“Ears Hear” and “A Mosquito in the Cabin ”

1. “Ears Hear” and “A Mosquito in the Cabin” • Does the first poem appeal mostly to your sense of sight, hearing, taste, or touch? How? • How does the second poem make you feel about mosquitoes? Do you think this is how the poet wanted you to feel? • How do you think the poet in the second poem feels about mosquitoes? Why?

2. Question of the Day Day 1: If you were a storyteller, what would you say to explain how the leopard got its spots? Day 2: Why do you think the people who told “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears” put these particular animals in it? What other animals could be used as characters in the story?

3. Question of the Day Day 3: Many folktales are told to teach lessons such as, “Don’t jump to conclusions” and “Be prepared.” What is another important lesson a folktale might teach? Day 4: Compare and contrast two folktale characters you have read about. Day 5: In real life, which animals eat which other animals on the African plains?

4. Vocabulary • satisfied- having one’s needs or desires fulfilled • duty- job or responsibility • council- meeting called to find answers • mischief- behavior that causes problems for others

5. I think there’s a pink cow under my desk! Vocabulary • nonsense- words or ideas that are foolish and have no real meaning • tidbit- small piece of something