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Smelly Socks

Smelly Socks

Written by Robert Munsch and Illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Published by Scholastic Canada Ltd.
ISBN 0-439-96707-4

About the book

This story was created for a girl named Tina, who lives on the Hay River Dene reserve in the Northwest Territories.

Tina loves her brand new socks so much, she's never, ever going to take them off! But when her wonderful socks start to get smelly, her friends have to take action.

Pre-reading

Discuss with the students gifts or things that they have really wanted and what happened when they finally did get the much sought after item.

Reading

The teacher reads the book to the students.

Reviewing the book

The teacher discusses with the students:

  • Which part of the book made you laugh? Why?
  • Was there any part of the book that was unbelievable? Why?
  • Would you describe Tina as lazy? Why or why not?
  • Would you recommend this book to a friend? Who? Why?

Book Follow-up

Writing:

  1. Tina lived on an island. Referencing the story, have the students make a list of the things that were different for Tina because she lived on an island.
  2. Tina had difficulty rowing the boat. Discuss with the students how to row a boat. Have the students write the directions for Tina on how to row a boat. Discuss with the students the personal and environmental advantages of rowing.
  3. Share the last page of the story once again with the students. Have them write what they think will happen when Tina gets out of the water.

Research

  1. The teacher brings an empty laundry basket into the classroom. Ask the students to guess how many pairs of socks it would take to fill the basket. Fill the basket with socks and check their guesses.
  2. Would a laundry basket make a full load for a washing machine? Have the children decide. Research the best way to do the laundry - cold wash/cold rinse, hot wash/hot rinse etc. Check out the web site www.switchtocold.com
  3. We use washing machines and dryers to get our clothes clean. What other appliances do we use in our homes? Research how much energy each of them uses. How much is used in one house? Do a comparison among the students in the class.
  4. Research the invention of the washing machine.
  5. Research low cost ways to save energy in your home.