Sand Dollars | Chapter 3 Online Activities Guide

Credits

Story written by:
Bob Rouse

Activities written by:
Reta Broadway & Teresa Moore

Illustrated by:
Chris Ware

Titling by:
Amicheli Salyer

Chapter 3:
Making a Splash

The time and places in which a story happens are the setting. In Chapter 3 of "Sand Dollars" the setting is mostly in the bay and at City Dock. What else have you learned about the area in which the Porter children live? At what time of year does the story take place?

When Brooke and Nate set out for their first day as fishing guides, how long do they have to wait for a customer? 1.2
Do you think the man really wants to go out in the Susie Q? Why does he decide to hire them? 1.2
How long does the fishing guide business last? Do you think Brooke is ready to give up on the idea of making enough money for her mother to return to college? Why? 1.2, 2.29, 3.6
Where does Honest Abe work? How do you think he and the Porter children got to be friends? 1.2, 5.1
Picture the dock and the bait shop in your mind. What smells are associated with this mental picture? What might you touch or feel on your skin there? Are there sounds in your mental picture? 1.2, 6.2
Illustrate your mental picture on paper. Be sure to include details. 1.13

For the advanced reader

Who was Rok LeBrock? Why does Nate say telling Rok's story would be a bonus if the man looking for a fishing guide goes out on the Susie Q? 1.2
How does Nate's recurring daydream come into this chapter? Why do you think the writer has included a version of the daydream in every chapter so far? 1.2, 5.1
Reread the part of the chapter where Honest Abe gives the children advice about being fishing guides. Now write a paragraph describing the specific setting of this part of the chapter. 1.2, 1.11
What does the wet fisherman mean when he calls the Susie Q a "rinky-dink boat"? What are some other ways - both positive and negative - that this boat can be described? 1.10, 5.2
College can be expensive. In a small group, use the Internet or other resources to research tuition costs of three colleges in your state (a two-year college, a public university, and a private college). Brainstorm and list the benefits and costs of attending each. Share the findings with the class. 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.12, 1.16, 2.7, 2.18
Entrepreneurs are people who take a risk to make a profit (start a business). Generate a list of character traits common to entrepreneurs. Interview a local entrepreneur about their experiences. Use the information to write a feature article. Share with the class. 1.4, 1.10, 1.11, 2.18, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.7, 6.1
Brooke and Nate planned to be fishing guides. There are many kinds of fish and other aquatic wildlife found off the coast of Florida. In a group, research wildlife native to the area (habitat, life cycle, food chain, etc.). Present your findings in a diorama, report, or mural. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.10, 1.12, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2

Newspaper-related activities

Although Brooke's ideas have not been very successful so far, she keeps coming up with them. Search your newspaper for a story or picture about someone who has an idea, a plan, or an invention. Does the person's attempt seem to be successful? What does successful mean to you when you try something new? Does it have to be perfect? Do you keep trying if something doesn't work the first time? Is it possible to learn from failing to do something you attempt? 2.29, 3.1, 3.6, 5.1
Use a newspaper display ad as a guide to create an ad for the Porter children's services as fishing guides. Be sure to include important information such as the cost, their experience, where they can be found, and when they are available. Having a picture that suggests catching lots of fish might be a good addition to the ad. 1.13, 1.2, 1.3, 2.18, 3.1, 3.4, 5.2, 6.1