the best christmas pageant ever - mrs. mcdonald's class...©2006 new learning publishing 5...

©2006 New Learning Publishing 1 Novel Ideas: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Novel ideas

Barbara robinson’s

The best Christmas pageant ever

Crystal and Thomas Rende


Authors: Crystal and Thomas RendeCover Illustrator: Heather Tang

Novel IdeasBarabara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Copyright © 2006 New Learning PublishingAll rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act, noportion of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means,or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission from thepublisher other than is necessary for classroom use.

Printed in the United States of America

PRODUCT #: NLP9835


using the novel studyThe novel study can be used in four ways:

Independent reading at student created paced

Small group independent reading student created paced

Small group reading guided by the teacher

Whole class reading guided by the teacher.

Each chapter or set of chapters has a particular task:

Vocabulary:Students need to be able to write the definition/meaning of the word in

their own words as the word is used in the story. If they are unable to, theyneed to find the word in the dictionary and match the correct definition withthe context that the word is used in the book.

Short response questions:The questions come in two forms. The first is basic comprehension

directly from the story. This is your “Who, What, Where, Why, How,When” question.

The second form is analysis of information and events in the story.The student is required to explain an answer, respond as if they were in thestory, or state what they think the character(s) should do.

The remaining sections are key components in studying literature in adetailed and meaningful way. The directions for each part are given withineach section.

THE NOVEL STUDY CAN BE PRINTED AND STAPLED AS APACKET USING THE INTRODUCTION AS THE COVER PAGE.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACTIVITY PAGE NUMBER

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

Introduction Cover Page 5Pre-Reading Activity 6Chapter One 7Chapter Two 8Illustrating Activity 9Chapter Three 10Sequencing of Events Activity 11Chapter Four 12Point of View Activity 13Chapter Five 16Character Analysis Activity 17Chapter Six 20Chapter Seven 21Book Summary 22Rubric for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 26Answer Key 27


the best Christmas pageanteverby

Barbara robinson

Some might think it was Charlie’s fault. Some might think it was justanother part of life the Herdmans had not destroyed yet. Whatever thereason, when the Herdmans show up for Sunday School, the whole towntakes notice. It is perfect timing, too. It is time for the Christmas Pageant atchurch and the usual director is out with a broken leg.

When the Herdmans push their way into every key role in the pageant,everyone thinks it is going to be a disaster. What everyone does not expectis how powerful an experience it ends up. Read on and experience a point ofview of the nativity scene not many could ever imagine and no one shouldever miss.

Name____________________________________________


Pre-Reading Activity

1. The holiday season is a time of family traditions. Write about somethings you and your family do every holiday season._____________________________________________________________

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2. What is your favorite part of the holiday season? Explain in detail what itis and why it is your favorite._____________________________________________________________

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Chapter One

Vocabulary

Word Page # Meaning/Definition

Toolhouse

Collared

Wreck

Contagious

Blamed

Cot

1. How did the Herdmans burn down Mr. Shoemaker’s toolhouse? How dideveryone feel about it?_____________________________________________________________

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2. Why did the new kids laugh at the Herdmans’ sign warning about theircat? Would you if you didn’t know the cat?_____________________________________________________________

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3. What finally calmed the Herdmans’ cat down in school?_____________________________________________________________

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4. Why did Imogene want to know everyone’s weight and secrets?_____________________________________________________________

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Chapter two

Vocabulary


Shepherd

Contribution

Tradition

Sentiment

Slouching

Pageant

1. What did Charlie’s dad say he wanted to see at the pageant? Why?_____________________________________________________________

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2. How did Charlie’s mother get stuck running the pageant?_____________________________________________________________

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3. Why did Charlie lie about all the treats in Sunday School?_____________________________________________________________

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4. Why did the Herdmans go to church on Sunday?_____________________________________________________________

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Illustrating an Event Activity

Most chapter books are written with very few to no illustrations. Visualizingthe events of the story is left to the reader’s imagination. On this page, Iwould like you to illustrate any scene from the book so far. Try to do ascene that you feel gave you a clear picture of what was occurring in thestory. Underneath your picture write a sentence or two that explains the partof the reading that you drew.

Explanation:_____________________________________________________________

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Chapter three

Vocabulary


Interrupt

Rehearsals

Unselfish

Decide

Ridiculous

Admire

1. How is Mrs. Armstrong driving the mother crazy?_____________________________________________________________

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2. What would you do if you were the mother and Mrs. Armstrong wascalling you all the time?_____________________________________________________________

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3. Who volunteered for all the main roles in the pageant? Why do you thinkthey did?_____________________________________________________________

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4. Why didn’t Alice volunteer to be Mary like she always does?_____________________________________________________________

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Sequencing of Events Activity

In order to be able to correctly summarize the key events in a story, youneed to be able to put those events in the correct order. Sequencing events isjust that, putting events in the correct order from start to finish. On thispage, use the first three chapters of the book to help you put these mainevents in order. Use pencil so that you can erase if you need to. Good luck!

Imogene was finding out secrets about everyone in school.The Herdmans volunteer for every role in the pageant.Mrs. Armstrong broke her leg and can’t run the Christmas pageant.Alice didn’t volunteer to be Mary.The Herdmans burn down Mr. Showmaker’s toolhouse.The Herdmans go to Sunday School.Charlie’s mother has to run the Christmas pageant.

Now use the table to put the above events in the correct order.

First…

Second…

Third…

Then…

Next…

After that…

Finally…

Rewrite the listed events into a summary paragraph on the lines below._____________________________________________________________

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Chapter four

Vocabulary


Sneaky

Inn

Disciples

Espoused

Manger

Swaddling

1. What was the biggest lie ever said out loud in church? Why?_____________________________________________________________

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2. How would you learn the Christmas story if you didn’t go to church?_____________________________________________________________

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3. Why do you think Imogene was so mad about the way they took care ofthe baby Jesus?_____________________________________________________________

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4. Why did the Herdmans want to beat up Herod?_____________________________________________________________

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POINT OF VIEW ACTIVITYHave you ever heard the expression, ‘…walk in someone else’s shoes…’? What

that means is looking at a situation or event from someone else’s life. When you read astory, the author is trying to help you imagine what the character is thinking to help youunderstand why the character did something. Have you ever felt like you wouldn’t havedone an event the same way a character did it in a book?

Think about a scene from a movie or television show you have recently watchedwhere a character, or a group of characters, had a point of view that was different thanyours for the situation they were in. Fill in the chart below for two separate shows ormovies.

Name of the character What the character did What you would have done

In the last chapter, the Herdmans begin to learn the details of the Christmas story.They were shocked that the family had to stay in a barn, Herod wanted to kill the babyJesus, and the three kings brought gifts they thought were stupid. Everyone else has justaccepted the story as it is for the sake of what it was. There are two points of view in thisscenario. Use the table below to identify the two points of view and use supportingdetails from the book.

Point of View Details that support this view

The Herdmans’ pointof view.

The traditionalacceptance of thestory.


Point of View continued…

Directions: Write a letter from the Herdmans’ point of view, asking foradvice on how to deal with facts from the Christmas story they didn’t like.Ask for advice on how to understand why certain things happened.

Tell the person that you are writing to the main problem(s) that you arehaving with the Christmas story.

Ask for his/her advice on how to deal with the situation. Be specificabout the kind of advice that you want.

Thank him/her for taking the time to read your letter.Correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar.

Planning Page

Introduction: List the problem(s) you are having:

List what specific advice you are going to ask for in the letter:

Conclusion: Notes on how you would end your letter.


Dear_________________________,

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Yours truly,__________________________


Chapter five

Vocabulary


Stable

Disgraceful

Dreamy

Squeal

Withdraw

Adopted

1. Why did the Herdmans want to go to the library?_____________________________________________________________

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2. What was Alice writing down on her little pad of paper? Why?_____________________________________________________________

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3. Why didn’t any parents want their baby to play Jesus in the pageant?_____________________________________________________________

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4. Why was Imogene pleased with the idea of a doll being used as the baby?_____________________________________________________________

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5. How do you think the rehearsals are going so far?_____________________________________________________________

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Character Analysis ActivityWhen reading a novel it is very natural for the reader to develop opinions of the

characters. You decide which characters you like and dislike, which are funny, and which aresincere. This process is called analyzing characters. A good writer wants the reader to do this. Ithelps the reader understand the story better and enjoy the story more. It also helps the readerbecome part of the story, in a way, because we also compare characters in stories with people weknow or have met.

You have really been able to ‘get to know’ Imogene in this story. Fill in the chart belowabout her character traits. When you are done, use one character trait in the chart to write aparagraph about Imogene’s character. It is important that you include several details from thestory to support your choice of trait.

Character Trait Details To Prove It Connection to Your Life

1. ________________________________________________________________________

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2. ________________________________________________________________________

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3. ________________________________________________________________________

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4. ________________________________________________________________________

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Now, choose one other character from the book (Beth, Charlie, the mother,Alice, any other Herdman). Be sure to use a lot of details to support thecharacter traits you choose.

Character Trait Details To Prove It Connection To Your Life

1. ________________________________________________________________________

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2. ________________________________________________________________________

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3. ________________________________________________________________________

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4. ________________________________________________________________________

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Write a paragraph that describes the character._____________________________________________________________

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humble studious demanding braveintelligent bossy courageous honestgentle serious mischievous lovingfunny friendly proud humorousadventurous wild sad messyhard-working resourceful timid neatstubborn shy joyful loyalbold cooperative gullible daringlovable handsome dainty ambitiouscaring busy quiet carefreelazy curious selfish patrioticwitty unselfish fun-loving fightergenerous successful determined confidentresponsible energetic respectful helpfulcheerful considerate thoughtful dreamerimaginative happy calm inventivedisagreeable mannerly creative conceitedrude independent leader mean


Chapter six

Vocabulary


Pot-luck

Rehearsal

Congregation

Everlasting

Parsonage

Uproar

1. What is a dress rehearsal?_____________________________________________________________

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2. Do you think it is safe to let your little sister pierce your ear like Imogenedid? Why, or why not?_____________________________________________________________

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3. Why was Imogene upset about the baby’s name?_____________________________________________________________

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4. Why did Mrs. McCarthy call the fire department?_____________________________________________________________

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5. Make a prediction on how you think the pageant will be?_____________________________________________________________

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Chapter seven

Vocabulary


Ushers

Refuges

Offering

Mysterious

Collapsible

Bewildered

1. Why do you think Imogene and Ralph didn’t come out right away likethey were supposed to?_____________________________________________________________

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2. How did the ham make more practical sense as a gift than what theoriginal wise men brought?_____________________________________________________________

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3. Why do think Imogene was crying?_____________________________________________________________

4. Why do you think the Herdmans wouldn’t take the ham back?_____________________________________________________________

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5. Was this the best Christmas pageant ever? Why, or why not?_____________________________________________________________

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Book Summary

Paragraph #1 – Introduction

Book Title:_________________________________________________Author:____________________________________________________Illustrator:__________________________________________________A summary statement about the book:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Paragraph #2 –

Setting: Where did the story take place? Describe briefly.

Theme: What idea came up during the entire book or what point was theauthor trying to make?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Paragraph #3 – Main Character (Briefly tell about each character andwhat their role in the book was.)Beth:

Charlie:

The Mother:

Alice:


Imogene Herdman:

The rest of the Herdmans:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Paragraph #4 - #6 – Main Events: Summarize the important events asthey happened.

Beginning:

Middle:

End:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Paragraph #7 – Conclusion: Share your personal opinions of the

story. What were your likes and dislikes of the story? Would yourecommend this story to another reader? Explain.


Name: ______________________ Date: _______________________

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Rubric forThe best Christmas pageant ever

ExceptionalWriter

4

StrongWriter

3

DevelopingWriter

2

BeginningWriter

1

Introduction: Includes booktitle, author, statement.

Ideas are fully developed using:Problem/Solution, Theme,Characters, Setting

Conclusion: Summarizes whatwas written about using detailsfrom story.

Develops the topic in clear anddetailed way.

Shows organization and itmakes sense sequentially.

Uses descriptive language.

Piece has a sense of voice.

Is written for a specificaudience.

Uses correct grammar, spelling,and punctuation.

Name ______________________________________

Score: ___/36


ANSWER KEYChapter One

Vocabulary Have students put meaning/definitions in their own words

Word Page #Toolhouse 1Collared 2Wreck 7Contagious 8Blamed 9Cot 13

1. The Herdmans set their chemistry set they stole on fire by mixing everything togetherat once. Everyone thought it was only good thing the Herdmans every did.2. Signs like that usually warn about a dog not a cat. Remaining answers will vary.3. The cat calmed down when it had a full belly of goldfish and mice.4. She had power over the other children to get things from them and embarrass them.

Chapter twoVocabulary Have students put meaning/definitions in their own words

Word Page #Shepherd 15Contribution 16Tradition 19Sentiment 21Slouching 22Pageant 23

1. His father wanted to see his robe. He really wanted to stay home and hang out in hisrobe but it was going to be in the pageant.2. Mrs. Armstrong broke her leg and no one else volunteered for it.3. He was tired of Leroy always stealing his lunch dessert.4. They wanted to check out the dessert story.

Chapter threeVocabulary Have students put meaning/definitions in their own words

Word Page #Interrupt 25Rehearsals 25Unselfish 27Decide 29Ridiculous 33Admire 34

1. She is calling all the time with advice on how to run the pageant.2. Answers will be student opinions.3. The Herdmans volunteered for all the main roles. Remaining answers are studentopinion.


4. Imogene threatened to put a pussy willow in Alice’s ear so it would sprout out of herhead like it did to Ollie.

Sequencing of Events Activity2 Imogene was finding out secrets about everyone in school.6 The Herdmans volunteer for every role in the pageant.3 Mrs. Armstrong broke her leg and can’t run the Christmas pageant.7 Alice didn’t volunteer to be Mary.1 The Herdmans burn down Mr. Showmaker’s toolhouse.5 The Herdmans go to Sunday School.4 Charlie’s mother has to run the Christmas pageant.

Chapter fourVocabulary Have students put meaning/definitions in their own words

Word Page #Sneaky 39Inn 39Disciples 40Espoused 41Manger 43Swaddling 44

1. The mother said everyone was glad to see the Herdmans. No one would ever be gladto see them.2. Answers will be student suggestions.3. Answers will be student opinions.4. Herod wanted to have Jesus killed.

POINT OF VIEW ACTIVITYPoint of View Details that support this view

The Herdmans’ point ofview.

The Herdmans thought itwas terrible the wayeveryone treated the holyfamily.

Answers should reflectdetails from the story.

The traditional acceptanceof the story.

Everyone just accepts it asit is and not be upsetabout it.

Answers should reflectdetails from the story.

Chapter fiveVocabulary Have students put meaning/definitions in their own words

Word Page #Stable 49Disgraceful 49Dreamy 55Squeal 55Withdraw 58Adopted 58

1. The Herdmans wanted to learn about Herod.


2. All the things the Herdmans were doing wrong in the church. She thought her motherwould take over the pageant and have her be Mary.3. The Herdmans would be handling the baby.4. A doll can’t bite you.5. Answers will be student opinion.

Chapter sixVocabulary Have students put meaning/definitions in their own words

Word Page #Pot-luck 60Rehearsal 61Congregation 61Everlasting 65Parsonage 66Uproar 69

1. A practice of a play where everyone is in costume.2. Answers will be student opinions. Hopefully they say no.3. She didn’t get to name the baby and the full statement of the name was too long.4. She saw smoke in the bathroom.5. Answer will be student prediction.

Chapter seven

Vocabulary Have students put meaning/definitions in their own words

Word Page #Ushers 71Refuges 72offering 75Mysterious 79Collapsible 79Bewildered 80

1. Answers will be student opinion.2. The ham was food for the family.3. Answer will be student opinion.4. Answer will be student opinion.5. Answer will be student opinion.

the best christmas pageant ever - mrs. mcdonald's class...©2006 new learning publishing 5...

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