Book of the Week: Elbert's Bad Word

 

Summary:

Elbert is a young boy who hears a bad word at an afternoon party. The word sticks in Elbert's Brain. The bad word is so nasty that it is ugly and covered with dark bristly hairs. As the party goes on, the bad word makes its way into Elbert's mouth, just waiting to come out. Like most nasty words this one waited until Elbert was hurt to come out. Elbert can't seem to rid himself of the bad word. It just keeps sticking with him. He tries his hardest not to use the word but it continues to create problems for poor Elbert. He has a final plan to visit the wizard to rid himself the bad word for good. 

Vocabulary:

Bristly -something that has short stiff hairs; like a mustache or a brush.

Flick- to strike with a quick sharp motion.

Opera-a story set to music where people sing what the characters say.

Gnat-a small type of biting fly.

Mallet-a hammer that is shaped like a barrel.

Shocked- struck with surprise, terror, or disgust.

Snickering- to laugh in a sneaky way.

Cobbled- a street paved with round shaped stones called 
cobble stones.

Gazebo- a stand alone structure with open sides; usually round.

Oboe- a double reed woodwind instrument.

Elegant- of high grade or quality; splendid

Story Questions

1. What makes a word “bad”?
2. We don’t know what word Elbert said, but what did it look like?
3. How did Elbert get the bad word?  Is it like catching a cold?
4. How did his mother think she could stop him using the word?
5. How did the gardener/wizard help Elbert stop using the word.
6. What other words could you use when you are startled or hurt?  
7. Have you ever use any of the words that the wizard gave Elbert?
8. What are some good words you say to others each day?
9. What do others think about you when you use bad words?

Story questions taken from: http://storypath.upsem.edu/elberts-bad-word/

Extension Activities: Use "Elbert's Bad Word" to introduce plot development to 4th-6th grade :  I simplify "plot"to 3 elements in my older language groups: Rising action, Conflict, and Resolution.  Make your planning even easier-Use our free TPT Plot Diagram.