Teachers' Guides

Pre Reading Activities

1. Look at the cover and think about the title. What do you think the book is about?


2. What does first mean? Do you remember the first time you did something? What was it like? Generate a listg of words describing how the class felt whan they did something for the first time. Then you can refer to it when reading the book. “Do you think Pecorino is feeling any of the same feelings that you felt?”


3. Take a picture walk through the book. – Look through the book without reading the words and see what you can tell about the book. Predict what the book is about.


4. Listen to some classical music (we should give some suggestions). Try to pick out the instruments.

Reading Activites

1. Cross word puzzle (there are web sights where we can make one)


2. Put these events in order. (Cut out each sentence and put in order)
• Pecorino flies out of the tuba
• The man with the warbly mustache gets off the bus
• Pecorino climbs onto the stage
• Pecorino falls into the tuba
• World famous conductor storms off the stage


3. On the page with the mustache man –stop while reading and ask “Why did the man get off the bus?


4. Why did Pecorino climb onto the stage?


5. Why do you think Pecorino couldn’t make a sound come out of the tuba?


6. Before reading the page with the instrument sounds – What sound do you think a bass drum makes? A cello? A flute? A tuba?


7. What do you think Pecorino should do now that he has fallen into the tuba?


8. On the concert page – Split the class up into instrument groups – and then perform the concert. Drummers drummed – (drums go) Violinist violined – (violins go). Etc.


9. Mrs. S says “dearest dumpling one day your imagination is going to get you in trouble one day” and Pecorino replies “He wouldn’t do that, he’s my best friend.” What do you think Mrs. S means? What do you think Pecorino means?


10. What other adventures would you like Pecorino to have? Why? Pecorino’s first______________? Draw a picture of your idea.