#139 Substitute Daddy
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Horace's dad is away on a business trip. Horace feels sad and
misses his father. To help him feel better, Wimzie suggests
that Rousso be Horace's "pretend dad." After a while, Wimzie
becomes jealous, resenting that Rousso spends so much time with
Horace. Rousso suspects nothing and invites Horace to stay for
the weekend and go to the movies. Wimzie can't go since she
has a play date. Feeling left out, Wimzie ends up sulking in
her room alone. Yaya figures out what's going on and talks to
Rousso who tries to patch things up. But Horace is the one who
comes up with a solution. He offers to leave so that Wimzie
can spend some special time with her dad. This simple gesture
of friendship defuses the whole situation and Wimzie is more
than happy to invite Horace to stay for as long as he wants.
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- Children will learn that they
can receive comfort and security from another adult caregiver
when their parents are away.
- Children will learn that friends
help each other.
- Children will learn that they
can create a bond with an adult other than their parent.
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Vocabulary: |
| sulking
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Suggested Activities: |
| Before
you view: Horace and Rousso
go to a movie together. Watch and find out the silly title of
the movie. See why Wimzie was angry that they went. |
| While you view:
See suggestions in "How to use this guide". |
| After
you view: Go back to your
pre-viewing activity and have the children respond to the question.
(Answer: "Attack of the Giant Banana That Split." Wimzie
had been waiting to see the movie.) Talk about what you've seen
and take some time to discuss it. |
Extended Learning Activities |
Option
1: When I Miss my Parents (Discussion Activity)
Materials required: None
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| Have
the children sit in a talking circle. Remind them of how Horace
missed his dad when he went away on a trip. Have the children
name times that they may be away from their parents or guardians.
For example, when their parents go on a trip, when they go to
school each day, at a sleep-over or play date. Ask how they
feel during those times. Tell the children, if they feel sad
or lonely when they are away from their parents, there are things
they can do to help them feel better. Help the children to think
of things that they can do when they miss mom or dad. For example:
talk to them on the phone, keep their picture close by, draw
a picture for them. Ask the children if there is another adult
they feel safe with. Does spending time with him/her help? |
Option 2: Story Writing and Bookmaking (Art and Creative Writing
Activity)
Materials required: Two cardboard file folders, a hole puncher,
paper, yarn or string, crayons/markers |
| Sit
in a circle with the children. Start by telling them that you
are going to begin a story and they are going to help finish
it. Go around the circle and have each child contribute. Write
down what the children say. When the story is complete, read
back what the group created. Begin a story that relates to the
themes from "Substitute Daddy." You can use the following
story format or create your own. One morning my mom and dad
told me they were going on a trip and that I was going to stay
with my favorite Aunt (woman's name). I was so happy because
my Aunt lives in a (kind of home) with a (describe home). My
Aunt has a pet (animal) and a pet (animal) that I love to play
with. My Aunt always makes me my favorite food (food). I felt
(emotion) when my visit with Aunt (name) was over. I can't wait
till I get to see her again. For older children: This activity
can be a good "book making" activity. Write each sentence
on a separate piece of paper. Have each child illustrate his
or her page. Bind the pages with yarn. Create a bright cover.
Add the book to your class or home library. |
Theme Related Books: |
My
Mom Travels a Lot, Caroline Feller Bauer, Frederick Warne
(cloth) Puffin (paper), 1981.
I Know a Lady, Charlotte Zolotow, Greenwillow, 1984.
Spiny Sulks, William Steig, Farrar, Straus & Giroux (cloth)
Sunburst (paper), 1988 . |
Notes |
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