Tacky the Penguin is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Tacky the Penguin" by Helen Lester is a delightful and humorous children's book that tells the story of an unconventional penguin named Tacky. Unlike his elegant and graceful companions, Tacky is a bit odd, clumsy, and loud. While the other penguins strive for perfection, Tacky embraces his unique personality and brings joy and laughter to the group. However, when a group of hunters arrives, it is Tacky's eccentric behavior that saves the day. Tacky's unorthodox methods confuse and deter the hunters, ensuring the safety of his fellow penguins. Through its playful narrative and charming illustrations, "Tacky the Penguin" celebrates the importance of embracing one's individuality and the power of being true to oneself. The book emphasizes the value of diversity and the idea that everyone has their own special qualities to contribute. With its lighthearted humor and heartwarming message, "Tacky the Penguin" teaches young readers the significance of acceptance, friendship, and staying true to who they are.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Help students to analyze what the author’s purpose for writing the book might be.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Discuss the different adjectives used in the book.
- Explain to students the various ways to use a comma.
- Lead a class discussion on the importance of individuality.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester
- The Ugly Duckling by Jerry Pinkney
- Elmer by David Mckee
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
