1. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

2. Chapters 1-3 Vocabulary 1.Hysterical- uncontrollably emotional or uncontrollable laughter 2.Contagious- spreading from one person to another 3.Blackmail- to force someone to do something or give money by making threats 4.Pneumonia- inflammation of the lungs with congestion 5.Penitentiary-a place for prison or discipline 6.Bazaar- a fundraiser which sells donated items for a charity or cause 7.Sentiment- an attitude or emotion towards something 8.Practical- something useful

3. 9.Dangerous- unsafe, hazardous 10.Ordinary- no special quality 11.Ridiculous- absurd, laughable 12.Pester- to bother or annoy 13.Contribution- to give help towards something 14.Participate- to take part in the action 15.Tame- to be calm 16.Tradition- something that is handed down 17.Disguise- to change appearance or cover up the truth 18.Rowdy- to be wild

4. Figurative Language “The Herdmans moved from grade to grade like those South American fish that strip your bones in three minutes flat…” This is a simile that is comparing the Herdmans to fish that strip bones -What is this simile saying about the Herdmans?

5. Point of View This story is told from first person point of view. – How do you know? – What can we tell about the narrator? Give textual evidence to support your statements – How does the narrator feel about the Herdmans. Give evidence

6. Herdman’s Character Traits Character Traits Evidence

7. Chapter 4-7 Vocabulary 1.Antenna- a rod or wire used to send or receive television or radio signals 2.Sneaky- to try to deceive 3.Bureau- a chest of drawers with a mirror on top 4.Tradition- something handed down year to year 5.Manger- a box or trough in a stable that is used to feed cattle or horses 6.Disgraceful- shameful 7.Sly- to be cunning and sneaky 8.Villain-a character in a plot that is bad or evil

8. Dynamic Characters Dynamic characters are characters that change from the beginning to the end of a story. The narrator of this story is considered dynamic. – In the beginning she felt that the Herdmans were the worst kids in the world, but she realized that they weren’t so bad at the end. – She understood why they acted the way they did. – Give evidence that shows how her opinions have changed.

9. The Herdsman's are also dynamic – In the beginning they stole, cussed, and set things on fire. At the end they were very giving. Give evidence that shows how they changed.

10. Theme The theme of a story is the central message. The theme of this novel is implicit. We identify the theme by looking at what our characters say, do, think, and feel. The theme of this novel is: – Jesus can touch the lives of everyone This is brought out by Imogene. Give example from the text that show this. – all people can change This is shown by both the Herdmans and the narrator. Give examples from the text that help reveal the theme.