Classroom Activities:

Simon's Belongings

1. During his journey, Simon will eventually lose each of the items he has selected for the trip. Allow students about two minutes to study the items on the bed and to try memorizing them.
2. Close the book. As independent work, ask students to write down (or draw) all of the items that they can remember. Allow about one minute.
3. Have students pair-share their list with a partner and add any items the partner has that are missing from their own list.
4. Ask the pairs to share their list with another pair. They should be able to list additional items that were missing from their individual lists.
5. Finally, ask the students to share with the class. The teacher can make a list on the board as students suggest the items. As a group, the class should be able to identify all twelve of Simon’s items. Check the class’s list against the illustration in the book.