In the Teach Amelia Bedelia section, you will find an array of engaging and authentic learning experiences for use in your classroom. Get ready for a mixed-up good time!
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HOMONYMS AND HOMOPHONES
Homonyms are words that are spelled and sound the same but have different meanings.
Examples include: “bear” [animal] and “bear” [right or left, as in direction] (Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia, pp. 24–25).
Homophones are words that sound alike but have different spelling and meaning. Examples include: “heard” and “herd” [of cows] (Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia, p. 11).
Write “Homonyms” and “Homophones” on a T-chart. Include the definition under each word. Have students generate a list of homonyms and homophones. Record responses in the appropriate columns. Keep the chart on display for reference.
Have students choose a pair of words to illustrate. Give each child a piece of oaktag or plain paper. Students can fold the paper evenly in half, then write their word pair on the bottom of the page—one word on the left, the other on the right. Using colored pencils or crayons, have students draw pictures to define the words. Students should use the words in a sentence and write the sentence across the top of their pages. Display student work in the classroom, along with a description of the lesson.
UNDERSTANDING IDIOMS
An idiom is a figure of speech or a colloquial phrase. Idioms can easily be misunderstood, especially by someone like Amelia Bedelia who takes things so literally. For example, in Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor, Mr. Rogers tells Amelia Bedelia, “You should run for the mayor’s office.” What does Mr. Rogers mean? What does Amelia Bedelia think he means? Have students come up with a list of idioms, or expressions that confuse Amelia Bedelia. Record responses on chart paper. Have students choose an idiom to illustrate. Fold a piece of drawing paper in half. Write the expression across the top of the page and draw a picture of what the words really mean on one side and what Amelia Bedelia thinks they mean on the other. Students should caption each illustration.
WRITING AND FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS
For Amelia Bedelia, even the most basic instructions can be confusing. Stress the importance of clear, easy-to-read writing by having students write step-by-step instructions for a common task—like making a sandwich. Peanut butter and jelly or cheese sandwiches are simplest. When they’ve finished, students should exchange papers. If they follow the instructions exactly as written, will their sandwiches turn out okay? Examine the results, have students report on what was clear or confusing, then eat the finished products.
EXPLORING THE SERIES
Amelia Bedelia (1963) was Peggy Parish’s first book in the popular series. Challenge students to read and review all the Amelia Bedelia books. Students should mark off each book as they are read. Book reviews should include a summary of the book as well as the reader’s opinion. Display work in class so students can decide which book they’d like to read next.
AN AMELIA BEDELIA TRIVIA GAME
Make an Amelia Bedelia trivia game based on the events of each book. Write multiple-choice squestions and answers on playing cards. For example: In which book does Amelia Bedelia make jackets for library books? Is it A. Amelia Bedelia; B. Merry Christmas, Amelia Bedelia; or C: Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm. Students should brainstorm highlights from each book before making cards. Questions and answers go on one side of the card, illustrations on the other.
WRITING AND PERFORMING SIMPLE SKITS
Have students select “Amelia Bedelia’s Top Ten Most Mixed-up Moments” and create a series of short skits in which to act them out. Together, brainstorm memorable scenes. Then demonstrate how to write a script based on the book. Students choose roles and rehearse. Have students perform their skits for the class.
CREATIVE WRITING
Have students write their own Amelia Bedelia stories that put Amelia Bedelia in new situations. What misunderstandings take place? Who are the characters involved? How are problems resolved? Students should illustrate their books and create covers out of oaktag. Display books in your classroom library.
In Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm, confusion reigns when Amelia Bedelia helps out at the local library. Join the fun with the following activities.
Design book jackets. In Amelia Bedelia, Bookworm, Amelia Bedelia makes book jackets for her library books. Have students bring large paper bags from home, or supply oversized construction paper to make book jackets. Students can create their own unique artwork, and use their book jackets at school or at home to protect the covers of their favorite books.
Create bookmarks. Have students make Amelia Bedelia bookmarks. Cut sheets of oaktag into strips. Instruct students to write their names on one side and illustrate the other. Decorate bookmarks with markers or colored pencils. Laminate them and punch a hole in the top of each, from which to attach a fabric tassel.
Make mobiles. Visit www.uniqueprojects.com for easy-to-follow instructions on how to make a mobile. Encourage students to decorate their mobiles with scenes from their favorite Amelia Bedelia books.
In Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia, there is a lot of confusion about what a “fork in the road” is, and which way to turn. Ask your students to recall a moment in their lives when they came to a personal “fork in the road”—a situation where they had to choose between two paths or courses of action. How did things turn out? Was it what they expected? Better or worse? Did that lead to another “fork in the road?” What was learned?
Letter Writing
If you are having your classroom practice letter-writing by having them write to Amelia Bedelia, Peggy Parish, or Herman Parish, and you would like to forward on those letters, please send them to the following address:
Amelia Bedelia
c/o Greenwillow Books
HarperCollins Children's Books
1350 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
School Visits
If you are interested in having Herman Parish visit your school or library, please e-mail the Publicity Manager to inquire about availability and scheduling.
If Herman is scheduled to come to your school, you can download bookmarks in preparation for his visit. There are four designs with an area for you to personalize each bookmark.
Amelia Bedelia Costume Rentals
The Amelia Bedelia costume is provided free of charge for promotional use only at schools, libraries, and bookstores. The only cost to you is second-day air shipping arranged by Costume Specialists to send the costume to its next event. Shipping is $120 per costume. For more information, please visit Costume Specialists.
Artwork © Lynn Sweat |
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