Saxon Phonics 1 Literature Extensions Product ... - Saxon Publishers

THE EMPTY POT
by Demi
(Give after Lesson 70.)
BEFORE READING/SET PURPOSES
Phonics 1
Display the cover of the book, read the title, and point out the name of the author/illustrator.
Talk about the style of the cover illustration and ask what the boy is holding. Point out
that the story takes place in China. Show the country of China on a map or globe and
explain the role of an Emperor.
Take a picture walk through several spreads. Ask: Who do you think this book is about?
Where does it take place? What do you think is in the pot?
DURING READING
Why does the Emperor need to choose someone else to rule? (He is getting very old.)
How does Ping take care of his seed? (He plants it in rich soil and waters it.)
Why does Ping’s father think he should take the pot to the Emperor? (Ping has done his best.)
How does Ping become Emperor? (He tells the truth.)
AFTER READING/RETURN TO PURPOSES
How do you think Ping felt when his seed wouldn’t grow? (Possible answers: frustrated, angry)
Look at the tree on several pages in the story. How can you tell time is passing? (The tree
changes to show the changing of the seasons.)
What do you think Ping’s father meant when he said,“...your best is good enough to present
to the Emperor”? (Possible answer: If you do your best, you do not need to be ashamed.)
How did the Emperor know the other children were lying? (If you cook seeds, they won’t
grow. The Emperor cooked all of the seeds before he gave them to the children, so he knew that
all of the other children had replaced the seeds.)
Did you like this story? Why or why not? (Answers will vary.)
Copyright by Saxon Publishers, Inc. and Lorna Simmons. Reproduction prohibited. 13
Extension 7