Text Talk Lesson~Skippyjon Jones

Text Talk Lesson

for

Skippyjon Jones

Author/Illustrator:  Judy Schachner

Puffin Books, 2005

ISBN# 978-0-14-240403-4

 

SUMMARY:  Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary Siamese cat; in fact he believes he is actually a Chihuahua.  Skippyjon Jones puts on a mask and takes a sword on his magical journey as El Skipito Friskito who fears not a single bandito.  On his journey El Skipito befriends a group of Chihuahuas who are in dire need of rescuing from the terrible Bumblebeeto.  El Skipito saves the day and has a lot of fun along the way!

FOCUS:  The focus of this story is if you use your imagination there is no limit to things you can do or places you can go.  The story also introduces the Spanish language and culture.

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS:

Cover

Show the cover and read the title.  Ask children if they have any ideas of what the story might be about, you can also show the children the picture on page 1 and 2 and ask what they think Skippyjon Jones might be.  Then begin reading the story.

Page 4

1.  What did Skippyjon Jones do that did not please his mother?  (He was sleeping with the birds.)

Page 7

1.  Why do you think Mama June bug Jones wants Skippyjon Jones to stay out of his closet?  (So he won’t make a mess or get into more trouble.)

Page 10

1.  What does Skippyjon Jones see when he looks in the mirror while jumping on his bed (show picture)?  (He sees a Chihuahua or a dog.)

Page 11

1.  Muy, Muy means very, very.  So what’s it mean when it says Skippyjon Jones began to sing in a muy, muy soft voice?  (Skippyjon Jones began to sing in a very, very soft voice.)
2. What does Skippyjon Jones say his name is when he begins to sing?  (His name is now Skippito Friskito.)

 

Page 13

1. So, what is Skippyjon Jones supposed to be thinking about while he is alone in his room?  (He is supposed to be thinking about being a Siamese cat.)
2. Do you think Skippyjon Jones is really thinking about being a Siamese cat while in his room?  (No.)

Page 14

1.  What happened when Skippyjon Jones walked into his closet?  (His thoughts took him down a lonesome desert road, far, far away in old Mexico.)
2. What appeared out of the dust?  (A mysterioso band of Chihuahuas.)

Page 16

1.  Can anyone tell me what they think the Spanish word Gracias might mean?  (Gracias means thank you.)

Page 18

1.  (Show picture)  After looking at this picture what do you think a fiesta might be?  (A celebration or party.)

Page 19

1.  (Show picture)  What do we see here?  (They are sleeping or napping.)
2.   Okay, so based on what we see in the picture what do you think siesta is?  (A nap or rest.)

Page 23

1.  Oh my!  What is happening now?  (Skippito thrust his sword in the air, into Alfredo Buzzito.)

Pages 24 & 25

1.  Goodness!  Beans went everywhere didn’t they!

Page 29

1.  Oh dear!  Skippyjon Jones is making a mess, isn’t he!

Pages 31 & 32

1.  What do we see here?  (Skippyjon Jones is getting scolded by his mother for making such a mess.)
2. What happens after Mama sends Skippyjon Jones to bed?  (He bounced on his big boy bed and sung a song. Mama also calls for him to say good night, and he says “Buenas noches, mis amigos”.)

Wrap-up:  What do you think of Skippyjon Jones’s adventure?  (Let the children discuss the things they liked about Skippyjon Jones’s adventure.  Do they think Skippyjon Jones finally accepted the fact that he was a cat?)

 

VOCABULARY: 

Scolded

Incognito

Ruckus

 

Scolded:  In the story when Mama Junebug Jones found Skippyjon Jones sleeping with the birds, the statement is made, “No self-respecting cat ever slept with a flock of birds, she scolded”.  Scolded means to fuss at or be angry with someone.  Say the word scolded.

Can you give me some reasons why you might get scolded by your mother? 

• Getting in trouble at school.
• Making a mess in your room.
• Misbehaving or not listening.

  What’s our word?  Scolded

 

Incognito:  In the story Skippito is asked why he wears the maskito, he answers “I go incognito”.  Incognito means to be concealed or disguised.  Say the word incognito.

Can you name some things that could help someone go be incognito?

• A mask
• Sunglasses
• A hat

What’s our word?  Incognito

 

Ruckus:  In the story when Skippyjon Jones “returned” home, “there was such a ruckus coming from Skippyjon’s room that Mama Junebug Jones and the girls just had to find out what was going on.”  Ruckus means a disturbance or commotion.  Say the word ruckus.

I am going to name some things to see if you think they might cause a ruckus.  If you think they could cause a ruckus say, the word ruckus, if you think they would not cause a ruckus say, “No way.”

• Reading a book silently (no way)
• Refusing to share something (ruckus)
• Making fun or someone, calling someone names (ruckus)
• Listening and paying attention in class (no way)

What’s our word?  Ruckus