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1-800-663-3609 www.rainbowhorizons.com
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LOSER
By: Jerry Spinelli
Written by Nat Reed
Rainbow Horizons Publishing Inc.
662D Progress Av
Kingston, ON K7M 4W9
Tel: 1-800-663-3609 | Fax: 1-800-663-3608
Email: service@rainbowhorizons.com
www.rainbowhorizons.com
&
www.classroomcompletepress.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-55319- 441-5
ISBN-10: 1-55319- 441-1
© 2008
Permission to Reproduce
Permission is granted to the individual teacher who purchases one copy of this book to reproduce the student activity
material for use in his or her classroom only. Reproduction of these materials for colleagues, an entire school or school
system or for commercial sale is strictly prohibited. No part of this publication may be transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without the
prior written permission of the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through
the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) for our publishing activities.
Printed in Canada. All rights reserved.
© Rainbow Horizons Publishing
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Loser
Unit Overview
............................................................ 3
Story Summary
............................................................ 4
About The Author ............................................................ 5
Answer Key
............................................................ 6
Chapters 1 - 4
........................................................…. 13
Chapters 5 – 7
…………………………………………… 17
Chapters 8 – 9
…………………………………………… 21
Chapters 10 – 11 …………………………………………… 25
Chapters 12 – 14 …………………………………………… 30
Chapters 15 – 17 …………………………………………… 34
Chapters 18 – 20 …………………………………………… 39
Chapters 21 – 23 …………………………………………… 42
Chapters 24 – 26 …………………………………………… 47
Chapters 27 – 30 …………………………………………… 51
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UNIT OVERVIEW
Loser
OVERVIEW
This novel study provides teachers with a highly structured format for teaching language
arts, as students develop a love for reading longer materials, like novels. Various areas
such as reading comprehension, vocabulary development, decision-making, spelling and
writing are all entwined in this integrated approach, eliminating the need for teaching
these skills separately. Activities are divided into three main sections:
1)
Chapter Questions
For each chapter students answer a thorough set of questions requiring answers in
complete sentences. Reading comprehension is a key as students must read and
understand the entire novel in order to answer the questions. (One major strength of the
novel study approach is that students must understand the novel or they will be unable to
do the required assignments.) The Discussion Questions allow the teacher to bring
students into a conversation about key events in the novel.
2.
Vocabulary and Language
Each chapter also includes activities dealing with such things as word meanings, use of
the dictionary and thesaurus, spelling, syllables, antonyms/synonyms/homonyms and
compound words.
3.
Writing and Creativity
In this section, students apply what they have learned about language in order to
express themselves more effectively. Creative writing is a focus of this segment,
allowing teachers more opportunity to incorporate their own ideas into developing
creative writing skills.
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STORY SUMMARY
Loser
Jerry Spinelli’s novel, LOSER, chronicles the childhood of Donald Zinkoff. Zinkoff
is one of the most unusual, endearing characters ever to grace the pages of a
novel for Young Readers. No matter what the game, Zinkoff never wins. He trips
over his own feet; constantly raises his hand without ever knowing the correct
answer; falls down laughing at the mention of any unusual word. The other kids
have their own word to describe Zinkoff, but he is too busy to hear it.
The novel traces Zinkoffs’ journey from first to sixth grade. It details his important
friendships; marks his relationships with different teachers, and describes how he
copes with various shortcomings that everyone but he and his parents deem
terribly important.
“Loser” is an excellent novel, which sensitively deals with the human spirit and
the importance of failure. It is especially recommended for students struggling
with acceptance among their peers, or who bear up under various negative
influences.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerry Spinelli
Jerry Spinelli was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He
attended Gettysburg College and John Hopkins University.
In 1991 he won the Newbery Award for his novel, Maniac
McGee and in 1998 Wringer was named a Newbery Honour
Book. He and his wife, Eileen have six children and several
grandchildren. Eileen Spinelli is Jerry’s favourite author.
Jerry Spinelli’s novels reflect the power of childhood
memories and powerfully affect his work: “Isn’t it a magical,
wonderful thing that our childhoods are not irretrievably lost
to us, like the juice squeezed forever from an orange, and that without moving so
much as an eyelash we can call back Buddy Braithwaite’s bare, rat-proof feet, or
Ginny Sukoloski’s dungaree nipping duck, or Joey Lapella’s green teeth?”
His other books include:
The Bathwater Gang
Crash
Fourth Grade Rats
Maniac McGee
Space Station Seventh Grade
Wringer
The Library Card
Who Put the Hair in My Toothbrush?
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ANSWER KEY
Loser
Chapters 1 - 4 Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Answers will vary. Zinkoff was very spontaneous, easy-going, etc.
He runs away.
Small uncontrollable children.
Answers will vary.
He is not worried about his self-image at this point.
Zinkoff - loves his hat. His mother thinks that wearing the hat to school is
probably inappropriate. Miss Meeks worries that the hat-wearer might be a
discipline problem.
Chapters 1 - 4 Vocabulary and Language
1. constraints
6. trolley
2. instinct
7. annoy
3. remarkable 4. quiver
8. sift
9. heedless
5. unpredictable
10. agreeable
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Answers will vary. The teacher’s speech seems a little “old” for grade one
students.
Zinkoff is an unusual name. Perhaps he uses it to emphasize Donald’s
“unusual” personality.
The teacher is concerned that his poor penmanship might indicate a problem
with his motor skills.
The red-haired boy tells Zinkoff that the giraffe hat is actually his. When Zinkoff
agrees to this instead of “pitching a fit”, the red-haired boy’s fun is spoiled. He
saves face by the remark “First-graders are so dumb”.
Zinkoff thinks that the stars sometimes fall from the sky, and his mother goes
around collecting them like acorns.
The sound of a funny word tickles Zinkoff more than anything else. Examples
will vary (Chickamoo, Boogaloo, Kinkachoo, Pookypoo, Jabip, etc.)
Positive - good-natured, happy, loves school
Negative - problem with self-control, “I wish he were neater”
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T H R U S T
D
F
I
Z I N K O F F
A C O R N
F
R
K
E
O
E
L
T
R
C
R E P R E S E N T S
E
V
Q
A D V E N T U
G R A D E
R
A
A
C
D
L
L
P
H
L
R E A L I Z E
O
I
R
C
A
P
B
E
K
D I
S A D
S
L
E
R
B
I
D R
R
F
O
R
K
A
G
S
I
C
B
I L L
N
E
E
A
P T
M E E K S
R
I
F E L L
E
L
E C T L Y
T
Chapters 5 - 7 Expressing One’s Mind
1. Tintinnabulation means “the ringing or sounding of bells”. 2. Answers will vary.
3. Learning to print. 4. Jabip is just the teacher’s way of saying someplace really far away.
1.
2.
b.
3.
4.
b.
5.
6.
His baby sister, Polly, and his neighbour, Andrew.
He thinks that Andrew will have to come out and see the snicker-doodle he bakes.
The boys drop the cookie and it is ruined.
Zinkoff was born with an upside-down valve in his stomach, which causes him to throw
up several times a week.
Soccer is free-for-all, where Zinkoff gets to run around.
Zinkoff doesn’t care which net he kicks the ball at. He also kicks a lot of the players.
Answers will vary. Perhaps he thought it was expected of him that he be like the other
players.
Zinkoff offers his trophy to Andrew, who was on the losing team.
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S
L
E
M
R
A
I
N
U
Q
C
R
A
A
N
D
O
M
S
I
S
D
N
E
T
N
M
M
I
R
A
C
U
L
O
N
K
O
F
F
S
U
H
A
P
H
A
Z
A
O
I
R
E
S
T
R
D
D
A
E
I
M
T
R
S
D
U
U
S
L
Y
E
A
Z
I
N
I
N
F
O
O
U
R
E
B
L
Q
I
L
E
O
O
E
I
I
L
O
T
U
F
U
D
T
Q
I
T
R
E
A
M
I
M
P
R
E
S
S
E
D
C
E
C
E
E
A
L
K
P
Y
C
S
I
N
S
Word Match
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Misinformed
Acquires
Intends
Intrepid
Etiquette
Random
Haphazard
Precision
Proclaims
Slapdash
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Misled
Gets
Means
Brave
Manners
Unselected
Chance
Exactness
States
Hasty
Chapters 10 – 11 Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Zinkoff asks the teacher how many days of school are left.
Zinkoff cannot control his laughter and is always laughing at inappropriate times.
Mrs. Biswell does not seem to like children. Answers will vary.
Answers will vary. Perhaps to keep his spirits up.
Zinkoff throws up on the eraser and ruins it.
His father took him on his mail route on Sunday when there was no official mail delivery.
Act professional. No peeking in mail slots. Be friendly.
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Chapter 10 – 11 Vocabulary and Language
1. rude
2. dreadful
3. pranks
4. good
5. anticipations
Compound Words
1. playground
6. baseball
2. mailbox
7. greenboard
3. everyone 4. himself
5. childhood
8. doorway
9. classroom
10. lunchtime
Chapters 12 – 14 Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
b.
c.
d.
He suggests they relax and have a chat.
A mailman has to worry about bad weather, biting dogs, wild cats, banana peels to slip
on and turtles to trip over, and if there’s escaped rhinos from the zoo.
He was waiting for his brother to return from the war in Vietnam.
The start of third grade was bad because Andrew moved away and Zinkoff has
surgery.
Zinkoff hates waiting more than anything else.
Zinkoff claims that he doesn’t sleep.
He gains an appreciation of the importance of time.
Zinkoff decides to spend time alone with the furnace monster.
He will stay there until he counts to one hundred.
Answers will vary. He is bored. To master his fears.
He was unable to meet his own criteria. He flunked his own test.
1. solitary
6. convalescing
2. distinct
7. immense
3. coarse
8. contrary
4. urgent 5. descending
9. critical 10. reassures
Alphabetical Order
pack packed padlocks pajamas pale particular pay pickle piece pith
Chapters 15 - 17 Questions - Cloze
In fourth grade Zinkoff is discovered. His teacher’s name is Mr. Yalowitz, the class’s first man
teacher. Zinkoff’s teacher told him that Donald was the first Z he’d ever had in his class. He
asked Zinkoff if he’d like to experience life in the first row.
Zinkoff’s teacher liked to make pronouncements like, “and the Z shall be first”. He also noticed
Zinkoff’s atrocious handwriting and says, “Thank God for keyboards”.
Zinkoff’s teacher’s attention, as well as something else hastens his discovery - new eyes. Bigkid eyes replace little-kid eyes. Little-kid eyes are scoopers, whereas big-kid eyes are picky.
The class begins to notice the stars on Zinkoff’s shirt and his atrocious hair, and the way he
volunteers for everything. They even notice the dime-sized birthmark on his neck.
When the music teacher passes out sign-up sheets for lessons, Zinkoff signs up for all eight
instruments. As a member of the orchestra, the teacher lets Donald play the least damaging
instrument, the flute.
Zinkoff, however, is most profoundly discovered during Field Day.
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1.
2.
3.
Chapter 16 introduces Zinkoff and the reader to the concept of Zinkoff being a “loser”.
Perhaps to increase Zinkoff’s self-esteem.
Zinkoff - disappointed he let his team down; Hoben - devastated his team lost; dad aims to cheer his son up.
He realizes his dad will love him no matter what.
Grade 5 was the last grade in the school, so the grade five students had the most
status.
Zinkoff picks up the nickname “loser”.
No.
Changes: grown out of many childhood beliefs; no longer wears paper stars on his
shirt; changes his laugh; no longer yells “Yahoo”; admits to sleeping. Same: still
clumsy; handwriting is still atrocious; still wants to be a mailman; says prayers at night.
4.
5.
6.
b.
7.
Answers will vary.
1. announcements 2. horrible
6. savage
7. cast out
Anagrams
TON TOW
TABS
3. exactly
8. awesome
RATES
WON
CARE
4. unbelievable
9. old
RUNT
HITS
SHALE
5. idea
10. amply
DEN
1–T
2–T
3–T
4–F
5–F
6–F
7–T
8–T
9–F
10 - T
1. exclusion
6. importance
2. discuss
7. meant
3. finally
8. naturally
4. coming out of
5. feeling
9. plain 10. got hold of
Syllables
arithmetic - 4
geography - 4
replacement - 3
information - 4
bicycle - 3
otherwise - 3
crumb - 1
answering - 3
somebody - 3
earwax - 2
exception - 3
bottle - 2
laugh - 1
after - 2
contribute - 3
1.
b.
c.
2.
3.
Zinkoff’s’ favourite sandwich is pepper and egg.
She offered him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
The old lady does not have any jelly or jam.
The old lady’s skin colour is pale like a white mouse, as well she has a pink scalp and
pink eyelids.
Answers will vary. Perhaps it reminds Zinkoff of the past - better, more innocent days.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
10b.
11.
12.
13.
13b.
Zinkoff was having an especially bad day.
He feels much better.
Mr. Yalowitz is the grade four teacher and does not have to attend the graduation.
He worries that no one will cheer him when he gets his diploma.
Polly cheers and Mr. Yalowitz gives him two thumbs-up.
Pick-up basketball.
He meets Andrew, his neighbour from the old days.
He has grown much taller and is a snob.
Marching and playing an instrument at the same time are impossible for Zinkoff.
He is ignored.
Answers will vary. He has no identity.
Answers will vary. Perhaps being a loser is better than having no identity at all.
Answers will vary.
1.
The students thought that school might be cancelled the next day because of a “snow
day”.
The little girl, Claudia, wandered away from home and they couldn’t find her.
He thinks the plow may run Claudia over.
Answers will vary. Perhaps it is wishful thinking on his part.
Zinkoff has fallen a few times, plus it had been snowing quite hard.
He thinks she’ll say “I runned away”.
He said he was going to let her run away and not try to stop her.
He cannot feel anything with his hands.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Reasons will vary.
1. flounce
6. statues
2. cereals
7. justly
3. lively 4. angered
8. tole
9. lap
5. plank
10. lifting
Antonym, Synonym or Homonym
1-H
2-S
3-A
4-A
5-S
6-A
7-S
8-H
9-A
10-H
1. stars
6. teeth
11. thirteen
begins
2. Heaven
7. cake
12. power - pillow
3. Vietnam
8. Ludlow
13. balmy
4. snow
9. one
5. walking
10. garage
14. girl 15. Bonce -
1. dislodged
5. balmy
2. slogged
6. canopy
3. gaped
7. spiral
11
4. stashed
8. trance
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Loser
Student Worksheets
Jerry Spinelli
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CHAPTER 1- 4
Questions
1.
What do we learn of Zinkoff in the first chapter?
__
2.
Describe how Zinkoff reacts to his new freedom in Chapter 2.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3.
What does the author mean by the term “sidewalk pups” at the beginning of
Chapter 3?
_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
4.
In Chapter 3 the author lists a number of contests that the sidewalk pups
engage in. Can you think of two more contests that might have appealed to
them?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
5.
Zinkoff hasn’t yet noticed that he never wins any of the contests. What does
this tell you about his personality?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
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6.
Describe the reactions of the following people to Zinkoff wearing the giraffe hat
to school.
Zinkoff
His mother
Miss Meeks
Questions for Discussion
Which of the following words best describe Zinkoff’s’ character: excitable, shy, moody,
outgoing, loud. Defend your answer. Think of two other words that would accurately
describe his personality.
Have you ever known a kid like Zinkoff? How were they similar and how were they
different? Did this person change when he/she got older?
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CHAPTER 1- 4
Choose a word from the list that means the same or nearly the same as the underlined
word.
heedless
agreeable
trolley
instinct
annoy
sift
unpredictable
remarkable
quiver
constraints
1.
There were limits placed on the children in the playground.
2.
She had an inborn ability of knowing the right thing to say in all situations.
3.
Gretzky was an extraordinary hockey player.
4.
Zinkoffs’ lower lip began to tremble.
5.
The movies ending could not be determined in advance.
6.
The streetcar runs right by my friend’s home.
7.
That loud noise is beginning to anger me.
8.
The cook used a sieve to separate out the bugs from the flour.
9.
The puppy was unmindful of his mother’s warning bark.
10.
The climate in California was most suitable to the early pioneers.
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CHAPTER 1- 4
Clever Ways of Saying Things
Jerry Spinelli is a very good writer who sometimes says things in unusual ways. Often
the reader has to stop and think about what Spinelli has written.
Choose three of the following phrases and put them in your own words:
this brick and hoagie town (p. 3)
tries to outstare the sun (p.3)
the never-blinking sun (p. 4)
the let-loose sidewalk pups (p. 5)
as surely as noses drip downward (p. 5)
the usually hatted students (p.9)
______________________________________________________________________
“When You Were That Age”
In the first three chapters, Zinkoff has not yet started school. Think back to when you
were too young to attend school. Describe one interesting incident that happened to you
when you were that age. You might describe an adventure you had or an interesting
person you met.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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CHAPTER 5 - 7
Questions
1. What is your impression of the teacher’s speech on Zinkoffs’ first day of school? Defend your
answer.
2. Why do you think the author calls the main character by his last name throughout the novel?
3. Why was Zinkoff,s teacher concerned about his penmanship?
4. Describe how the tall, red-haired boy’s teasing backfired on him. How does he save face?
5. Where does Zinkoff think his mother gets the stars she gives him?
6. What “tickles” Zinkoff more than anything else? Give an example of this from Chapter 7.
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7. Zinkoff’s report card at the end of Grade One is a “mixed review”. Complete the following
chart listing two positive comments and two negative comments.
Positive Comments
Negative Comments
1.
1.
2.
2.
1.
Miss Meeks’ idea of making Zinkoff wear the “I know I can behave” button is
one strategy she employs to make him control his behaviour in class. Think of
other effective strategies she might have used.
2.
What was your impression of the conclusion in Chapter 5?
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CHAPTER 5 - 7
Using words from Chapters 5 - 7, complete the following crossword puzzle.
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
6
9
10
11
13
12
14
15
16
17
19
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
Across
Down
1. To push forcefully.
5. Donald
.
7. Fruit of the oak tree.
10. Is a symbol of.
12. A form of practice.
13. An exciting undertaking.
14. Donald was in
one.
16. Short for Play Time.
17. Miss
.
21. To be aware of.
23. Donald tripped and
.
24. Without delay or hesitation.
25. Donald was never
.
1. Touch lightly.
2. To be in charge of (as in films).
3. Prohibit or veto.
4. Clear handwriting.
6. Captivate with awe.
8. Remold (as in a tire).
9. Time without end.
11. A team.
14. Stated.
15. Something a horse will do.
16. Not even one mistake.
18. Goofy.
19. Chooses
20. Above the neck is one’s
.
22. You eat with a knife, spoon and
19
.
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CHAPTER 5 - 7
Expressing One’s Mind
Zinkoff learns a lot about the uniqueness and power of words in these chapters. Several of the
words he meets are “made-up words or phrases”.
1.
“Tintinnabulation” Is it a real word? If so what does it mean?
2.
“He knocked over his desk with a nerve-slapping racket” (p.17) Nerves can’t really be
“slapped”, can they? Yet why is this still a catchy expression?
3.
What did Zinkoff’s teacher mean by the expression, “hitched a ride on a pencil point”
(p. 18)?
4.
When does Mrs. Meeks use the word “Jabip”?
“Picture Perfect”
The author does not spend a great deal of time describing Donald Zinkoff’s appearance. In fact
we don’t really know the colour of his hair, eyes, or even his skin - whether he’s tall, short, fat or
thin. Draw a picture (on the back of this page) as to how you perceive Zinkoff to look like.
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CHAPTER 8 - 9
Questions
1.
What two new friends did Zinkoff make during the summer after Grade One?
2.
Describe Zinkoff’s snicker-doodle strategy that he used to win Andrew’s friendship.
2b.
What caused the strategy to fail?
3.
What particular physical problem did Zinkoff have?
4a.
Why did the game of soccer appeal to Zinkoff?
4b.
Why did Zinkoff have a problem excelling at this particular sport?
5.
Why do you think Zinkoff felt it was important to be a “poor loser” in Chapter 9?
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6.
What generous offer did Zinkoff make after his soccer team won the championship?
1.
How would you describe Zinkoff’s self-image at this point in his life?
2.
What are the major influences on his life?
3.
How does Zinkoff try to mimic the other children and do things to please them? How
might this be a problem to Zinkoff as he gets older?
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CHAPTER 8 - 9
Word Search Puzzle
Find the 16 words from the Word Box in the Word Search Puzzle. The words are in a
straight line, but can be forwards, backwards, or even diagonally.
acquires
misinformed
mailman
Zinkoff
snicker doodles
announces
absolutely
miraculously
serious
etiquette
intends
random
pacifier
quilted
impressed
haphazard
Z
X
V
B
Z
S
E
R
I
U
Q
C
A
B
I
M
D
M
A
I
L
M
A
N
C
V
T
M
H
M
I
F
H
U
N
R
A
N
D
O
M
I
Z
H
P
R
G
A
Y
K
R
A
F
G
H
S
S
A
B
R
A
H
P
T
O
T
F
N
E
I
G
D
Q
V
E
C
J
H
R
F
Y
G
G
N
S
F
N
W
R
S
U
K
A
E
F
U
H
F
E
O
K
E
E
R
S
L
S
Z
W
S
I
O
E
R
T
U
T
R
T
E
O
U
A
Q
D
R
E
R
T
Y
C
N
T
U
D
U
O
R
A
M
D
F
G
H
J
V
I
C
I
O
S
I
D
E
T
L
I
U
Q
N
B
C
Y
E
P
L
R
D
S
R
E
I
F
I
C
A
P
U
I
S
Y
E
A
B
S
O
L
U
T
E
L
Y
C
V
B
A
S
E
L
D
O
O
D
R
E
K
C
I
N
S
E
T
I
Q
U
E
T
T
E
Z
X
C
V
B
N
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CHAPTERS 8 - 9
Word Match
Match the words on the left with the correct meaning on the right:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Misinformed
Acquires
Intends
Intrepid
Etiquette
Random
Haphazard
Precision
Proclaims
Slapdash
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Manners
Exactness
Unselected
Means
Misled
Hasty
States
Chance
Brave
Gets
Snicker-doodle
Zinkoff’s’ favourite cookie is the snicker-doodle. Research a recipe of your favourite
cookie. Include the recipe and give your cookie an unusual, personalized name.
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CHAPTERS 10 – 11
Questions
1.
Describe how Zinkoff gets off on the wrong foot with Mrs. Biswell.
2.
Why is laughter such a problem for Zinkoff?
3.
Why is it strange that Mrs. Biswell is a teacher? Why do you think she chose
this profession?
4.
Why do you think Zinkoff’s father congratulates him when he tells him his
handwriting is atrocious?
5.
Describe the events leading up to Mrs. Biswells’ eraser being ruined.
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6.
How did Zinkoff’s father manage to take him to work on his mail route, even
though it was against regulations?
7.
What are the two pieces of advice Zinkoff’s father gives him about being a
good mail carrier?
1.
What do you think of the author’s title for Chapter 10 - “Atrocious?” What does
this title bring to mind?
2.
“It is unthinkable to Mrs. Biswell that such a mediocre-to-poor student could
actually like school.” What does this tell you about this teacher’s attitude
toward her students?
3.
Why do you think Zinkoff laughs so often?
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CHAPTER 10 - 11
Synonyms are words with similar meanings. Use the context of the sentences below to
help you choose the best synonym for the underlined word in each sentence. If you
cannot determine the meaning from the context, consult a dictionary.
1.
Mrs. Biswell found Zinkoff’s behaviour to be insulting and disrespectful.
a) silly b) rude
c) humourous
d) noisy
2.
Zinkoff’s handwriting was atrocious.
a) stylish
b) neat
c) old-fashioned
d) dreadful
3.
The teacher grew tired of the boy’s antics in the cafeteria.
a) pranks
b) speeches
c) charades
d) stale lunches
4.
Donald expects to drive a respectable distance.
a) short
b) far
c) good
5.
d) bumpy
Mr. Zinkoff is determined to make the day live up to his son’s expectations.
a) goals
b) anticipations c) hobbies
d) riddles
Compound Words
A compound word is composed of two or more words united together. For example, hair
+ cut = haircut
In the following activity, one word from Column A must be joined to a word in Column B.
Column A
Column B
Compound Word
play
mail
every
him
child
base
green
door
class
lunch
ball
time
ground
room
one
way
self
box
board
hood
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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CHAPTER 10 - 11
The Simile
The author enjoys using similes in this novel. A simile is a figure of speech showing a
comparison or likeness of one idea to another by using the words “like” or “as”. (i.e. He
was as fast as a rocket.) Listed below are several similes the author uses in this novel.
Explain what the writer is expressing and what two ideas are being compared.
His letters swarm willy-nilly across the page like ants on a sidewalk.
His arms whirl like his mothers Mixmaster.
He discovers her skin is almost transparent, like thin ice over a December puddle.
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Attribute Web
By now you probably know a great deal about Donald Zinkoff, the main character of this
novel.
An attribute web is designed to help the reader gather clues as to what a character is
like. Fill in the blanks below with words and phrases, which describe how a character
acts, feels, looks and what he says.
Feels
Acts
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
Donald
Zinkoff
Looks
Says
1.
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
4.
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CHAPTER 12 - 14
Questions
1.
What things does Zinkoff’s father suggest they do on their lunch break?
2.
Besides bad weather, list two other things Mr. Zinkoff suggested a mailman
had to worry about?
3.
What was The Waiting Man waiting for?
4.
Why was the start of Third Grade the worst period of Zinkoff’s life?
5.
What does Zinkoff hate more than anything else?
6.
Why did Uncle Stanley call Zinkoff “The Sleepless Wonder?”
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7.
What does the convalescing period give Zinkoff an appreciation of?
8.
What “test” does Zinkoff devise for himself in Chapter 14?
b)
How long will he stay there?
c)
Why do you think Zinkoff put himself through this test?
d)
What was the “final result” of the test?
1.
“Boredom has not happened often”. Why do you think this is true of Zinkoff?
2.
“To Zinkoff there is not one darkness, but many.” (P. 84) Do you agree?
Discuss why or why not. Can this also be true of “lightness”?
3.
Why does Zinkoff cry all the way home after making his deliveries? Have you
ever experienced a let down similar to Zinkoff’s in this Chapter?
______
________________
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CHAPTER 12 - 14
Choose a word from the list to complete each definition.
convalescing
solitary
descending
reassures
contrary
urgent
critical
immense
distinct
coarse
1.
A person who is alone is
2.
A voice which is very plain and clear is
3.
A surface that is rough to the touch is
4.
Something that is important is
5.
Someone going down is said to be
6.
A person recovering from an illness is said to be
7.
Something that is very large is said to be
8.
A person who is disagreeable is said to be
9.
A teacher who is constantly finding fault is
.
10.
A person who gives confidence to someone
that person.
.
.
.
.
.
32
.
.
.
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CHAPTER 12 - 14
Alphabetical Order
Put the following ten words from Chapters 12 - 14 in alphabetical order:
pale
pickle
pith
pajamas
pack
piece
pay
padlocks
packed
particular
TRIANGLE POEM
Write a TRIANGLE POEM about being a mail carrier.
A triangle poem has five
lines and gets its name
from the shape of the poem.
This is the pattern: Line 1 - title
Line 2 - two Asmell@ words
Line 3 - three Atouch@ words
Line 4 - four Asight@ words
Line 5 - five Asound@ words.
(Lines 2-5 all refer to the title.)
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CHAPTER 15 - 17
Questions
Cloze Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words from Chapter 15.
. His teacher’s name is Mr.
In fourth grade Zinkoff is
classes first man teacher. Zinkoff’s teacher told him that Donald was the first
, the
he’d
ever had in his class. He asked Zinkoff if he’d like to experience life in the
Zinkoff’s teacher liked to make pronouncements like, “and the Z shall be
also noticed Zinkoff’s atrocious
and says, “Thank God for
row.
“. He
“.
Zinkoff’s teacher’s attention, as well as something else hastens his discovery - new
. Big-kid
replace little-kid
. Little-kid eyes are
, whereas
.
big-kid eyes are
The class begins to notice the
the way he volunteers for
on Zinkoff’s shirt and his
hair, and
. They even notice the dime-sized ________
on his neck.
When the music teacher passes out sign-up sheets for lessons, Zinkoff signs up for all
eight
. As a member of the orchestra, the teacher lets Donald play the
least damaging instrument, the
.
Zinkoff, however, is most profoundly discovered during
34
Day.
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Questions (Chapter 16-17)
1.
Chapter 16 is in some ways the most important Chapter in this novel. Why do
you think this is true?
2.
Why do you think Zinkoff’s teacher made Donald run anchor in the big race?
3.
How did the following people react to Zinkoff losing the race?
Zinkoff
Hoben
Zinkoffs’ dad
4.
What does Zinkoff realize about how his dad feels toward him at the end of
Chapter 16?
5.
What was so special about Grade Five at Satterfield Elementary?
6a.
How was Zinkoff renamed at the start of fifth grade?
6b.
Did the students call him this name to his face?
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7.
As Zinkoff grows up some things about him change and some things stay the
same. Complete the following chart from the information in Chapter 17.
Things about Zinkoff that change
Things about Zinkoff that stay the
same.
1.______________________________
1.______________________________
2.______________________________
2.______________________________
3.______________________________
3.______________________________
1.
What do you think of the other kids calling Zinkoff a “loser”?
2.
Do you know any students personally who have cruel nicknames like this?
3.
Why do you think “The Waiting Man” fascinates Zinkoff so much?
4.
Why do you think Zinkoff enjoys riding his bike so much?
5.
What does the term “unconditional love” mean? Is this a valuable thing for a
parent to have?
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CHAPTER 15 - 17
A synonym is a word or word phrase that means the same as another. For example:
calm = peaceful
cry = weep
brave = courageous
Below are partial sentences taken from Chapters 15 - 17? Replace the underlined words
in each sentence with a synonym. Use a dictionary or a thesaurus to find your words.
Place the new word on the blank after the word phrase.
1.
He is forever making pronouncements . . .
2.
Mr. Yalowitz notes his atrocious handwriting . . .
3.
Every Friday at precisely two thirty . . .
4.
. . . even an incredible final leg by Hobin is
not enough . . .
5.
. . . six of the Purples have no intention of allowing
Zinkoff to compete.
6.
So fierce is the Waiting Man’s concentration . . .
7.
. . . and picks up something - a pebble, discarded
chewing gum . . .
8.
. . . he can experience . . . a particularly fascinating
feeling
9.
Sometimes the other end is tied around an ancient
bootscrape . . .
10.
It has invaded the school building and multiplied
abundantly.
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CHAPTER 15 - 17
An anagram is a word that is formed by changing the order of the letters of another word.
For example, the letters in the word NAIL can also form the word LAIN.
Follow the directions below to form the anagrams:
a) Read the clue in the right-hand column.
b) Using the word in the left-hand column - move the letters around in any order but you
must use all the letters.
Word
Anagram
Clue
NOT
A large weight
TWO
To pull a car
STAB
The bills in a restaurant
STARE
Estimates the value of something
NOW
Opposite of lose
RACE
An anxious feeling
TURN
Small one of the litter
THIS
Strikes
LEASH
A type of rock
END
A home for bears
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CHAPTER 18 - 20
Questions
Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE.
1.
Zinkoff’s “test” had little egg spaces to fill in for answers.
T or F
2.
Zinkoff figures that “you can’t pry best friends apart”.
T or F
3.
Zinkoff decides to make Hector Binns his best friend.
T or F
4.
Hector Binns likes to clean his ears with a lead pencil.
T or F
5.
Polly thinks the fact that Hector is making a candle from
ear wax is cool.
T or F
6.
Binns never says “yes”, he always says “I suppose so”.
T or F
7.
Zinkoff gets his first classroom ovation for getting an “A”
on a test.
T or F
Gary Hoben rises to prominence every year around Field
Day time.
T or F
The captain of the Purple Team finally agreed to let Zinkoff
join his team for the Field Day.
T or F
Zinkoff avoids the Field Day by skipping school.
T or F
8.
9.
10.
1.
What do you think are important criteria in determining a “best friend”?
2.
Why do you think it was so important for Zinkoff to have a best friend at this
point in his life?
3.
Zinkoff has “bitter sweet” remembrances when thinking of his friendship with
Binns. Explain the meaning of “bittersweet” in this context.
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CHAPTER 18 - 20
Circle the correct word that matches the meaning of the underlined word.
1.
Binns is the most interesting person Zinkoff knows, with the possible exception
of The Waiting Man.
a) wonderful
2.
b) pick up
c) carry
d) party
b) first
c) patiently
d) finally
A yellow cat, emerging from an air duct, studies him for a moment.
a) crawling
5.
d) beautiful
Ultimately Zinkoff walked all the way to Willow Street.
a) angrily
4.
c) terrible
The union will negotiate a new contract with the company.
a) discuss
3.
b) exclusion
b) racing
c) coming out of
d) breathing
He had the impression he could teach her to speak.
a) feeling
b) dream
c) habit
d) talent
6.
Meanwhile in school, Gary Hobin is rising in prominence around Field Day time.
a) humility
b) height
c) talent
d) importance
7.
Zinkoff intended to do his best in the races.
a) loved
8.
d) hated
b) angrily
c) impatiently
d) more than once
The obvious question crawls to the front of Zinkoff’s’ tongue.
a) horrible
10.
c) meant
Zinkoff says it casually to show it’s an everyday thing.
a) naturally
9.
b) fought
b) difficult
c) plain
d) sad
Zinkoff seemed to have acquired the power to make people happy.
a) lost
b) got hold of
c) won
40
d) gave away
A-121
CHAPTER 18 - 20
Syllables
Write the number of syllables found in each of these words from Chapters 18 - 20.
arithmetic
_______
otherwise
_______
exception
________
geography
_______
crumb
_______
bottle
________
replacement
_______
answering
_______
laugh
________
information
_______
somebody
_______
after
________
bicycle
_______
earwax
_______
contribute
________
Biography
Write a short biography of a personal “best friend” (past or present). Describe this
friend’s appearance as well as personality. Accompany your biography with an accurate
sketch of your subject.
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CHAPTER 21 - 23
Questions
1.
What is Zinkoff’s favourite sandwich?
b.
What kind did the old lady offer him?
c)
What is unusual about this sandwich?
2.
How is the old lady similar in appearance to a white mouse?
3,
Why do you think Zinkoff wants the old lady to continue calling him “Oh mailman”?
4.
Why does Zinkoff think he may need two stars on the day he visits the old lady?
5.
What was the result of Zinkoff telling the old lady the stories from his life?
6.
Why is Zinkoff surprised to see Mr. Yalowitz at the graduation?
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7.
What does Zinkoff worry about while he is waiting to get his diploma?
8.
How do Polly and Mr. Yalowitz support Zinkoff when he gets his diploma?
9.
What game does Zinkoff become obsessed with during the summer holiday?
10a.
Who does Zinkoff meet at his new school that he had not seen for years?
10b.
How has this person changed since their last meeting?
11.
What problem does the marching band present for Zinkoff?
12.
What is discouraging for Zinkoff about the pick-up basketball games?
13a.
Why do you think Zinkoff is so depressed at the end of Chapter 23?
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13b.
Why is this worse than being “a loser”?
1.
What is ironic about Zinkoff wondering, “how much there is that such a person
does not know”, when he visits the old lady?
2.
Why do you think the old lady never noticed “The Waiting Man”?
3.
Why do you think Gary Hobin continues to wear his Field Day medal for the
remainder of the school year? (i.e. why is he so proud of this achievement?)
4.
Zinkoff lists a number of silly past times that occupy him during the summer
months. List a few similar things that have occupied your time during summer
vacation.
5.
What do you think the following statement means: “But to the great dragonfly’s
eye of Monroe Middle School, he (Zinkoff) is unseen”.
6.
Explain the following quotation: “Like everyone else, he is the star of his own
life”. Do you think this is true?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
44
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CHAPTER 21 - 23
Write a sentence using the following words. Make sure that the meaning of each word is
clear in your sentence.
deliberate
grimace
transparent
divert
astonish
citation
galore
boisterous
tofu
45
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CHAPTER 21 - 23
Write a HAIKU POEM about one of the following topics:
• old people • summer holidays • graduation • marching bands • pick-up games
A Haiku Poem does not rhyme.
Line 1 has 5 syllables
i.e.
The sport of brave kings
Long ago when knights jousted
Swords shone in the sun.
46
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CHAPTER 24 - 26
Questions
1.
Why were the students so happy to see the snow?
2.
What crisis visited the people of Willow Street?
3.
Why does Zinkoff almost panic and try to stop the snow plow?
4.
Why does Zinkoff “know” that Claudia is in the alley?
5.
“His pockets feel the same as his hands, cold and wet.” How did that happen?
How did Zinkoff get soaking wet?
6.
What does Zinkoff think Claudia will say when he finds her?
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7.
How did Zinkoff’s’ father say that he was going to call Polly’s bluff?
8.
What disturbing thing did Zinkoff notice about his hands at the end of Chapter
26?
1.
Why do you think the petrified clump of bubble gum becomes so important to
Zinkoff in these chapters?
2.
Why do you think Zinkoff is determined to find Claudia?
3.
Discuss Zinkoff’s parents’ strategy in allowing Polly to run away from home.
Was this wise?
48
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CHAPTER 24 – 26
In each of the following sets of words, underline the one word, which does not belong. Then
write a sentence explaining why it does not fit.
1.
fringe
edge
flounce
border
2.
fragments
pieces
portions
cereals
3.
cluster
lively
bunches
groups
4.
angered
petrified
stone-like
stiffened
5.
necessary
needy
plank
required
6.
silhouettes
shadows
profiles
statues
7.
utterly
justly
entirely
completely
8.
tole
insist
demand
assert
9.
clutch
grasp
lap
seize
10.
spouting
gushing
spurting
lifting
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CHAPTER 24 - 26
Antonym, Synonym or Homonym
Beside each pair of words write A (antonym) or S (synonym) or H (homonym).
1.
3.
5.
7.
9.
blue - blew
remembers – forgets
nearest – closest
declares - states
begins – concludes
_
2. whispers – yells _____
4. long - short
6. warm - cool
8. be - bee
10. high - hi
Comic Strip
Design a comic strip with at least six frames illustrating the events of these chapters. Colour
your illustrations and include the appropriate dialogue.
50
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CHAPTER 27 - 30
Questions
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from Chapters 27 - 30.
1.
Zinkoff once believed that a number of
fell to the earth so mothers
could gather them for their children’s shirts.
2.
help me”, at least fifty times when he
He thinks his mother will say, “
gets home.
3.
Zinkoff wonders if the Waiting Man ever thought of going to
to
look for his brother.
4.
He also wonders if Claudia is making
angels.
5.
Zinkoff is so tired; he was asleep while he was
6.
He became so cold that his
7.
With every step, Zinkoff says, “Piece of
8.
When Polly was two years old she walked all the way to ______________
.
began to chatter.
“.
Avenue.
9.
Zinkoff wasn’t found until
10.
Little Claudia was found in somebody’s car in the
11.
Zinkoff slept for
12.
Zinkoff believes that a lucky stone loses its
o’clock in the morning.
hours.
if other people touch it,
.
so he stashes it under his
13.
.
After recovering from his ordeal, Zinkoff goes to school where the kids are
enjoying the
weather.
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A-121
14.
There he enjoys a game of catch with a
____ .
throws like a
15.
Finally, when the boys are picking teams,
game
. When Bonce says he
chooses Zinkoff, and the
.
1.
Jimmy wonders if the Waiting Man ever thought of going to Vietnam and
looking for his brother himself. Discuss the pros and cons of this idea.
2.
Toward the end of Zinkoff’s ordeal, he becomes incoherent. Have you (or a
friend) ever had an experience like this where you were at the very end of your
strength?
3.
Why do you think Zinkoff’s lucky stone is so important to him after the Claudia
incident?
4.
Why do you think it is so important that Zinkoff is chosen in the last scene of
the novel?
5.
What do you think the last sentence of the novel “And let the game begin”
means?
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CHAPTER 27 - 30
Vocabulary
Choose a word from the list that means the same as the underlined word.
spiral
stashed
canopy
gaped
dislodged
trance
1.
The quarterback’s tooth was jarred from his mouth.
2.
The children plodded up the road to the cottage.
3.
The old man gawked at the waitress in surprise.
4.
The pirate cached the treasure in the oak tree.
5.
The weather in Bermuda is often mild and pleasant.
6.
The bridal party was covered by a canvas covering.
7.
The whirlpool moved in a circle.
8.
The witch cast a spell on the prince.
53
slogged
balmy
A-121
CHAPTER 27 - 30
Clever Ways of Saying Things
Put the following expressions in your own words:
. . . cold ash of dying stars.
He’s in a cradle of eyes.
. . . but is caught in a web of arms.
. . . the chuckle of the superior athlete among the under blessed.
Final Analysis
What did you like best about the novel “Loser”? Be sure to include all the important
details that made you like it.
54
A-121
How would you rate this novel?
Excellent!
Great
OK – I Can Live With It
Not Too Good
Downright Lousy
Why did you choose the rating you did?
55
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