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Stay Away From The Junkyard!

Language: English

Despite what people of Jasper, Texas, think, Theodora feels Old Man Crampton, his pet pig, and his junkyard are just dandy. LeVar introduces viewers to an artist who collects what some people may consider “junk,” and transforms it into fun and fascinating artwork. As LeVar holds his own garage sale, it becomes apparent that what one person sees as junk might be another person’s treasure.

Here are activities to do after watching this episode:

Junk Sculpture

Materials you will need:

  • cardboard
  • scissors
  • glue
  • assorted junk
  • paint and brushes (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cut a cardboard base large enough to accommodate your sculpture.
  2. Gather together pieces of junk such as jar lids, packing peanuts, old keys, scrap wood, nuts, bolts, screws, springs, and any other interesting things you can find.
  3. Glue the junk pieces to the cardboard and to each other, creating an interesting three-dimensional sculpture.
  4. Apply paint to wooden or cardboard surfaces if you wish.

Options:

  • Build something realistic with your junk pieces.
  • Collect items from nature to add to your sculpture
 

Old Clothes Relay

Want to recycle some old clothes and get great exercise at the same time?

You will need:

  • old clothes
  • empty boxes

Have your family members and neighbor friends form teams for a relay race. Each team needs a box with a suit of clothing in it: one top (jacket, shirt, or sweater); one bottom (slacks or skirt); a hat of some kind; pair of shoes; and maybe a scarf or necktie; and gloves.
Mark off a race track with a starting line, a midpoint where the boxes of clothing are, and end point.

To race:
Teams line up. At the signal, the first member of each team runs to the box, puts on all the clothes, continues running to the end point, turns around, races back to the box, removes the clothes, and runs back to the starting line to tag the next team member in line.
Each team member then does the same until the last member reaches the starting line. The first team to finish is the winner.

The race becomes comical because of the kinds of clothing worn and the fit - too large or too small, whatever, the case may be! If shoes are too small for someone, they can just carry them.

Check out some of these books on your
next trip to the library:

  • The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • The Story Of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
  • Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
  • The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

READING RAINBOW has a resource library that includes teacher guide materials as well as reading programs for use in the public libraries. You can download these resources from GPN at:
www.gpnresources.com

If you would like more information about READING RAINBOW or if you would like to learn more about other educational products please visit the GPN web site.

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