Phonics
Vocabulary
Inferencing
About the Text
100

Break into syllables:

nineteen

nine-teen

100

What does invention mean? 

Something new that somebody made up.

100

Turn to pages 21 and 22. What clues let you know that this event took place a long time ago?

The illustrations give us clues. The patent says the year is 1877. The newspaper says the earmuffs only cost 25 cents.

100

How does the author organize the story? 

She divides the book into 4 chapters. The chapters go in chronological order of how Chester's idea is formed. 

200

Break into syllables: factory

fac-tor-y

200

What does springy mean? p 20

Something that is flexible and stretchy

200

Why do you think there is a special day in Maine to celebrate Chester Greenwood?

Chester made a big impact on people's lives and solved small problems to make lives easier. They are also probably proud that he is from their town. 

200

What is the genre of this book? How do you know?

It is nonfiction or a biography. This is a true story about Chester Greenfield and how he invented earmuffs. The clues are a glossary, a table of contents, and providing facts, such as a special day dedicated to him. 

300

Break into syllables: invention

in-ven-tion

300

What is a synonym for glided? p. 10

slide, coast, float, drift, move (smoothly)

300

What happened when Chester wore the earmuffs for the first time and how did he respond? How would you describe Chester?

Chester's friends laughed at him, but Chester didn't mind. He just kept skating. Chester is probably a confident person and was happy his invention worked.

300

What is the problem and solution in this story? 

Problem: Chester's ears are always cold.

Solution: He invents protectors for his ears called earmuffs.

400

Break into syllables: protector

pro-tec-tor

400

What does patent mean? 20

Shows who invented something, and makes sure nobody else can claim it.

400

Why do you think Chester became so successful as an inventor? What qualities did he have?

He was smart and creative. He saw problems and could figure out how to solve them. He was determined to keep trying new things when they didn't work out. 

400

Summarize the story using:

Somebody

Wanted

But

So

Then

Somebody: Chester Greenfield

Wanted: To find a way to warm his ears

But: The scarf and socks around a wire didn't stay on for long

So: He got some fur and had his grandmother help him sew them to a wire

Then: He invented the earmuffs, which became a big hit. Chester invented many other things and became famous.