What does it mean to be brave? Many kids think it means being strong and doing heroic acts. But sometimes, it means having the courage to be yourself. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun is a great story about a young girl who learns to embrace her differences while facing a boy named Ralph who does not make this easy. I want to share a few activities you can pair with this book.
about Spaghetti in a hot dog bun
Written by: Maria Dismondy
Illustrated by: Kimberly Shaw-Peterson
How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.
If you don’t already have a copy of this book in your school or classroom library, you can find it on Amazon.
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Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun Activities
This book companion has a large focus on comprehension and vocabulary. This resource has 12 comprehension questions to help guide the discussion as you read. Students can also respond to these questions in writing.
After reading the book, students can put the story back together with this sequencing activity.
Once students have practiced sequencing the story, they are ready to retell or summarize. There are several different graphic organizers to choose from. Students can also focus on the story with this story elements spinner.
For vocabulary, I selected 12 words for this story. Each vocabulary card has a matching definition. Students can play a memory matching game or use the cards in a pocket chart center. To continue working with these words, students can complete the fill-in-the-blanks page or vocabulary match-up activity.
In the story, other kids tease Lucy for eating spaghetti in a hot dog bun. I added this Food Feelings activity so kids can think about different food combinations and how they might feel about eating it. There is a blank space at the bottom for kids to add another food combination they enjoy!
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun Craft
After reading the story, students will create this spaghetti in a hot dog bun craft. This craft opens to reveal a piece of writing so students can respond to the text. There’s also a template students can use to draw a picture (not shown).
Happy Reading!
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