Teacher’s Guide for
Stepping Out with Grandma Mac
by Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Angelo

Pre-reading

Talk about grandparents (or the people in their life who act as one), focusing on the things they do together. It’s a good chance to talk about stereotypes, too. Discuss how their grandparents do or do not match with these stereotypes.

Knowledge:

  1. Find two quotes from the book. One that best represents Grandma Mac, and one for the narrator.
  2. Describe both characters in your own words.

Comprehend:

  1. Give examples of how Grandma Mac shows her love for her granddaughter.
  2. Discuss why Grandma Mac’s words sometimes make the narrator feel like “There are teeth marks/ In my heart?”

Application:

  1. Reread your favorite poem, and explain why you picked it.
  2. Predict what kind of Grandma the narrator will be when it is her turn.

Analyze:

  1. Define the following poetic terms: simile, alliteration, rhyme, and personification.
  2. Find examples from the text of each.

Synthesize:

  1. Compare the poems “Sharp Tongue” to “Radio City” What details give you the clearest picture about Grandma Mac?
  2. Why did the author decide to show both the negative and positive aspects of life with Grandma Mac?

Evaluate:

  1. Study the illustrations in the book. Decide why the illustrator chose the items he did to represent the poem. Are they the same items you would have drawn? Why or why not?
  2. Select one poem and identify all the poetic elements that you defined before.

 

Multiple Intelligence Projects for
Stepping Out with Grandma Mac
by Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Angelo

Verbal/ Linguistic

Write a poem about your own grandparent (or person who functions as one). Be sure to use details that give insight into the whole person. First, you might want to write a long journal about that person and focus on one event that you shared together. Then, choose your favorite phrases, and pare it down into a poem. Revise and be sure to use at least one poetic element!

Logical/ Mathematical

Using two intersecting shapes, compare and contrast Grandma Mac and her granddaughter. Where the two shapes meet put everything that the two have in common, in the other parts what makes them different.

Visual/ Spatial

Fold a large sheet of construction paper in half. On one side create a collage that represents your relationship with the person you wrote the poem about. You can use any materials that you like: magazines, ticket stubs, fabric, paints (you might want to ask your grandparent if they have anything to add). Mount the poem next to the collage and tie with a fancy ribbon or grommet. This makes a terrific Grandparent’s Day gift!

 

Body/Kinesthetic

In pairs, act out a scene from the book. Or, write a dialogue scene between you and your grandparent and act that out instead.

 

Musical/ Rhythmic

Research the music of your grandparent’s generation. Have them pick out (if possible) their three favorite tunes for you to listen to. Write down the titles and the artists, and then write a brief journal about the music and what you thought.  Compare and contrast it to the music you listen to today.

 

Interpersonal

Write a letter to that special person telling them all the favorite things you love to do together. Be specific! And, remember to say thank you. Don’t forget to send it!

 

Intrapersonal:

Write a letter to yourself about the kind of grandparent you want to be. Think about not only the fun things you want to do with your grandkids (list those too!) but also what you want to teach them. Then, seal the envelope and have your parent store it with your report cards for safekeeping.


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