Harcourt Journeys: Story Selection Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

Unit 4: Lesson 21 “The World According to Humphrey” Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

Turn your Text Book to page 624. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

1

Who is narrating the story? What point of view is this? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: The story is told from Humphrey’s point of view, using the first person. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

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Why does A.J. believe that Garth is no longer his friend? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: A.J. thinks that Garth is not treating him the way that friends should treat each other. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

What does Humphrey discover about A.J.’s behavior in school from watching his family at home? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: He discovers that A.J. talks loudly because of his family’s television watching habits. They all talk loudly to be heard over the TV. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

Which of the following would you probably appreciate – a birthday gift, extra homework, a gloomy day, a compliment from a friend? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott

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Why do you think Mrs. Thomas suggested that Mr. Thomas go to bed? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: It was late, and she thought he might be tired. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

How does the author use Humphrey’s point of view and things he says to make her own feelings about TV known? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: Humphrey’s point of view and the things he says shows that the author does not approve of having the TV on constantly or of playing it at an unreasonably high volume. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

7

What does the Thomas family like to do? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: The family likes to watch TV. They watch TV together at dinner, and individually throughout the day and night. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

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Explain why Humphrey decided to take the action that he did. Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: Humphrey can not stand so much TV and noise. He realized that the Thomas family would not change their TV watching habits on their own. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

Why does Humphrey describe pulling the plug from the wall as “one of his most difficult feats” of his life? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: Because it would be hard for a hamster to do, and his success at doing it is a great accomplishment for him. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

10

What do the details in the text reveal about the Thomas family’s feelings towards TV? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: The reactions of Mr. Thomas and the kids suggest that they can not imagine life without watching TV. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

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How does Humphrey’s pulling the plug on the TV affect the story plot? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: Without TV, no one knows what to do with themselves. They have to find other ways to have fun. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

Which of the following events might cause a racket – a truck rumbling down the street, a breeze rippling the surface of a lake, a child banging on pots and pans, a pet taking a nap? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: A truck rumbling down the street A child banging on pots and pans Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

13

How does the Thomas family respond to life without TV? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: The family enjoys life without TV more than they thought. They find other things to do: talk, tell stories, play games together, and throw the football. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

14

How does Humphrey play a part in ending the conflict between A.J. and Garth? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: As the two boys work together to take care of Humphrey, they accept each other as friends once again. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

15

What do you think Mr. and Mrs. Thomas will do about the unplugged TV? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: They might plug it back in and start watching it. They might not tell the kids that it works, so they can still talk and have family time together. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

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What does the reaction of A.J.’s mother suggest about what she thinks of having the TV turned off? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: She enjoys having the TV off and is in no hurry to go back to having it on. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

How do you think the Thomas family will be different after Humphrey leaves? Copyright © 2011 Kelly Mott Answer

Answer: The Thomas family may watch less TV than they once did. They may enjoy that they enjoy doing other activities instead. Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott

How did you do? Copyright © 2012 Kelly Mott