EnrichmEnt GuidE

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January 17 – February 3, 2012school datEs

52Transforming Lives Through Theater

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FIRST STEPS

FIRST STEPS

Performances at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

Dear Teachers and Parents,

We are so excited to welcome Pigeon to our First Steps Stage in our produc-tion of the award winning Don’T LeT The Pigeon Drive The BuS, adapted from Mo Willems’ award winning Pigeon book series. Pigeon has many wishes, including driving a bus, eating his own hot dog by himself, staying up late and having a hot dog party, and getting a puppy! The Bus Driver and Duckling join Pigeon on his silly escapades, as he discovers what it means to be respon-sible, take care of others, and the importance of sharing

enclosed in this enrichment guide is a range of materials and activities intended to help you discover connections within the play through the curricula. it is our hope that you will use the experience of attending the theater and seeing Don’T LeT The Pigeon Drive The BuS with your students as a teaching tool. As educators and parents, you know best the needs and abilities of your stu-dents. use this guide to best serve your children—pick and choose, or adapt, any of these suggestions for discussions or activities. We encourage you to take advantage or the enclosed student worksheets— please feel free to photocopy the sheets for your students, or the entire guide for the benefit of other teachers.

enjoy the show!

Julia Magnascoeducation Directorjulia@firststage.org

insidE thE GuidE

Setting the Stagepreparing for the play

Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . 6About the Playwright . . . . . . . . . 6 recommended reading . . . . . . 7Pre-Show Questions . . . . . . . . . . 7

For TeachersCurriculum connectionsbefore or after the play

Wheels on the Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SCienCeSleep Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Be a responsible Animal guardian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Dog Breeding graph Activity . . . . . 17good idea or Bad idea? . . . . . . . . 18good idea or Bad idea? (Answers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

SoCiAL/eMoTionAL WeLLneSS Big Time Wishes, Big Time responsibilities . . . . . . . . 9Pigeon has Feelings . . . . . . . . . 10-11We are a Class that Shares! We are a Class that Cares! . . . . . . 13

SoCiAL STuDieS“Things That go” game Show! . . . 12Be a responsible Animal guardian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Curtain Call Post-Show Discussion Questions . . . . . . . . . . 20information about the Wisconsin humane Society . . . . . . 20

First stage Policies

• The use of recording equipment and cameras are not permitted during the performance.• Food, drink, candy and gum are not permitted during the performance.• Electronic devices are not permitted in the theater space.• Should a student become ill, suffer an injury or have another problem, please escort him

or her out of the theater space.• In the unlikely event of a general emergency, the theater lights will go on and the stage manager will come on stage to inform the audience of the problem. remain in your seats, visually locate the nearest exit and wait for the stage manager to guide your group from

the theater.

Seating for people with disabilities: if you have special seating needs for any student(s) and did not indicate your need when you ordered your tickets, please call our School Sales Specialist at (414) 267-2962. our knowledge of your needs will enable us to serve you better upon your arrival to the theater.

a notE to tEachErs and ParEnts

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B efore our play opens Duckling welcomes the audience and introduces Pigeon, who misses the cue to enter. Pigeon who is barely visible says, “i’m not coming out.”

Duckling encourages Pigeon not to be afraid. But, Pigeon is not afraid of the audience, just concerned the audience will ruin the play! Duckling asks how this could happen. Pigeon is concerned about the possibility of cell phones ringing and that someone might take pictures. Duckling reassures Pigeon the audience has turned off all their cell phones and put away their cameras. Pigeon is still not sure about coming out. This is when Bus Driver joins Duckling on stage and volunteers to get the play started. Pigeon asks Bus Driver if he has left the bus to come on stage. Bus Driver says this is true. Pigeon quickly disappears and Bus Driver begins the play!

Don’T LeT The Pigeon Drive ThAT BuS

Bus Driver says hello to the audience and talks his job. he drives a bus and it’s the best job in the world! Bus Diver invites the audience to join him on a bus ride. happy with the positive response, he sings a song about what will happen as they ride the bus. After the song, Duckling and a mysterious passenger hop on the bus and the ride begins.

After the ride, Duckling exits the bus waving good-bye, but the mysterious stranger hides from Bus Driver. Bus Driver looks for him and does not find him. Bus Driver decides to take a break and asks the audience to keep an eye on the bus for him. he needs this because his friend Pigeon really wants to drive the bus, but hasn’t learned the rules of the road. Bus Driver warns everyone, if Pigeon drove the bus, something terrible might hap-pen. As the audience agrees to stay alert, Bus Driver is assured his bus is in good hands and goes for a frappuccino.

As soon as Bus Driver leaves, Pigeon reveals he is the mysteri-ous stranger that has been in hiding. he is happy Bus Driver has gone away and asks the audience if he should drive the bus. Duckling appears and beckons the audience to say, “no.” Pigeon promises he will be careful. Again, Duckling beckons the audience to say, “no.” Pigeon tells the audience about his uncle herb and shares his wallet filled with pictures of family members who drive buses. Again, he asks to drive the bus. Duckling beckons the audience to say, “no.” Pigeon begs to drive the bus. Duckling beckons the audience to say, “no.” Pigeon looks sad and then decides to go to into the audience to find a child who will say yes to his driving the bus. Pigeon offers the child funny bribes. Duckling beckons the child to say, “no.” next Pigeon looks for a teacher or parent to convince. it doesn’t work. So, Pigeon sings a song to the tune of “Can-Can” about his dream to drive the bus. near the end of Pigeon’s song, Duckling, Bus Driver and the audience join in by answering Pigeon’s pleas singing, “no… no… no.” Pigeon collapses and then comes up with the idea to participate in the game show, “Drive the Bus,” where even a pigeon can drive the bus!

Bus Driver becomes the game show host and Duckling and Pigeon are the contestants. The category on the game show is “Things that Go.” After answering several questions, Duckling and Pigeon argue about one thing that goes. Bus Driver announces Pigeon has correctly answered two ques-tions and is one question away from a chance to “Drive that Bus.” The last question is about the identity of an object in a picture. After a couple guesses, Pigeon identifies the picture the object as a book of the “rules of the road.” Bus Driver declares Pigeon the winner. Pigeon shouts with joy and begins a long thank you speech until he is cut-off by Bus Driver. Bus Driver tells Pigeon he has won the chance to “Drive that Bus.” he then asks Pigeon if he has learned the rules of the road. Pigeon reluctantly admits he hasn’t.

Bus Driver asks Pigeon if he has a driver’s license. Duckling, knowing the answer to this question prompts the audience to join her in saying, “no.” To this, Bus Driver must declare Duckling the winner by default. Pigeon questions Duckling as to why she gets to drive the bus. Duckling answers, “i know

sEttinG thE staGE: synoPsis

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sEttinG thE staGE: synoPsisthe rules of the road.” Bus Driver ends the game show, leaving with the victorious Duckling.

Pigeon expresses his disappointment as Bus Driver and Duckling come back drinking frappuccinos. They try to encour-age Pigeon to put on a happy face. Pigeon says he will never put on a happy face. Bus Driver tries to explain the importance of rules by singing a song. he is joined by Duckling. The two try to cheer-up Pigeon, who doesn’t give in. Pigeon then declare that while he may not have won the game show, he is still a winner because he is in charge of himself! This makes Pigeon happy. Bus Driver seeing Pigeon’s smile goes to get him a frappucci-nos. As Bus Driver leaves, Pigeon calls after him, “i do not want a frappuccinos.” Just then, Duckling drives on stage in a semi truck. Seeing this, Pigeon declares, “Who needs a bus when you can have a truck,” and runs after Duckling in the truck.

Bus Driver comes back singing a song about snacking and hot-dogs. As the music gets faster and faster, he juggles the hot dogs. Bus Driver then collapses on the floor. he picks up the hot dogs, accidently leaving one hot dog behind.

The Pigeon FinDS A hoT Dog

When Pigeon returns, he sees the hot dog that had been dropped by Bus Driver. Pigeon picks it up and just as he is about to take a bite, Duckling enters as stares at him. Duckling asks if Pigeon is holding a hot dog as Bus Driver enters, commenting on every question and statement Pigeon and Duckling make. Pigeon answers yes and it is his hot dog. Before Pigeon can take a bite, Duckling says she has never eaten a hot dog and asks what they taste like. Pigeon describes the joy of eating a hot dog. he thinks about giving the hot dog to Duckling but decides not to.

Duckling encourages Pigeon to eat the hot dog, and then as Pigeon begins to take a bite Duckling asks if it takes like chicken. Bus Driver explains the difference between a hot dog and a chicken. exasperated, Pigeon sings a song detailing everything you need to know about hot dogs. At the end of the song Duckling asks, “So, it doesn’t taste like chicken?”

Pigeon is fed-up and makes sure everyone knows the hot dog belongs to him. As he starts to eat it, Duckling stares at him and asks more questions. Bus Driver makes more commentary.

Pigeon answers Duckling’s questions by saying, “Blah, blah, and blah.” Bus Driver becomes concerned about how Pigeon expresses his emotions. As they talk, Pigeon shows a range of emotions and Bus Driver describes them. The last emotion is happiness. Pigeon is happy about his hot dog and does his happy dance.

Duckling tells Pigeon he has an idea the hot dog called shar-ing. Bus Driver explains that sharing is giving a part of some-thing to someone. Pigeon asks why someone would share. Bus Driver and Duckling sing a song about sharing. After the song, Pigeon is still not convinced he should share his hot dog. Duckling explains sharing makes a person feel good. Pigeon doesn’t think he would feel good giving something away and getting nothing in return. Duckling offers to do a dance. Pigeon doesn’t like the idea.

Finally, Pigeon comes up with the idea of a hot dog eating match. Duckling agrees and Bus Driver is the M.C. When Duckling says he can’t participate because he doesn’t have a hot dog, Pigeon give him half of his. Duckling thanks Pigeon for sharing. As Bus Driver begins the countdown as Pigeon realizes he has been tricked into sharing his hot dog. After finishing her half of the hot dog, Duckling comments that the hot dog needs mustard. Bus Driver declares Duckling the win-ner. Pigeon says, “They get me every time.”

The Pigeon WAnTS A PuPPY .

Pigeon walks around and notices a crate. he wonders what is in the crate. he sees a label, “one Puppy.” he says the only thing he ever wanted besides driving a bus or eating a hot dog by himself or a whole list of other things was a puppy. he sings a song about wanting a puppy.

Pigeon describes how he be a good puppy poppa. Pigeon says he will take care of the puppy and give it water once-a month. (The audience will disapprove.) he talks to a child in the audi-

(Continued)

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sEttinG thE staGE: synoPsisence about puppy care. Pigeon truly does not know how to take care of a puppy. Duckling comes back and prompts the audience to say “no” to Pigeon’s suggestions.

Bus Driver appears as a talk show host with the Bus Driver Show. The topic of the show is “Pigeons and the Audiences who stop them from their Dreams.” Bus Driver interviews Pigeon who talks about how the audience does not allow him to drive the bus, didn’t let him eat his hot dog all by himself and is now keeping him from owning a puppy.

Bus Driver suggests that Pigeon show the audience his “happy face.” Pigeon comes up with reasons not to cooperate. Bus Driver tells Pigeon that he doesn’t have to put on a happy face if he doesn’t want to. This makes Pigeon happy to do what he wants to, be in control. he does his dance and notices the Bus Driver is smiling. Pigeon stops and realizes he has been tricked again!

Duckling raises his hand and says he is a big fan of the Bus Driver Show and talks about how the Bus Driver’s books have changed his life. Bus Driver is pleased by this. Duckling asks Pigeon what he did to make the audience always disagree with him. Pigeon thinks the audience is being unfair to him for not wanting him to drive the bus or have a puppy.

Bus Driver asks Pigeon if he is ready for such a responsibil-ity. Pigeon doesn’t understand. Bus Driver explains that his Book Club Pick title is responsibility and can be purchased at Barnes and noble. Bus Driver sings the responsibility Song. After the song, Pigeon says he still doesn’t understand why he can’t have a puppy, especially since he takes good care of his goldfish, Morty. With this, Bus Driver brings his talk-show to a close announcing that the next show will be about his favorite things. he and Duckling leave as they share lyrics from the famous song, Favorite Things.

Pigeon speaks to the audience about his disappointment. Suddenly he hears a “woof” from the box. Then more “woofs.” he then opens the box and out pops a huge dog with big teeth. Pigeon is afraid and changes his mind about owning a puppy. Pigeon decides he would rather own a walrus.

Don’T LeT The Pigeon STAY uP LATe

Bus Driver enters and sings a song about bedtime. Duckling enters with blankets and pillows. Bus driver tells Duckling he has something for him. Duckling tries to guess what it is. he asks, “is it a hot dog? is it a puppy? is it a motorcycle?” Bus Driver says it is none of those. he tells Duckling he has a job for him.

Bus Driver also says now that it is bedtime for Duckling and Pigeon; he will be able to leave and put the bus in the garage. Duckling’s job is to look after Pigeon. Bus Driver warns, “Don’t let Pigeon…” Duckling guesses, “Don’t let Pigeon drive the bus? have a puppy? or…” Bus Driver says, “Don’t let Pigeon stay up late. he gets cranky when he stays up late.” Duckling agrees. Bus Driver leaves believing Pigeon is in good hands, uh wings. Just to be sure Bus Driver quizzes Duckling, then leaves.

Duckling is very happy to have a job, he dances. Pigeon asks Duckling what he is doing. When Duckling tells him, Pigeon asks why he is so happy. Duckling tells him because he is not supposed allow Pigeon to stay up late. of course, now Pigeon wants to stay up late; after all he is not even sleepy.

Pigeon wants to know who put Duckling in charge. Duckling responds, “Bus Driver.” Pigeon says he doesn’t care and that he wants to have a hot dog party. Duckling tells him it is bed-time. Pigeon tells her he now wants to watch Tv; the Wild Bird-dom. Pigeon watches the show with enthusiasm. Duckling turns it off. Pigeon begs for five more minutes. They disagree. Pigeon goes to several people in the audience with $5 to pay them to say “yes” about staying up late. When no one agrees, Pigeon asks for a drink of water. Duckling agrees to get him water, but Pigeon still won’t go to bed and begin a protest march.

Bus Driver returns and tells both Pigeon and Duckling to go to bed. Pigeon still refuses. Bus Driver gives in and tells Pigeon doesn’t have to go to bed if he doesn’t want to. A stunned Pigeon sings a song about “saying yes.” Bus Driver joins in. As the song ends, Duckling catches Pigeon yawning. Pigeon insists he did not yawn and is not sleepy. After Duckling and Pigeon disagree about this, Pigeon is so tired he falls asleep.

Bus Driver congratulates Duckling on a job well-done. Duckling is so happy he wants to do a joy dance. Bus Driver stops him before he awakens Pigeon, who is dreaming about hot dogs. Duckling then asks Bus Driver to consider allowing Pigeon to drive the bus, eat a hot dog or own a puppy. he says it’s a lot of work to look after Pigeon. They agree that Pigeon is a dear friend and sing a song about friendship and respect. During the song, Bus Driver and Duckling agree that the audience members are friends, too. After all the dancing and singing, the tired Duckling falls asleep.

Bus Driver speaks to the audience about the very busy day he, Pigeon and Duckling have had. he thanks the audience with a song for joining them on their adventure and helping them work out solutions to problems. he looks at sleeping Pigeon and Duckling, and then quietly bids them good night and sweet dreams. he tells the audience good-bye and that he hopes to see them in the park another day!

(Continued)

aBout thE author mo WillEms

mo Willems grew up in new orleans. he spent much of his youth telling stories and drawing. Willems especially loved reading “Peanuts” comics and then sketching Snoopy and Charlie Brown himself. “i even wrote a

letter to Charles Schulz,” Willems recalls, “saying that i wanted his job when he died.” During high school, Willems acted in plays and started doing stand up rou-tines at comedy clubs.

After high school, Willems traveled abroad and performed stand up comedy in London. he later moved to new York, where he studied film and then switched to animation. Willems spent the first part of his career writing and animating for children’s television. For nine years, he worked on Sesame Street, where he won six emmy Awards and developed characters such as Suzy Kabloozie. Willems later created Sheep in the Big City for the Cartoon network and The Off-Beats for nickelodeon.

For five years, Willems tried to write and illustrate children’s books. After a num-ber of rejections, Willems’ simple doodle of a pigeon attracted the eye of an editor. This pigeon would become the star of his first book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, which won a Caldecott honor in 2004. The following year, Knuffle Bunny won another Caldecott honor, which further solidified Willems’ new career as a children’s book author and illustrator.

Mo Willems writes and illustrates from his home in Brooklyn, new York, where he lives with his wife and daughter.

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Taken directly from: http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/willems/

http://mowillemsdoodles.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-photos.html

ernie nolan is a proud graduate of both the university of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (B.F.A., musical theatre) and The Theatre School at DePaul university (M.F.A., directing), is a director and playwright dedicated to new works and re-imagining classic stories for young audiences. As the Artistic Director of emerald City Theatre in Chicago, he has created The Playground, a process for the development of new works for ages 0-10. his work, featured both nationally and internationally, includes A FAirY TALe LiFe: The STorY oF Young hAnS ChriSTiAn AnDerSen; SnoW WhiTe AnD The Seven DWArFS as Performed by Professor TJ Barker’s Troupe of Theatricals; iF You TAKe A MouSe To SChooL; Don’T LeT The Pigeon Drive The BuS!; The ADvenTureS oF DoCTor DoLiTTLe; TreASure TrunK: ArounD The WorLD in 80 STorieS and the upcoming Five LiTTLe MonKeYS. nolan currently serves as the vice president of Theatre for Young Audiences uSA, the national service organization promoting the power of professional theatre for young audiences. he is also a visiting faculty member in the Theatre Studies Department at The Theatre School at DePaul university.

aBout thE PlayWriGht: ErniE nolan

Taken from: http://www.dramaticpublishing.com/AuthorBio.php?titlelink=10952

http://www.aate.com/content.asp?pl=179&contentid=179

1. it takes a lot of responsibility to drive a bus. What does it mean to be responsible? When was a time that you demonstrated responsibility? how did it make you feel?

2. Sometimes Pigeon has to do things he doesn’t want to do, like go to sleep. Why is it important to get a good night’s sleep? What happens to your body and your mood when you don’t get enough sleep?

3. Pigeon wants a pet puppy. Do you have a pet? What sorts of things do you have to do for your pet, to make sure they stay happy, healthy and safe?

4. Don’T LeT The Pigeon Drive The BuS is a play. The actors will be on stage, very close to you, and sometimes they may even ask you a question or interact in other ways with you! What are some appropriate behavior choices we should make when we are watching the play?

PrE-shoW QuEstions

rEcommEndEd rEadinG

Elephant and Piggie Books: Happy Pig Day! Should I Share My Ice Cream? I Broke My Trunk! We Are in a Book! Can I Play Too? I Am Going! Pigs Make Me Sneeze! Elephants Cannot Dance! Watch Me Throw the Ball! Are You Ready to Play Outside? I Love My New Toy! Today I Will Fly! I Will Surprise My Friend! My Friend Is Sad I Am Invited to a Party! There Is a Bird on Your Head!

The Pigeon Wants a PuppyDon’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!

other Books by Mo Willems

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary TaleKnuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity

City Dog, Country Frog

Big Frog Can’t Fit In

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct

Leonardo the Terrible MonsterTime to Pee!Time to Say “Please”!

You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When It Monsoons: The World on One Cartoon a Day

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thE WhEEls on thE BusTemplate taken from: DLTK’s Growing Together; 1998-2011 DLTK’s Sites - All Rights Reserved. http://www.dltk-kids.com/p.asp?b=m&p=http://

www.dltk-kids.com/school/pschool_bus_activity_sheet.asp

Who would you like to ride the bus with? Draw a picture of you and your friends and family on the school bus. Perhaps Pigeon will join you on the bus! i am riding on the bus! The thing i like best about riding on a bus is:

____________________________________________________________________________.

There are rules we must follow when we ride on a bus. Some rules to follow on the bus are:

1. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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BiG timE WishEs, BiG timE rEsPonsiBilitiEs

social/Emotional WEllnEss classroom activity

Pigeon has big dreams about getting to do all sorts of wonderful things! however, sometimes Pigeon doesn’t want to take on the responsibility that goes along with doing things. go through the list of Pigeon’s wishes with your students and discuss the responsibilities that go along with each of these wishes.

Pigeon WAnTS To Drive The BuS

• Is it safe for Pigeon to drive the bus?

• What must Pigeon learn first, to safely drive the bus?

Pigeon WAnTS To eAT A hoT Dog ALL BY hiMSeLF

• Is it fair for Pigeon to eat an entire hot dog all by himself, while Duckling stands by without any hot dog to eat?

• Why is it important to share with our friends?

Pigeon WAnTS A PuPPY

• Does caring for a pet take lots of time and responsibility?

• What sort of care does a pet require to make sure your pet is safe, happy, and healthy?

Pigeon WAnTS To STAY uP LATe

• Is it healthy for Pigeon to stay up all night and not get enough sleep?

• Why is it important that we get a good night’s sleep every night? What can happen to our body and our mood if we do not get enough sleep?

After discussing Pigeon’s wish list, and the list of responsibilities that go along with these wishes, write a letter to Pigeon as a class, explaining to him how rules help people be responsible and safe. You may wish for students to write their own letters or draw pictures to accompany the letter.

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Pigeon has lots of feelings that he shows throughout the play, Don’T LeT The Pigeon Drive The BuS. Pigeon is scared, mad, sleepy, excited, happy, and even sneaky!

Make this picture of Pigeon look hAPPY. in the conversation bubble above his head, write: Pigeon is happy. What makes you happy? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PiGEon has FEElinGssocial/Emotional WEllBEinG studEnt WorkshEEt

Image from: http://www.google.com/imgres?q=pigeon+coloring+pages&start=19&num=10&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=zaB&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1280&bih=687&tbm=isch&tbnid=Hqc07owu3Yd64M:&imgrefurl=http://www.brilliantbeginningspreschoolutah.

com/2010/02/p-is-for-pigeon.html&docid=e0RgdMcYUEmNYM&imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_m1uYTwRT81s/S249_81hgYI/AAAAAAAAA44/xw9jZguZoA8/s400/Pigeon.jpg&w=278&h=400&ei=skbmTsP6DomW2QWd9umjBA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=310&sig=105324670431684112088&

sqi=2&page=2&tbnh=151&tbnw=107&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:19&tx=37&ty=52

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Make this picture of Pigeon look MAD. in the conversation bubble above his head, write: Pigeon is mad. What makes you mad? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Make this picture of Pigeon look eXCiTeD. in the conversation bubble above his head, write: Pigeon is excited. What makes you excited? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PiGEon has FEElinGssocial/Emotional WEllBEinG studEnt WorkshEEt

(Continued)

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Circle the Things that go and color them in. Then, write the name of each object that is a form of transportation below its picture.

“thinGs that Go” GamE shoW!social studiEs studEnt WorkshEEt

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Begin by asking students what it means to share? how does it make you feel when you share something with others? how does it make you feel when others share something with you?

Continue by writing SChooL on the board. Ask students to list examples of when they have shared with others (or others have shared with them) at school. examples may include:

• Sharing my crayons with a friend who didn’t have a certain color that I had.

• Sharing my book with a classmate because there weren’t enough copies for everyone to get their own.

• Sharing my snack with a friend who forgot to bring one.

After gathering these ideas, continue by writing hoMe on the board. Ask students to list examples of when they have shared with others (or others have shared with them) at home or in their neighborhood. examples may include:

• Sharing the last cookie or other treat with a sibling, instead of fighting over it.

• Sharing toys and playing together with a sibling or cousin.

• Sharing the chores by helping a parent with the laundry or dishes, or cleaning up a mess that was made.

once students have complied an extensive list of sharing examples, hand out two pieces of paper to each student. on one sheet of paper, students must draw a picture of a time when they shared with others. At the bottom of that drawing they should include a sentence describing the sharing action taking place in the picture. on the other sheet of paper, stu-dents must draw a picture of a time when someone else shared with them. Again, students should include a sentence describing the sharing action taking place in the picture at the bottom of the drawing.

gather all of the complete pictures and bind them together to create a classroom book of sharing. once finished, read the book out loud to the class and allow them to see all the dif-ferent acts of sharing and caring that they have taken part in!

WE arE a class that sharEs! WE arE a class that carEs!

social/Emotional WEllBEinG classroom activity

slEEP mattErssciEncE classroom activity

Begin by asking students why it is so important for us all to sleep. What does our body do when we are sleeping? how do we feel when we wake up after a good night’s sleep? how do we feel when we don’t get enough sleep?

next, ask students if there are special activities or routines they do every night to get themselves and their bodies ready to go to sleep. Create a list of some of the different bedtime activities or routines students partake in. You may wish to add activities to their list, such as:

• Reading stories

• Bath time

• Brushing teeth

• Cleaning up toys

• Getting tucked in

• Turning on lullaby music

use the bottom of this lesson as a Bedtime routine template for students to fill in. They can share this routine with their families and keep it at home or in the take home folder, as a reminder of what they need to do to ensure they get a good night’s sleep.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

name: ________________________________________ My bedtime is:______________________________________________

Before i go to bed, i will (draw a picture of the different activities you will do before going to bed)

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BE a rEsPonsiBlE animal Guardiansocial studiEs classroom inFormation

Courtesy of the Wisconsin Humane Society Eduation Department

sharing your life with a companion animal can bring you many years of enjoyment and unconditional love. But taking an animal into your home and keeping him healthy and happy member of the family takes work!

read through the checklist below and find out if you are a responsible animal guardian. Your animal companion will thank you!

Being a responsible animal guardian means that you:

Think about responsibilities before you adopt an animal.

Make sure you can care for your animal throughout her entire lifetime.

Give your animal shelter with a warm (or cool!), quiet, dry place to sleep or rest when needed.

Put a collar and an identification tag on your animal that includes a clearly written name, address and phone number.

Take the time and patience to train your animal by using praise, attending training classes and learning about animal training.

Provide your animal with nutritious food and fresh water each day.

Make sure your animal receives proper and prompt health care, including regular check-ups, vaccinations and treatment for diseases or illnesses.

Spend time with your companion animal each day exer-cising and playing.

get your companion animal spayed or neutered.

groom your animal regularly.

Make sure that you obey local animal laws, such as licensing and leash laws and making sure your compan-ion animal is under your control, especially around little kids and new people.

Make sure your companion animal is taken care of when you go away for the day or on vacation.

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BE a rEsPonsiBlE animal GuardiansciEncE studEnt WorkshEEtCourtesy of the Wisconsin Humane Society Eduation Department

Every companion animal needs a unique home. Draw a line to match the companion animal with the proper home!

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learn about some different dog breeds such as a Dachshund and Shar-Pei who are mentioned in the play. What other breeds are there? Learn about some others, too, such as a golden retriever, Poodle and Beagle. every dog

is different, not only because they look different, but because they are good at different things. After learning about the different breeds, ask students which is their favorite dog. Take a poll and graph the results. Which dog was the most popular? Why do you think? Which was the least popular? Why do you think?

DachshundDachshunds are small dogs from germany. They love to tunnel and used to hunt for badgers in their burrows. They feisty dogs with lots of spunk and personality! Dachshunds are often called “weiner dogs” because of their long bodies and reddish color.

Shar-PeiShar-Peis come from China. in China, Shar-Peis helped their peasant masters with various tasks, such as herding cattle, guarding the home and family, and hunting. These dogs have very wrinkly skin all over their body.

Border CollieBorder Collies were from england and Scotland (That’s how they got their name, “border,” because they were between two countries) to herd sheep. They are very smart dogs and have proven to be one of the best herding dogs because of their ability to work long hours because they have so much energy.

PoodleThe word “poodle” or “pudle” is a german word meaning puddle. They got that name because the Poodle was use to swim to help hunters get animals in the water. Their funny hair cut was to help keep their joints warm but still allow them to swim in the water fast. Poodles are very smart dogs who love people.

BeagleA beagle’s loud bark let hunters know where rabbits were. Their bark is called a “bay” and is very, very loud. They are fast and energetic dogs who love to bark! A famous Beagle you might have heard about is Snoopy. he is a character from the Peanuts comic strip.

doG BrEEdinG GraPh activitysciEncE classroom activity

Courtesy of the Wisconsin Humane Society Eduation Department

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Good idEa or Bad idEa?sciEncE studEnt WorkshEEtCourtesy of the Wisconsin Humane Society Eduation Department

dogs can be our best friends, but is important to know how to behave kindly around them. here’s how to love dogs and be safe at the same time. Decide whether each of the following statements is a good idea or a bad idea. have your students give

the “thumbs up” sign for actions that are a good idea and the “thumbs down” sign for those that are a bad idea. The answers are at the bottom of the page.

1. Staring at a dog.

2. hugging a dog.

8. running past a dog.

3. Taking your dog for a walk.

9. Taking your dog to obedience

4. Patting a dog on the head.

5. Teasing a dog

6. Leaving your dog alone when she doesn’t want to play.

7. Teaching your dog to take a great from your mouth.

8. running past a dog.

9. Taking your dog to obedience school.

10. Playing tug-of-war with your dog.

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ANSWERS

1. Bad Idea. To a dog, a stare is threatening and can be very scary. in dog language, it is an invitation to fight – a message you do not want to convey.

2. Bad Idea. Your own dog may accept your hug because he knows and trusts you. never hug anyone else’s dog.

3. Good Idea. exercise is very important for your dog, and for you too! Make sure he is always on a leash!

4. Bad Idea. Many dogs are afraid of a hand coming from above. instead, stroke the dog under his chin or on his chest. And of course, always ask the owner’s permis-sion first!

5. Bad Idea. Teasing a dog can make him very upset and mad. how do you feel when someone teases you?

6. Good Idea. respect your dog’s need for time to herself.

7. Bad Idea. he could nip you by mistake. Keep your face away from your dog’s mouth.

8. Bad Idea. Dogs have a natural instinct to chase. Walk past a dog. if a dog approaches you, stand still with your arms crossed in front of you.

9. Good Idea. You will learn how to get your dog to listen to you and behave himself.

10. Bad Idea. rough games teach your dog to be aggressive. You will make him more likely to bite.

Good idEa or Bad idEa?sciEncE studEnt WorkshEEtCourtesy of the Wisconsin Humane Society Eduation Department

the mission of the Wisconsin humane Society is to create a community where people value animals and treat them with respect and kindness.

our goal at the Wisconsin humane Society is to save lives. We do that by:

• Finding homes and families for homeless animals.• Providing each animal with state-of-the-art veterinary care so they are healthy and feeling their best for adoption.• Educating people of all ages about proper care and respect for animals.• Providing services for people about training their animals.• Providing a low-cost spay/neuter clinic to help control pet overpopulation.

The Wisconsin humane Society has been helping animals for over 125 years.

WhS is the largest, oldest, most active humane society in the state.

over 8,500 animals were adopted through WhS last year.

each animal in adoption has as much time as he or she needs to find their forever family. There is no time limit for any of the animals in adoption.

The Wisconsin humane Society Milwaukee Campus also has a Wildlife rehabilitation Center where sick, injured or orphaned wildlife are cared for and release back out into the wild.

• 5,000 wild animals were cared last year in the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.• 125 different species of animals are cared for at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, including

WhS has over 1,000 active volunteers who do everything from fostering animals in their homes to bringing their own animals into nursing homes to walking dogs at the shelter.

inFormation aBout thE Wisconsin humanE sociEty

Post shoW QuEstions1. Why doesn’t the Bus Driver want Pigeon driving the bus? What are some of the responsibilities of driving a bus?

2. how is Pigeon a good friend to Duckling and the Bus Driver. What do you do for your friends that makes you a good friend?

3. Pigeon has a difficult time sharing his hot dog with Duckling. Why is it important to share with our friends? how does it make you feel when someone shares something with you?

4. What was your favorite part of the play, Don’T LeT The Pigeon Drive The BuS? if you could meet any of the characters from the play, which character would you meet and what question would you ask them?

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