Poem
If You Were Busy Being Kind by R. Foreman
- If you were busy being kind,
Before you knew it you would find
You’d soon forget to think ’twas true
That someone was unkind to you.
2. If you were busy being glad
And cheering people who seem sad,
Although your heart might ache a bit,
You’d soon forget to notice it.
3. If you were busy being good,
And doing just the best you could,
You’d not have time to blame some man
Who’s doing just the best he can.
4. If you were busy being true
To what you know you ought to do,
You’d be so busy you’d forget
The blunders of the folks you’ve met.
Finish Reading!
As you are reading, consider the following questions: ( You don’t need to write out answers but maybe you can think about these things as you read.)
Do you think Rosalind likes being the oldest and most responsible Penderwick?
Would you like a formal birthday party like Jeffrey’s, where everyone had to dress up?
Jeffrey is an only child. Do you think Mrs. Tifton would act differently if she had more kids or there were usually more children around?
Why is Jeffrey happier after the Penderwicks arrive? Do you think his life will be different in the future even after they go back home?
What was your favorite adventure the Penderwicks had?
With all the adventures the Penderwicks have that end in disasters, do you think Mrs. Tifton is ever right for being so upset?
Why do you think Batty wore wings in the first place? And why do you think she gave them to Jeffrey?
Of all the penderwicks, who are you most like?
What is your idea of a perfect vacation?
When you saw the cover of this book did you think you would like it?
What makes the story have an “old fashioned” feel? What clues did you have about when this story is set?
Do you want to read the sequels?
Did you like this book?
Something That Represents
Can you think of something that represents or symbolizes a theme of what the Penderwicks book is all about? Can you bring that thing to class and be prepared to tell us how it relates to a theme in the story? For example, one theme that stood out to me is the fact that money certainly isn’t the answer to life’s ails. I tend to be drawn to sweet, simple things so I might bring a primitive cross stitch that I created.
Family Fun
Oh my gosh this book made me laugh! I felt the messiness and pure delight that only family can bring! Remember when Hound ate the map and threw up? There’s nothing funny about throw up and yet as the story was told, I giggled. Can you think of a time in your family that maybe wasn’t too funny when it happened but in hindsight makes you smile? Are there things in your family that are unique and make your family special?
Take those experiences and write it/ them down in story format. Please use colorful expressive words that really paint the picture in our minds!
For example, I’m hoping you’ll stay away from descriptions such as, “Adrianna said” and instead use words such as, “Adrianna shrieked so loud it felt as though my eardrum was pricked with a pin. “
You can write the story in comic book format, make a claymation video, paragraph format, or illustrate with pictures. As usual, the sky is the limit! Be creative and find a way to present that feels joyful.
Family Characterization
One of the most magical things about being a human is how different we all are! I absolutely love that my seven kids are so different from one another. Each is unique and that has made motherhood so joyful for me. I love to consider the fact that each child arrived on this Earth with their personality, likes and dislikes intact.
Can you write a paragraph or so about each member of your family?
Here is a short example of the Penderwicks. (I’m hoping yours will be more detailed, but maybe this will give you an idea of what I mean?)
12-year-old Rosalind is the responsible older sister who misses their mom and watches over her younger siblings.
11-year-old Skye is an organizer who loves learning math but whose temper gets her into trouble.
10-year-old Jane loves books and writes the creative Sabrina Starr adventures.
4-year-old Batty is an animal-loving explorer who always wears butterfly wings.
Food
Can you make and bring a food that is special to your family? Maybe the food is something that your grandmother always makes or maybe it’s something your family eats a lot or maybe it’s something sort of strange but for some reason your family loves it.
Gingerbread served with whipped cream and strawberries will always be special for the Penderwicks!
Here’s your checklist!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m06bFZebfJ9f8wVn6NYZwAjbYZLmNo09yY-W8if5WXY/edit?usp=sharing
