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

THE ART LESSON
by Tomie DePaola
(Give after Lesson 130.)
BEFORE READING/SET PURPOSES
Phonics 1
Display the cover of the book and read the title. Identify the author/illustrator and ask students
if they remember other books by Tomie DePaola. Explain that this story is an autobiography
because it is based on something that happened in the author’s life.
Take a picture walk through several spreads. Ask: What does the boy in the story like to do?
Where does the story take place? What do you think might happen in the story?
DURING READING
Why do Tommy’s cousins tell him to practice? (If you practice something, you will get better
at doing it.)
Why can Tommy draw on the walls? (The walls aren’t finished or painted.)
How many colors do the school crayons have? (eight)
What does Mrs. Bowers tell Tommy he can do? (After he draws the Pilgrim picture, he can
draw something with his own crayons.)
AFTER READING/RETURN TO PURPOSES
Why didn’t Tommy like to paint in kindergarten? (The paper was wrinkly, and the paint
was awful.)
What do you think Tommy meant when he said “...real artists don’t copy”? (Possible
answer: Artists use their imaginations and draw their own pictures.)
Look at the final illustration in the book.What does it tell you about Tommy? (He draws
pictures for books.) Do you recognize any of the characters? (Answers will vary.)
What do you know about Tommy from this story? (Possible answers: He loves to draw; he
practices; he tries to solve his problems.)
Copyright by Saxon Publishers, Inc. and Lorna Simmons. Reproduction prohibited. 25
Extension 13