Tacky+Goes+to+Camp

Written by Helen Lester Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger


 * Researching Penguins:** Have students list what they already know about penguins and then research to verify that knowledge and learn more about them. Compare how real penguins are like Tacky and how they are different. For instance, Tacky lives in an icy land (like real penguins) but he wears flowered shirts (not like real penguins). Also compare the other penguins in the book to see if they act more or less like real penguins than Tacky does.

Look up the definition of the word tacky. It will have several definitions. Discuss with students which definition of tacky best fits Tacky the penguin and why. Find the definitions for Tacky’s friend’s names and see if their definitions fit as well.
 * What is Tacky?**

Fold a large piece of paper in half, writing Tacky at the top of one half, and Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly and Perfect at the top of the other side. In small groups, readers write for three minutes, listing appropriate adjectives for Tacky and for the other penguins. Place the words under the appropriate headings.
 * Adjectives**

Have the groups move to another table, finding the adjectives they think are especially appropriate for the penguins. Also have them find adjectives they think don’t describe the penguins. Find the ten best adjectives for each heading.

The author says that Tacky is an “odd bird.” Share an illustration of Tacky and have readers list the details in the picture that prove this statement. At the end of the story, Tacky is an odd bird, but good to have around. Without naming names, have the kids discuss someone they know that does things that seem odd to them but is nice to have around.
 * An Odd Bird**

Tacky acts like a human many times, behaving in ways that kids may or at least someone they know. Talk about times when people act in tacky ways. Have kids choose one situation when the behavior or circumstances remind them of Tacky. Illustrate and write about the topic on one page, then put together a classroom book of Tacky Behaviors. Discuss whether tacky behaviors are positive or negative and why. Talk about when it is ok to behave differently than everybody else and why that can be appropriate. Also remind students of times when we must behave in an appropriate manner, such as during a fire drill, driving a car, etc.
 * Tacky Behavior**