This is a realistic fiction piece (which means it has realistic characters doing realistic things, but is not a story about a real person or event). In the story, John is a little boy whose grandfather is blind. Yet sounds, smells, tastes and the ability to touch enrich his life. Young John loves to be with his grandfather and at his house, for when he is there, his own world expands as he closes his eyes and experiences the events of the day as his grandfather does. This story emphasizes how using imagination helps one experience the joys and wonders of living, in spite of the loss of one's sight. The grandfather teaches his grandson to mix imagination with the information attained through the use of his senses to appreciate the world.

Key Concepts to explore:

The Unit Theme is "Friendship" so you could also discuss how friends do favors for each other. Do you believe the king when he says he'd giveup all his money for a friendship like theirs? What are the responsibilities of being a friend? Sometimes friendship requires some sacrifice. True friends are loyal to each other because they trust each other.

Vocabulary:

carved (carefully cut) exercises (physical activities to help one be healthy)
burrow (get cozy and comfortable under something) imitating (to copy or appear like)
bow (a wooden rod with horsehairs stretched from end to end used to play a stringed instrument) sculpture (a statue or piece of art that is carved or shaped in 3 dimensions)
Spelling:

Spelling words are based on the long a sound as in: flame, stain, play,awake, raise, away

Story questions:

1. Why does John like Grandpa's house? (He sees the house through his grandpa's eyes, using his other senses)

2. Why does Grandpa call his piece of wood "thinking wood"? (He holds it in his hand while he is thinking)

3. How does Grandpa know what is happening in a TV show? ( He listens to the words and music)

4. Why does Grandpa call a flock of geese "Honkers"? (He calls them "Honkers" because of the sound they make)

This is a wonderful story that can be related to your child's own relationship with grandparents as well as used as a starting point for how people use their other senses to know and understand the world when one of their senses is impaired.

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