swimming, a penguin’s white front blends with the sunlight making it difficult to be seen from below.   It’s black back blends in with dark waters making it difficult to be seen from above. 

As you learned in chapter 2, penguins come in all different sizes, but they all have the same basic shape—long body covered in feathers, big head, thick neck, short wedge-shaped tail, webbed feet for swimming, and stumpy legs.  Since they swim instead of fly, their wings are called flippers.   Waterproof feathers are important for trapping air; this keeps a penguin warm in freezing cold waters.   A penguin stays waterproof thanks to its oil gland under its tail.  A penguin pushes the oil through its feathers with its beak (this is known as preening). 

Penguins also have big beaks that are lined with rubbery spikes which aid in gripping slippery food.

Penguins have the special ability to drink salty seawater and then ooze the salt out from their special nostrils that act like inbuilt water filters.

Why are Penguins Black and White?
Penguin Anatomy


Fine Arts

Music
Mrs. Popper plays music for the penguin performance.  If possible, listen to two of her selections (linked below).  Does your student think these are good choices for a group of playful penguins?  Why? 

You may want to discuss tempo with your student.  It is the rate of speed at which a musical piece or passage is to be played or sung.  Would the songs be good choices if they had slow tempos?  Why not?  

For an easy tempo activity, use rhythm sticks to tap OR just clap with your hands. Have your student clap sloooooowly. Have your child clap fast. Have your child count to 4 with claps, then keep counting and clapping at the same time. Count and clap at a different a tempo each time to show your student the difference between fast and slow tempos.

Schubert- Military March
Merry Widow Waltz

If you decide to listen to the march, have your student "march" throughout the song.  This will help him understand why it is called a march.

For the waltz, introduce the fact that waltz's always have 3 beats to a measure. See if you can hear the 3 beat pattern and practice counting 1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3. throughout part of the song.  Have fun "waltzing" by taking three steps every three beats throughout the song.

Language Arts

Creative Thinking  and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
What does Mr. Popper train his penguins to do?  What would you train your pet to do?  Make a list of the various acts you would teach your pet to perform.   What music would you play while your pet performed?  Why?

Vocabulary
fare- the money a person pays to travel by public transportation
perform- to do something requiring special skill
portable- possible to carry or move about
 

Chapter 14- Mr. Greenbaum

Language Arts

Daily Newspaper
Mr. Popper sees an opportunity because he read the newspaper.  It’s a good idea to stay informed on various events/happenings in your community.  Go through a daily newspaper with your student. Look for news about what’s happening in your neck of the woods.   Pick an event and plan to attend. 

Vocabulary
transfer- to change from one vehicle or transportation line to another
conference- a meeting for discussion or exchange of opinions
protest- a complaint, objection, or display of unwillingness or disapproval
politely- showing consideration and courtesy

Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the first consonant sound in a phrase such as Popper’s Performing Penguins (or Popper’s Pink-toed Penguins).  Have fun making up more alliterated names for the penguins or for another group of performing animals (Callie’s Crazy Cows, Sam’s Spectacular Seals, etc.)

Alliteration Accordion

Applied Math

Story Problems
Make up story problems with bus fare and half-fare and 12 penguins, 2 adults, 2 children, or use attached worksheet.

The Value of 12
How much is twelve?  What combinations of numbers can your student put together to get 12?  (5+7, 10+2, 6+6, etc.)  If the penguins were sitting two per seat, how many seats did they need total?  What if they were sitting three per seat?  Four per seat?  Six per seat?   Let your younger student work these problems out using manipulatives and rows.

12 is equal to
two rows of six

Three rows of four

Four rows of three
six rows of two

Even Numbers
Does your student know what an even number is?  An even number is a number that can be divided by 2.  For a younger student, you can explain an even number as a number that can be divided in half.    This chapter has all kinds of even numbers!

2 adult penguins, 10 baby penguins, 2 Popper Kids, 2 Popper adults

What happens when you add an even number to an even number? 
2 adult penguins
10 baby penguins
12 penguins total

You get an even number!

Let’s try it again
2 Popper Kids
2 Popper adults
4 adults total

One more time
12 penguins
4 humans
16 to board the bus

When you add an even number to an even number, you still have an even number!
 

Chapter 15- Popper's Performing Penguins

Language Arts

Vocabulary
rehearsal- a private performance or practice session in preparation for a public appearance
audience- a group that listens or watches
dignified- showing importance
semicircle- an object or arrangement of objects in the form of a half circle
sparred- to box or make boxing movements with the fists for practice or in fun
indulge- to allow oneself the pleasure of having or doing something

Dealing with Disappointment
Why do Janie and Bill cry?  It’s okay to be upset or disappointed when something seems unfair, but how should we handle our disappointment.   Can your student think of a better way for Janie and Bill to express their disappointment (other than crying)?  Discuss appropriate ways to handle disappointment.  

Geography- From Oregon to Maine
Look at a map with your student and find Oregon.  Find Maine.  Using an atlas, let your student determine the mileage or find a route.  Why did Mr. Greenbaum choose these two states as his reference points?  He was basically saying that the penguins would be seen from coast to coast.  What other state combinations would be coast to coast (California to Maryland, etc.).  Which two coastal states are the farthest apart? 

Geography-Seattle
The first stop for Popper’s Performing Penguins is Seattle.  Does your student know where to find this U.S. city? 

Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, and is found is Washington State.  It is a place where many different kinds of people live; it is culturally diverse.  Even though Seattle is a large city, it is beautiful; it’s nickname is the “Emerald City” because of all the evergreen trees found in the surrounding area.  There is also beauty in the  surrounding mountains (Olympic and Cascade) as well as the waters of the Puget Sound.

Seattle is known as a rainy city with a moderate climate and has a reputation for heavy coffee consumption with many coffee companies being founded or based in Seattle—Starbucks, Seattle’s Best Coffee, and Tully’s.

If your student would like to know more about Seattle, encourage him to research one or more of the following:
~The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 & Underground Seattle
~The Klondike Gold Rush (which made Seattle a major transportation center)
~Pike’s Place Market
~Space Needle

Applied Math

Story Problem
The Poppers were going to receive $5,000 a week for 10 weeks!   Is $5,000 enough to live on when you count travel costs, food, and lodging? 

Have your older student determine how much it would cost (food, lodging, airfare/gas/car rental) to travel for one week for your family.  Younger students can simply make a list of items needed (clothes, food, etc.) for a one week trip. 

Chapter 16- On the Road

Applied Math

Credit and Debt
Mr. Geenbaum sent the first paycheck in advance.  What was the first thing the Poppers did?  Based on what your student has already learned about credit, discuss why this was a smart thing to do. 

Usually, with most loans, if you pay off early, you save money.

Get out the table from the previous credit lesson and work your way through the following:

What would happen if you paid the bike off one month early?  Look at the table that is provided.  If you paid it off after 11 months, you would save the last month's interest which is $0.13.  If you paid it off 3 months early, you would save 3 month's interest.  Draw a horizontal line on the chart between month 9 and 10.  Make sure the line runs all the way through the chart.  The interest for the months that are below the line is saved.  Add $0.39, $0.26, and $0.13.  You saved $0.78.  To find out how much you would save paying off after 6 months, draw another line under month 6 and add the interest for months 7-12.  You would not pay this interest.  This would save $2.72.

Language Arts

Vocabulary
fender- a guard over a wheel of an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle
annoyed- to disturb or irritate especially by repeated acts
berth- a place to sleep on a ship or train
ecstatic- a state of being beyond reason and self-control
novelty- something new or unusual
temptation- the state of being tempted especially to do something wrongl

Social Studies

Occupations on the Train
We are introduced to various train occupations in this chapter.  Can your student remember some of the titles?  (porter, brakeman, conductor).  Learn about a few train occupations if your student shows interest.

Locomotive Engineers-
These are the men who make the train move! 
~Before and after each run, engineers check for mechanical problems. 
~They drive the trains moving controls and brakes and monitoring gauges and meters along the way.  
~In order to maintain a safe railroad, engineers must stay alert, communicate with a variety of people including conductors and traffic control. 
~Engineers have to be able to take orders.
~They must have a working knowledge of railroad rules, train signals, and speed limits.
~Locomotive Engineers must know their trains well; different trains accelerate, brake, and react differently depending on the number of cars on the train and how many cars are empty versus how many are loaded.

Brakemen-
These are the men who put the trains together and take them apart again!
~They work under the direction of conductors and do the physical work of adding and removing cars at railroad stations as well as assembling and disassembling trains in the railroad years. 
~Due to new technology, most railroads are phasing this job out.
Learn more about brakemen

Railroad Conductors-
These are the men who keep things organized and running right!
~Freight train conductors organize the activity of the trains; they review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information.  They also keep a record or log of the journey.
~Passenger train conductors ensure passenger safety as well as passenger comfort.   They collect tickets and are in charge of the crews that provide customers with boarding, porter**, maid, and meal services.
~Conductors and engineers have to communicate about the train's route, the timetable, and the cargo.   Conductors receive instructions by radio throughout the trip; they will be told when to pull off and let another train pass, they will be given track condition information, etc. 

**a porter is a person employed to carry luggage and supplies; he works with the conductor

Chapter 17- Fame

Language Arts

Vocabulary
shrill- to make a high sharp piercing sound
mischief- trouble
irritable- someone who is impatient or on the edge of being angry
guilty- having done wrong
nuisance- an annoying or troublesome person, thing, or way of doing something

Art

Advertising
The basic purpose of advertising is to get the consumer (the people who are going to buy goods) to buy a particular product.  

For your older student, you may want to introduce these basic goals of advertising:

1.  To provide information – anything that lists ingredients or facts about the product; this helps the consumer make a choice about whether or not this product is a good fit

2.  To create or change an image about a particular product
3.  To trigger an action – to get you to go out and buy; this includes any sales ad, rebate, or “this weekend only!” kind of deal
4.  To assure and persuade consumers (it really is THE best!)
5.  To reinforce  and to remind the consumer to go and buy

Look through some magazine ads with your student.   Discuss the target audience.  Discuss the goals of the ad.  Is the ad making true claims?   Teach your student to evaluate the advertisement.  Point out some slogans (“Kid Tested.  Mother Approved” or “I’m Lovin’ It!”).  With an older student, discuss the dangers of believing everything that advertisements tell us.

Have your student make an advertisement (including a slogan) for Owens' Oceanic Shrimp; it could be a bill board, magazine ad, or even a can label.   Clip-art help page

If your student enjoys this project, encourage her to make another advertisement-- a poster for Popper’s Performing Penguins.

Social Studies

Geography
Using a blank map, outline the route the Popper Family and the penguins took across the United States-- Seattle, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York. 

Rules
The hotel doesn’t have any rules about/against penguins.  Why not?   Brainstorm a list of rules that would be important for hotels to have.

Chapter 18- April Winds

Language Arts

Vocabulary
vexed- to bring trouble, distress, or worry to
hoarse- having a rough voice or not being able to speak
warrant- a legal paper giving an officer the power to carry out the law
shudder- to tremble with fear or horror

Science

Seals
Seals are mammals just like cats, dogs, or rabbits.  Mother seals (known as cows) feed their pups milk.  They are also warm blooded (body temperature stays the same regardless of surroundings). 

Seals are in a special group of mammals known as marine mammals which also include whales, sea otters, walruses, manatees, and polar bears.  These animals are mammals who spend much of their time in ocean waters and depend on the ocean for food.

To narrow it down further, seals are marine mammals who belong to a group known as pinnipeds.  The word pinniped means “fin-footed.”   Other members of this family (marine mammals with flippers instead of feet or paws) include sea lions and walruses. 

Anatomy-
Seals have streamlined bodies; they look like chubby submarines!  They have four flippers instead of feet.  Their body shapes as well as their flippers both help them to swim.  They have whiskers that help them navigate through dark waters.  Their large eyes are also specially designed to help them see well in the deep ocean and on land.  They have skin covered with waterproof hair and under their skin they have a thick layer of blubber.  Seals can be quite large (elephant seals can weigh 5,000 pounds!), but males (also known as bulls) are usually larger than females (sometimes twice as large!). 

Super Swimmers-
Seals have the ability to dart through water with grace and ease.  This not only enables them to catch fast moving fish or squid, it also helps them to flee from predators such as orcas and polar bears.  Some seals can stay underwater for an hour!  They conserve the need for oxygen by slowing their heart rates. 

Types of Seals-
There are two main types of seals- crawling seals and walking seals.   
Crawling seals are also known as true seals.  They move by dragging themselves along with their front flippers.  They are also known as earless seals because they have ear holes instead of ear flaps.  Walking seals include fur seals and sea lions.  When on land, they can turn their hind flippers forward and walk on all fours; they also have small ear flaps that you can see if you look closely. 

Seal Minit Books
Mammal Checklist and Super Swimmer Simple Fold
Seal Anatomy Petal Book
Pinniped Shutterfold
Family Names Flap and Predators Simple Fold
Types of Seals Split Matchbook

Penguin Predators
Would a seal really eat a penguin?  A leopard seal would!   They hide under ice and wait for penguins.  Penguins are hunted by a variety of sea animals including sharks, orcas, and sea lions.  Young penguins have even more to worry about; a seabird such as a gull, skua, or giant petrel will snatch a young penguin and eat it for lunch.

Penguin Food Chain Tri-fold
 

Chapter 19- Admiral Drake

Language Arts

Vocabulary
bail- the deposit of money needed to temporarily free a prisoner
salary- money paid at regular times for work or services
droop- to sink, bend, or hang down
outwit- to get the better of by cleverness
dismal- very gloomy and depressing
corridor- a long hallway or passageway
reception- a social gathering
“easy street”- someone who doesn’t have to worry about earning money because they have enough to live off of for a long time

Creative Thinking  and Comprehension (Journal or Discussion) -
Mr. Popper has an important decision to make concerning the penguins.  If you were Mr. Popper, what would you do with the penguins?  Why?

Science

North Pole vs. South Pole
People usually lump the two poles together, but they are two very different places!   Interlock Minit Book
 

Go along book:  One Small Square:  Arctic Tundra by Donald M. Silver

Applied Math

Story Problem
Bail was set for Mr. Popper at $500 and $100 for each penguin.  How much was the total amount needed to get them out of jail?

Chapter 20- Farewell, Mr. Popper

Language Arts

Vocabulary
haggard- very thin especially from great hunger, worry, or pain
voyage- a journey especially by water from one place or country to another
gangplank- a movable bridge from a ship to the shore
 

Social Studies

Geography
Add the penguins' journey to Antarctica on your map of travels.