Loser Guided Reading Lesson Plan All

Loser
Guided Reading Lesson Plan ALL

Title: Loser
Author: Jerry Spinelli
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Level: U
Text Structure:
Narrative Informational
Big Idea/Theme:
Never give up and keep moving forward; a positive attitude makes all the difference in the world; anyone can go from a
loser to a winner; dont let others bring you down; everyone is unique; do the things that make you happy.
If you dont get, you wont get.
If you dont get that Zinkoff has a unique personality, then you wont understand why others may pick on him or insult
him for being his own person and being different.
Before Reading
Vocabulary:
PART 1:
PART 2:
PART 3:
PART 4:
PART 5:
Trudging 1
Agape 44
Twinge 84
Petrified 130
Ricochets 173
Constraints 3
Seldom 46
Slurry 88
Ovation 134
Silhouettes 182
Heedless 4
Pedestal 48
Condemned 91
Gaudy 1 34
Notion 184
Surrender 9
Boondocks 51
Contrary 92
Prominence 137

Remarkably 10
Gnarled 53
Pronouncement 96
Deliberate 146
Unpredictable 10
Atrocious 54
Unwittingly 98
Grimace 147
Atwitter 11
Mediocre 55
Hastens 98
Modest 158
Tintinnabulation 14
Antics 55
Veers 100
Frolic 161
Audible 14
Sneer 69
Solitary 100
Trouncing 162
Vigorous 14
Fervently 73
Profoundly 100
Decapitates 163
Legible 20
Intrigued 75
Abundantly

110

Carburetor 25
Reluctantly 77
Hapless 111
Rekindle 28
Critical 79
Mediocre 111
Pupil 30
Convalescing 81
Toting 114
Maneuver 32

Negotiations 125
Intrepid 38

Etiquette 41

Word Work:
Jerry Spinelli regularly uses figurative language within this book. Look at some examples of metaphors and
analogies that appear throughout each chapter. Keep track of their meanings as well as discuss the reasons for
their usage.
Discuss this books point of view. What effect does it have on the reader? How would the book be different if
there was a different narrator? Be specific with your explanations.
Synonyms & Antonyms: When looking at vocabulary throughout the book, discuss synonyms and antonyms of
the words as well as context clues that help you understand their meanings.
Adverbs & Adjectives: how to use them effectively when describing nouns, pronouns, verbs, and other adjectives.

Activate/Build Prior Knowledge (Whole group discussion or turn and talk):

PART 1:
What words/characteristics do you usually associate with loser?
Is it right for someone to be referred to as a loser? Why/why not?
Discuss Jerry Spinellis writing style and content material based on Maniac Magee. What do you expect to come
across in this book? Think about character traits, themes, setting, etc.
PART 2:
Discuss how the students may relate to Zinkoffs behaviors and character throughout part 1. What are typical
behaviors for children/what may not be?
Check in: How does Spinellis Maniac Magee relate to Loser? What are similarities and differences between the
two thus far?
PART 3:
Examples of figurative language located within the first two sections of the book.
Look at their definitions for loser. See how they connect with the book at this point.
Similarities and differences between Maniac Magee & Loser.
Zinkoffs personality and character traits; defend opinions using details from text of first parts.
PART 4:
Why is Zinkoff treated differently beginning in 4th and 5th grade?
Discuss similar experiences that students have to being picked on or knowing someone who has been treated
similarly to Zinkoff.
Discuss the process for making new friends. In what ways will Zinkoff make new friends? Why does he need good
friends?
PART 5:
Do you think being a nobody is worse than being loser? Explain why you think so.
Review the back of the book. What do you think is going to happen in the last part of the book that is going to
turn things around for Zinkoff?
Common themes that Spinelli includes in his books: underdog, uniqueness of characters, etc.

Comprehension Strategy: Predicting Making Connections Inferring Visualizing Questioning
Determining Importance Clarifying and Self-Monitoring Summarizing Sequencing

During Reading
Using appropriate guided reading strategies, students will be reading at their own pace and teachers will be listening to
students read, monitoring, giving feedback, book chunking, taking anecdotal notes and running records.
Book Chunking: Page 1-42 Part 1: Chapters 1-8
Page 43-83 Part 2: Chapters 9-13
Writing Activity:
PART 1:
Miss Meeks idea of making Zinkoff wear the I know I can behave button is one strategy she employs to make
him control his behavior in class. Think of other effective strategies she might have used.
On the first day of school, Miss Meeks refers to her students as young citizens. Explain why she used this
phrase and what it means. Do you qualify as a young citizen? Explain why/why not.
Which of the following words best describe Zinkoffs character: excitable, shy, moody, outgoing, loud. Defend
your answer. Think of two other words that would accurately describe his personality. Have you ever known a kid
like Zinkoff? How were they similar and how were they different? Did this person change when he/she got older?
PART 2:
Jerry Spinelli introduces Andrew several times in this section of the book. Compare and contrast the characters of
Andrew and Zinkoff. Can they be good friends as a result of their differences?
It is unthinkable to Mrs. Biswell that such a mediocre-to-poor student could actually like school. What does this
tell you about this teachers attitude toward her students? What qualities make a good teacher?
Based on the portion of the book that weve read thus far, is the books title applicable to Zinkoff? Would you
classify him as a loser at any point up to 3rd grade? Explain your reasoning.
The author mentions details about time in different ways throughout the book. Describe the importance of time
in telling Zinkoffs story. Make sure to mention examples of how time is present.
PART 3:
Explain the meanings of other examples of figurative language found within this section of the book. Ex: Hes a
sunshine bottle. (83); Nine hundred steps into a bottomless black hole. (86); It is the eye and not the object
that changes (94); Youll be early to your own funeral, boy! (97); They just scoop up everything they see and
swallow it whole, no questions asked. (99)
What was so special about Grade Five at Satterfield Elementary? Think about a grade in which you remember it
as being special. Explain your experience and what made you think this.
What does the term unconditional love mean? Is this a valuable thing for parents to have? Explain how
Zinkoffs parents have unconditional love for him.
PART 4:
What do you think are important criteria in determining a best friend?
Write a haiku poem about one of the following topics: old people, summer holidays, graduation, marching bands,
or pick-up games. The following is an examples of a haiku poem: The sport of brave kings

Long ago when knights jousted

Swords shone in the sun.
Explain the following quote: Like everyone else, he is the star of his own life. Do think this is true? Why/why
not?
Zinkoff lists a number of silly past times that occupy him during the summer months. List a few similar things that
have occupied your time during summer vacation.
PART 5:
What do you think happens to Zinkoff in the future? Does he still keep his Loser nickname? What things will he
accomplish/be involve in down the road? Make sure to consider text details to provide a reasonable response.
What message does Spinelli send to his readers through Zinkoffs character?
What did you like and dislike about the book? Why? Be specific.

Assessment:
Checking for Understanding: Ask students within, beyond, and about questions. Model own thinking and how to utilize
text details and prior experiences to answer beyond questions. Have students create own questions and answer them
as reading if do not understand.
Fluency: listen to individual students read portions of text aloud; remind students of expression, pace, and other skills to
improve. Take notes of students reading to track progress and areas for improvement.
TTQA: Students must use TTQA when answering questions. Practice using it so it fits appropriately at the start of a
response. Remind students that it may not always make sense to recite the whole question as a statement (leave out
questions words in TTQA).
Behavior/Participation: Give all students opportunities to participate and share ideas; students are expected to focus on
guided reading only while meeting in groups. Call on students who may not voluntarily be sharing responses.
Self Monitoring/Self Correcting: Occasionally conduct running record on each student; encourage students to break apart
larger words into syllables in order to decode & self-correct when reading; have available Character Trait & Feelings
reference cards to self-monitor descriptions of characters and feelings. Give students main idea/details graphic
organizers to practice summarizing each chapter and to refer back to as discuss each chapter. Students use sticky
notes/notecards to record unfamiliar vocabulary words or track questions that they have as they read independently.
Word Attack Skill: Use context clues and details from sentence to understand meaning and decode words. Deciphering
meaning of figurative language throughout book.
How I am differentiating for each student?: listen to individual students read and answer questions; discuss areas for
improvement with students; use prompting and reminders to improve students comprehension and discussion skills.
Collin:

Vinnie:
Jordan:
Moises:
Kayla:
Question
Answer
Chapter 1: You Grow Up

Pg. 1-2
Within: Who are the main
characters in this book? (1-2)
It is evident that the narrator

(dont know if boy or girl yet)
and Zinkoff will be two of the
main characters.
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff go

unnoticed by the narrator for so
long? (2)
The narrator mentions that he

was someone that he/she
neither was friends nor enemies
with. They may not be part of
the same friend circle or have
class together so few
encounters. Have different
interests (Zinkoff may be part
of activities that narrator is
not), etc.
Chapter 2: The Bright Wide

World
Pg. 3-4
About: How do the phrases
fenced in by walls and backyard
chain-link as well as others help
you understand the beginning of
Zinkoffs life? (3)
Answers may vary. Students

should support responses with
details from text. Ex: it appears
that Zinkoffs mother was very
overprotective of him and
siblings. Like pups of a new
creation tells me that he lived a
sheltered life and was not able
to explore the world very much
as a young boy.
Beyond: Describe how Zinkoff

reacts to his new freedom. (4)
Zinkoff runs away, thrilled and

laughing. He is so happy and
amazed at how fast he can run.
He shouts, Yahoo, as he leaves
is house in the distance, etc.
Student Response
Chapter 3: Win
Pg. 5-7
Beyond: What does the author
mean by the term sidewalk
pups? (5)
The author wants the reader to

understand that these children
are small and cannot easily be
controlled (similar to a puppy).
Beyond: Why dont Zinkoff and

the other pups notice that he
loses all the time? What does
this tell you about his
character? (7)
The children are still young that

they will not hold it against him
yet. The purpose of these races
is still just for fun and some
competition. Zinkoff is not
worried about his self-image at
this point. He is not super
competitive and laid back about
things.
Beyond: The author lists a

number of contests that the
sidewalk pups engage in. Can you
think of any more contests that
might have appealed to them?
(7)

details from text.
Chapter 4: Zinkoffs First Day

Pg. 8-12
Within: Describe the reactions
of the following people to
Zinkoff wearing the giraffe hat
to school: Zinkoff, his mother,
Miss Meeks.
Zinkoff: loves his hat and

sneaks out of the house to
school wearing it.
Mother: his mom has warned him
several times never to wear it to
school because she thinks its
probably inappropriate.
Miss Meeks: she is at first
worried that this is a sign on
how much of a troublemaker he
will be.
About: What does Miss Meeks

mean by her thought, Donald
Zinkoff will always be easy to
find? (12)
Not only when wearing the hat,

but because of his personality,
he will likely be the center of
attention in any situation. He is
bold and extremely outgoing
that he cannot be ignored.
Beyond: How does Zinkoffs

reaction to the first day of
school compare to other first
grade students?
Most young students are a little

shy or timid to first go to
kindergarten and even first
grade because they are away
from parents and its unfamiliar
to them. Zinkoff reacts
oppositely to this because he
wears the giraffe hat and
responds to his teacher in an
enthusiastic manner.
Chapter 5: All Aboard

Pg. 13-17
Beyond: What is your impression
of the teachers speech on
Zinkoffs first day of school?

details from text. Ex: Not what
you would expect from a firstgrade teacher. Do not recall any
teacher giving me a speech
similar to this one.
Within: What things does Miss

Meeks do on the first day of
school that surprises you for a
first grade teacher? (15)
She shows how to multiply in

order for her students to
understand how many days of
school they have in their
educational careers. Wanting
them to comprehend how many
2,160 days is, calling them
young citizens, writing their
names on the first day, etc.
About: Why does the author use

the phrase for the last time
repeatedly to describe the
teachers behaviors? (17)
Miss Meeks is retiring after

this school year, so it is her last
first day of school and last time
doing things that are repeated
each school year.
Beyond: Why was Zinkoffs

teacher concerned about his
penmanship?
The teacher is concerned that

his poor penmanship might
indicate a problem with his
motor skills.
Chapter 6: A Wonderful
Question
Pg. 18-27
Beyond: Explain the encounter
between Zinkoff and the 4th
grader. (23)
The older kid appears to be a

bully because he takes the
giraffe hat and claims that it is
his own; however, because
Zinkoff didnt react the way the
older kid was expecting, it
backfired.
Beyond: How does the redhaired boys teasing backfire on

him?
The red-haired boy tells Zinkoff

that the giraffe hat is actually
his. When Zinkoff agrees to this
instead of pitching a fit, the
red-haired boys fun is spoiled.
He saves face by the remark
First-graders are so dumb.
Beyond: Why do you think

Zinkoffs mom changes her
reaction to the hat after
school? (25)
She is overjoyed that her son

had such a great day at school
partly because he brought the
giraffe hat. This overshadows
the conflict from the morning.
Within: Give at least one

example of how Zinkoff is like a
normal child and at least one
example of how Zinkoff may not
be like a typical 6-year old. (27)

details from text. Ex:
Similar: he believes that the
star stickers are the stars from
the sky (misunderstanding
things about life).
Different: reacting calmly when
his hat is taken from him. Most
children would get upset and
demand it back.
About: Why does the author

choose this title for the
chapter? (27)

details from text. Ex: Zinkoff
ponders if there are more days
of school left or more stars in
the sky (this is a deep question
to think about).
Chapter 7: Jabip
Pg. 28-33
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff enjoy
school so much? (33)
Zinkoff is excited about

learning new words, writing his
name, and he had a group of kids
surround him about his hat. He
feels special each day he goes to
school.
About: Why do you think the

author calls the main character
by his last name throughout the
novel?
Zinkoff is an unusual name.

Perhaps he uses it to emphasize
Donalds unusual personality.
Within: What tickles Zinkoff

more than anything else?
The sound of a funny word

tickles Zinkoff more than
anything else. Examples will vary
(Chickamoo, Boogaloo,
Kinkachoo, Pookypoo, Jabip, etc.)
Beyond: How would your

describe Miss Meekss report
card comments at the end of
the year?
Miss Meekss report is a mixed

review because she provides
both positive comments, such as
Zinkoff is good-natured, happy,
and loves school, as well as
negative comments, such as he
has a problem with self-control
and his neatness.
Chapter 8: Two New Friends

Pg. 34-41
Beyond: What might be the
problems/benefits with his
parents only telling Zinkoff no
when its really necessary? (37)
+: They are allowing him to be

his own person and not conform
to having specific traits and
interests.
-: They are not strict with him,
which may be the source of the
laughing problem. He doesnt
have any control and doesnt
know when to stop his behavior
if not enforced at home.
Within: Describe Zinkoffs

snicker-doodle strategy that he
He thinks that Andrew will have

to come out and see the snicker-
used to win Andrews friendship.
doodle he bakes. He wants

Andrew to feel welcomed into
the neighborhood just like his
mom did for Mrs. Orwell.
Within: What problem does

Zinkoff have that we learn
about in this chapter? (41)
Zinkoff was born with an upsidedown valve in his stomach, which

causes him to throw up several
times a week.
Beyond: How would you describe

Zinkoffs character based on
the first part of this book?

details from text.
Chapter 9: Champions!
Pg. 42-49
Beyond: Why did the game of
soccer appeal to Zinkoff? (49)
Soccer is a free-for-all game, so

Zinkoff can run around in all
directions and not be completely
clueless on what was happening
in the game. All other sports are
too structured for him and too
many rules to follow.

Zinkoff felt it was important to
be a poor loser? (45)

details from the text. Ex:
Zinkoff noticed how the other
players were reacting to losing
that game, so he thought it was
expected of him to be like that
as well.
Within: What generous offer

did Zinkoff make after his
soccer team won the
championship? (49)
He offers his trophy to Andrew.

Although Andrews mother does
not let him accept it, he leaves
it on the back porch for Andrew
to grab.
Beyond: What does this tell you

about his character? (49)
Zinkoff cares more about

pleasing others and making
himself feel good (by laughing
and offering the cookie to
Andrew) than material items. He
is a generous and kind-hearted
boy.
Chapter 10: Atrocious

Pg. 50-59
Within: Why does Zinkoff ask
how many school days are left in
the year? (51)
Miss Meeks started the school

year off with this comment, so
he assumed every teacher did.
He was asking as a follow up to
last year because he found
interest in the speech.

Zinkoffs father congratulates
him when he tells him his
handwriting is atrocious? (54)
Answers will vary. Students

text details. Ex: His parents
may know that Zinkoff does not
have good handwriting and isnt
a very strong student, so
perhaps he said this to keep his
spirits up.
Within: Why does Mrs. Biswell

tell Zinkoff to leave the
classroom and never come back?
Do you agree or disagree with
her behavior?
Zinkoff throws up on her

expensive eraser that he should
not have been touching and ruins
it. Answers may vary.
Beyond: Compare Miss Meeks to

Mrs. Biswell. How do the
differences in their teaching
styles and personalities affect
Zinkoff?
Miss Meeks seems to have a

more positive and cheerful
attitude based on her first day
of school speech and reaction to
Zinkoff. She was more tolerable
of him because he did have
manners and was enthusiastic
about school. Mrs. Biswell does
not even enjoy children, so she
seemed to have less patience
for Zinkoff. All the things that
he could get away with more
often in first grade are not
tolerated or appreciated in
second grade.
Chapter 11: Mailman

Pg. 60-70
Beyond: Would you rather go
with Andrew or Donalds father
on Take Your Kid to Work Day?
Explain your choice.

must support responses with
details from the text.
Within: Why does Zinkoff enjoy

putting the mail through the
door slots than an actual
mailbox? (67)
He thinks people have a better

idea of whom the mail is from.
He can sometimes hear or see
the people on the other side of
the door and feel good about his
job.
Beyond: How well does Zinkoff

following through with the
advice that his dad gives him for
being a mailman?

details from the text. Ex: He
remains friendly and
professional even when the mean
boy tears up his letter.
Beyond: Based on the details

that Spinelli uses to describe
being a mailman, what parts of
the job would you find
interesting and why? (70)

details from the text. Ex: having
a connection to many families
homes and having insight into
their lives (different language,
kids, etc.).
Chapter 12: The Nine Hundred

Block of Willow
Pg. 71-77
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff hope
for bad weather on the day he
will deliver mail? What does this
say about his relationship with
his father?
He knows that a mailman has to

complete his job no matter what
the weather brings, so he wants
to be as heroic as his father. He
remembers when his dad
returned home from work with
icicles on his hat and said piece
of a cake. He respects his dad
and his hard work and wants to
follow in his footsteps.
Beyond: Who is the Waiting Man
The Waiting Man lives at the
and how would you describe him?

(75)
address 924 Willow, which is on

Mr. Zinkoffs route. He has been
waiting for his brother to
return from the Vietnam War.
He seems very depressed and
perhaps losing his mind to be
sitting there for so many years
without his brothers return.
Beyond: What motivates Zinkoff

to work so hard? What in this
story supports your opinion?
What do you want to motivate
you when you have a job some
day? (77)

Chapter 13: Waiting

Pg. 78-83
Within: Why was the start of
3rd grade the worst period of
Zinkoffs life? (80)
The start of 3rd grade was bad

because Andrew moved away and
Zinkoff was stuck at home for
three weeks recovering from his
stomach surgery.
Beyond: Why does Zinkoffs

mother say, Heaven help me,
so often while Zinkoff is home
recovering from surgery? (78)

Zinkoff is a very busy child
because he does not do any
activity for more than a brief
time. He would be exhausting to
have at home for weeks
straight.
Beyond: What does the

convalescing period give Zinkoff
an appreciation of? (83)
He gains an appreciation of the

importance of time. As a child,
he would always rush things and
move from one thing to the next
without noticing how quickly it
goes by and how valuable it is.
Chapter 14: The Furnace

Monster
Pg. 84-93
About: What does the author
mean when he says, To Zinkoff
there is not one darkness, but
many? (84)
Darkness, not matter where it is

located, is one thing; however,
Zinkoff associates each location
of darkness to be different.
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff

believe in the The Furnace
Monster? (85)

details from the text. Zinkoff
has let his imagination get to
him just like most kids. The
furnace makes lots of noise and
is in the cellar, which are
intimidating. Zinkoff also
believes that stars are faraway
suns, which is not true either.

Zinkoff put himself through this
test? (85-93)

wants to challenge himself
rather than be bored. He wants
to have an exciting experience
while hes home.
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff wait

for his mother to start talking
on the phone and his father to
leave for work to complete his
test? (90)

details from the text. He wants
to complete the test without
anyone bothering him or
discourage him from going down
the stairs in the dark.
Within: What was the final

result of the test? (93)
Zinkoff failed his test by just a

few steps. The book states that
he dashed up the stairs before
he even knew what he was doing.
Chapter 15: Discovered

Pg. 94-100
Beyond: What does the author
mean when he writes, In fourth
grade Zinkoff is discovered?
(94)

details from the text. The kids
have ignored or just accepted
Zinkoff for all of his quirks up
until this point.
Within: Why does Mr. Yalowitz

feel sorry for Zinkoff and his
last name? (95)
Having a name at the end of the

alphabet means that Zinkoff is
last for everything that involves
alphabetical order.
Beyond: Why are the kids only

noticing now all of Zinkoffs
flaws? (99)

details from the text. The kids
are older now that they judge
the behaviors of Zinkoff. They
see him as different and
separate themselves from him.
About: Why does Spinelli refer

to Zinkoffs classmates as
having big-kid eyes? (100)

details from the text. They see
the world through a different
perspective now that they are
older.
About: Explain how Spinelli ends

this chapter and its
effectiveness in leading you to
the next one. (100)

details from the text. Spinelli
hooks the reader into continuing
to the next chapter to read
more about Zinkoffs experience
with Field Days.
Chapter 16: Field Day

Pg. 101-108
Mr. Yalowitz based on his
leadership of the field day
events?

details from the text. Mr.
Yalowitz seems competitive but
fair; he talks a bit of trash to
the other 4th grade class but

gives Zinkoff a fair shot to
compete in the events.
About: What does the author
mean when he says, two feet
are not always enough to keep
him upright? (103)
Zinkoff is clumsy because hes

always falling over and doesnt
have good balance. His feet
dont seem to help this issue.
About: Why are some words

that the classmates tell Zinkoff
italicized? (106)
These words are meant to be

spoken harshly to Zinkoff. It
shows the tone and attitude
that some of the book
characters have towards him.
About: There is a break in the

text after the repetition of
loser. What effect does this
have on the reader? (107)

details from the text. Its a
powerful way to get the point
across that now peers will
scrutinize Zinkoff for his
quirks.
Beyond: Did you expect Zinkoff

to have the response he did to
being called a loser? (107)

details from the text. Perhaps
not because he is oblivious to
reactions that typically occur
after different experiences,
such as the soccer game.
Chapter 17: What the Clocks

Say
Pg. 109-118
About: What does he was busy
growing out mean? (111)
He was busy growing up but also

out of things that only younger
kids enjoy, such as the Easter
bunny, Santa, his giraffe hat,
etc. He is gradually maturing.
Beyond: Zinkoff mentions that

he loves being a 5th-grader. Do
you think this will change this
year or ever? (110)

Beyond: Although Zinkoffs

peers do not treat him kindly,
describe the attitudes of his
neighbors toward him.
His neighbors are still

appreciative of what he does for
them. For example, he wishes
for the Waiting Mans brother
to return; he still writes letters
to an elderly neighbor; he
entertains the baby.
About: Why is What the Clocks

Say a good title for this
chapter?

details from the text. The clock
represents growing up and
advancing through life.
Beyond: What do you predict is

the something missing that
Spinelli includes at the end of
this chapter? (118)

Chapter 18: Best Friend

Pg. 119-126
Beyond: Why would his teacher
give this test to her students?
(119-120)

details from the text. It gives a
chance for students to share
things about themselves before
a teacher can judge and for
teachers to get to know their
students better.
Within: Explain the process that

Zinkoff uses for thinking of a
name to write down for his best
friend. (122)
He seems to go through each

student and thinks of their best
friends. When he notices
Hector, he realizes that he may
not have any close friends
either and they could likely be a
pair.
About: Why does Spinelli

capitalize the Beyond?

details from the text. The
Beyond represents a place of
thought that is like
daydreaming.
Beyond: How does your reaction

to Hectors ear wax collection
and pets name compare to
Zinkoffs?

seems to accept these quirks
but the average person would
find them odd and disgusting.
Chapter 19: The Candy in His

Hand
Pg. 127-131
About: Why did Spinelli title
this chapter The Candy in His
Hand? (127)
Zinkoff offers Binns his own

earwax in the Altoids container.
This is the turning point in their
relationship because Zinkoff is
trying his best to be a good
friend but Henry does not
respond to this well.
Beyond: Why would Zinkoff

smile at licorice spit marks on
the sidewalk? (129)
He knows that Henry must

travel to and from his house
along the same path because he
loves licorice for much. He
smiles because it reminds him of
his new best friend.
Beyond: Explain Binnss

response, I guess not, after
many different questions. (131132)

must use details from the text
to support their answers. Ex:
Binns is disinterested in being
good friends with Zinkoff and
this response shows that.
Beyond: Predict what is going

to be over in the next chapter.
(132)
Their friendship will be over.
Beyond: Why do you think it is

so important for Zinkoff to have
a best friend at this point in his
life?

Chapter 20: Nowhere

Pg. 133-142
Within: Zinkoff has bittersweet
remembrances when thinking of
his friendship with Binns.
Explain the meaning of
bittersweet in this context.
(133)
Zinkoff has both positive and

negative memories of spending
time with Binns. He has happy
thoughts about the licorice
stains on the sidewalks but bad
ones of him ignoring Zinkoff and
avoiding him.
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff not

see that his classmates are
making fun of him after his A?
(135)

lives in his own little world, so
he may be so wrapped up in his
own excitement over his grade
that he cannot see that his
peers are sarcastically thrilled
for him.
Beyond: What would you do in

Zinkoffs situation with
upcoming Field Days? (139)

Beyond: Why does Zinkoff go to

the Waiting Mans house when
feeling lost? (141)

may relate to this man because
they are both lost in different
ways. He is fascinated with the
man and how he spends his days.
Beyond: What is the importance

of the old womans character in
the book? (142)

details from the text. The
elderly woman represents his
only true friend that he can rely
on and has patience for him.
Chapter 21: Something Hard

and Thorny
Pg. 143-153
Within: What is unusual about
the sandwich that the old woman
makes for him?
The woman does not have jelly,

so she tells Zinkoff to pretend
that they are spreading jelly on
the sandwich along with the
peanut butter.
About: What words or phrases

does Spinelli use to describe the
woman? What can we infer
about her? (150)

details from the text. Ex: her
hair reminds him of a puff of a
cotton ball, her skin is almost
transparent, and her skin feels
like newspaper, etc.
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff think

he may need two stars on the
day he visits the old lady? (151)

was having a bad day, so he
wants stickers to make him feel
better.
About: Explain the meaning of

the following phrase: so happy
his eyes are watery too, and his
breath flutters in his chest and
something hard and thorny goes
out of him and he tells her
everything. (152)
The painful feelings that he had

earlier in the day have now
disappeared because the old
woman has cheered him up. He
has his sticker and is able to
talk about his life experiences
so far.
Within: What is the result of

Zinkoff telling the old lady the
stories from his life? (153)
Zinkoffs mood and attitude has

improved. The woman takes
interest in his stories and asks
him further questions.
Chapter 22: Boondocks

Forever
Pg. 154-160
Gary Hobin? (155)

details from the text. He is
arrogant and is at the peak of
his life right now because he
wears his medals around his
neck for the remainder of the
school year.
Within: How does Zinkoff feel

about graduation and leaving
Satterfield Elementary? (157)
He misses Satterfield already.

He loves everything and
everybody. It seems that
despite his 4th and 5th grade
experiences with bullies, he
loved this school.
Beyond: Why has Zinkoff never

forgotten the number two
thousand one hundred and sixty
days are left? (157)
This represents the number

that Miss Meeks told them on
their first day of 1st grade for
how many school days are left
for each of them. He frequently
considers how many of these
days are left as a result of
completing more grades.
About: Why is Mr. Yalowitz the

last character mentioned in this
chapter? (160)
Mr. Yalowitz has had the

greatest impact on Zinkoffs life
at Satterfield Elementary. Its
the best person he can see in
the audience as Zinkoff receives
his diploma.
Chapter 23: Vanished

Pg. 161-169
Within: How has Andrew
changed since living next door to
Zinkoff? (164-165)
Andrew is much more confident

than he used to be. He looks
more mature and acts like it as
well; new name (Drew); becomes
disinterested in Zinkoff
Beyond: Compare and contrast
At Satterfield, Zinkoff did not
Zinkoffs experience at
Satterfield Elementary to
Monroe Middle School.
go unseen due to the smaller

school and classmates noticing
his quirks and making fun of him.
In middle school Zinkoff is just
a small fish in a big pond, so he
will likely go unnoticed.
About: How does Spinelli show

that time is passing quickly
throughout the school year?
(169)
Spinelli includes words and

phrases, such as And so
September becomes October
as well as lists words that relate
to the different holidays in the
fall. The break in the words
shows progression of the most
important parts of the school
year.
About: What does great

dragonflys-eye of Monroe
Middle School mean? (169)
This is a metaphor for how much

Zinkoff goes unnoticed
throughout middle school. A
dragonfly must has poor insight.

Zinkoff is so depressed at the
end of Chapter 23? (169)

does not have a clear identity at
the end of this section.
Chapter 24: Snow

Pg. 170-176
Beyond: Why were the students
so happy and fascinated to see
snow? (170-172)
The students thought school

might be cancelled the next day
because of a snow day. By the
students reactions to the snow,
it does not seem that it snows
very often there.
Beyond: While you were reading

the chapter, what did you think
happened near Zinkoffs house?
(173)

definitely some emergency (old
woman had heart attack or
health issues, etc.).
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff only
Usually in a crisis situation, your
hear fragments of
conversations, such as lost and
little girl? (173)
mind and heart are racing and

you only can hear pieces of
conversation rather than
listening clearly. Zinkoff had a
similar experience.
Beyond: Why is the petrified

clump of bubble gum so
important to Zinkoff in this
chapter? (175)
The clump of bubble gum is a

reminder of Claudia and playing
with it is helping him to relax.
Within: What crisis actually

visited the people of Willow
Street? (174)
The little girl, Claudia, wandered

away from home and cannot be
found.
Chapter 25: Claudia

Pg. 177-180
About: How does Spinelli help
you visualize this chapters
setting? Use specific examples
from the text to support your
response.
Spinelli uses many descriptive

words and phrases to describe
the setting. Some examples
include the following: snowflakes
remind him of moths, he wades
through it (the snow) as he
would the surf at the beach, and
the black canyon of
housefronts, etc.
Beyond: Why is Zinkoff so

determined to find Claudia?

wants to find her because he
cares about his neighbors and
can relate to her escaping.
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff

know that Claudia is in the
alley?

details from the text. Perhaps
he is wishful thinking on his
part. He convinces himself that
she would be in a quiet area,
hiding.
Beyond: How does Claudia

remind you of a young Zinkoff?
Claudia and Zinkoff are similar

because as young people, they
both wanted to escape from
their mothers and be free. They

both run off without their
parents. Only Claudia is really
lost.
Within: When looking for
Claudia, why does Zinkoff
whisper rather than yell out for
her?
He does not want to scare her

and prevent her from coming out
of her hiding spot. Maybe he
wants to make it more of a game
so that she will play along and
come out.
Chapter 26: What a Kid Is

Pg. 181-186
About: His pockets feel the
same as his hands, cold and wet.
Why does Spinelli describe
Zinkoffs hands in this way?
(182)
His hands are cold because of

the winter weather and wet
because of the snow and his
sweat (from nervousness).
Beyond: Discuss Zinkoffs

parents strategy in allowing
Polly to run away from home.
What is your opinion about this?
(184)
Zinkoffs parents allowed Polly

to run and not stop her;
however, they would follow her.
Similar to a rebellious child-the
more parents enforce rules and
put restraints on their children,
more likely to go against them.
Within: How will Pollys

experience with running away
help him figure out Claudias
location? (185)
Zinkoff realized that Polly and

other children run away because
they want to be caught and the
same goes for jumping. He
knows that Claudia is no longer
running but has stopped
somewhere like hide and seek.
Beyond: Why is Zinkoff so

concerned about his lucky
stone? (185-186)
It is lucky, so he believes that

he will find Claudia with the
stones assistance. He still needs
some good luck in the future as
well besides finding Claudia.
Beyond: Where do you think

Zinkoff will find Claudia? (186)

Chapter 27: Himself

Pg. 187-196
Beyond: Describe how Zinkoffs
emotions have changed at the
start of this chapter. (188)
Before Zinkoff was worried but

remaining calm and thinking of
where Claudia might be. Now,
Zinkoff begins screaming for
her and wants to be done with
the search. He sounds more
desperate at this point.
About: What does Spinelli mean

when he says, There will be no
more Waiters on the nine
hundred block of Willow? (192193)
He is referring to the Waiting

Man that also lives on their
block.
Beyond: What was Zinkoff going

through while searching for
Claudia? (192-196)
He was becoming exhausted

from searching for so long and
from the cold weather. He is
almost hallucinating because he
is recalling memories that
occurred previously in the book.
Beyond: Why did the police grab

Zinkoff rather than continue
finding Claudia? (196)
The police were actually

searching for Zinkoff rather
than Claudia. Claudia was found
soon after she left her house;
however, Zinkoff had been
missing for hours.
Chapter 28: Grounded

Pg. 197-205
Within: What is ironic about the
sirens and lights searching for
Claudia? (200-201)
The sirens and lights are

actually searching for him. Little
does Zinkoff know that as he
wanders for Claudia in the
alleys, he is making it harder to
be found by the police.
Within: How do his parents

respond to this incident? (202)
Even though he was trying to

find Claudia, Zinkoffs parents
ground him for not returning
home on time and are worried
about his well-being.

Zinkoffs lucky stone is so
important to him after the
Claudia incident?


Claudia chose to hide in the car
in a garage? Where would you go
if you were Claudia?

Chapter 29: Still There

Pg. 206-210
Within: Why did Zinkoff think
his dads searching was a piece
of cake? (207)
Zinkoffs dad was used to

delivering the mail in all types of
weather, including snow and
sleet, so he should be used to it.
Beyond: Why does Zinkoff look

outside at the stars after his
parents go to bed? (210)

details from the text. The stars
make him relax because after he
sees them, he goes right to
sleep.
Beyond: How do you predict the

book will end? Will Zinkoff
continue to be looked at as a
loser? (210)

Chapter 30: Zinkoff

Pg. 211-218
About: Why does Spinelli
introduce Tuttle and Bonce in
the last chapter of the book?
(212)

details from the text. It gives
the reader a different
perspective on what others
think of Zinkoff. It is a
viewpoint from Zinkoffs peers.
Within: While the three boys

are talking about Zinkoff, what
They mention him searching for

a little girl for 7 hours, that he
things do they mention that

make him different than most
kids? (214-215)
likes school, going early to

school, etc.
Beyond: Why does Bonce allow

Zinkoff to join his team? (217)

details from the text. He
considers how generous and
brave Zinkoff was for looking
for Claudia for 7 hours in the
freezing weather. Choosing him
for his team is the least he can
do.
About: Why does Spinelli end

the book this way? (218)

details from the text. Its a
good way to end because
Zinkoff was finally chosen to
participate in something and
probably feels accepted.
About: How does the design of

the cover of the book connect
with the story thats inside it?

details from the text. The scene
of the front cover is clearly a
chalkboard located in a
classroom. Much of the story
takes place at school and this is
where the title of the book
comes into play. Loser is
slightly rubbed off the board
because it can be debated
whether or not Zinkoff is one as
well as times when he acts in
ways that are like a loser
according to classmates.

Loser Guided Reading Lesson Plan All

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Loser

Guided Reading Lesson Plan ALL

Activate/Build Prior Knowledge (Whole group discussion or turn and talk):

Chapter 1: You Grow Up

It is evident that the narrator

Beyond: Why does Zinkoff go

The narrator mentions that he

Chapter 2: The Bright Wide

Answers may vary. Students

Beyond: Describe how Zinkoff

Zinkoff runs away, thrilled and

The author wants the reader to

Beyond: Why dont Zinkoff and

The children are still young that

Beyond: The author lists a

Answers may vary. Students

Chapter 4: Zinkoffs First Day

Zinkoff: loves his hat and

About: What does Miss Meeks

Not only when wearing the hat,

Beyond: How does Zinkoffs

Most young students are a little

Chapter 5: All Aboard

Answers may vary. Students

Within: What things does Miss

She shows how to multiply in

About: Why does the author use

Miss Meeks is retiring after

Beyond: Why was Zinkoffs

The teacher is concerned that

The older kid appears to be a

Beyond: How does the redhaired boys teasing backfire on

The red-haired boy tells Zinkoff

Beyond: Why do you think

She is overjoyed that her son

Within: Give at least one

Answers may vary. Students

About: Why does the author

Answers may vary. Students

Zinkoff is excited about

About: Why do you think the

Zinkoff is an unusual name.

Within: What tickles Zinkoff

The sound of a funny word

Beyond: How would your

Miss Meekss report is a mixed

Chapter 8: Two New Friends

+: They are allowing him to be

Within: Describe Zinkoffs

He thinks that Andrew will have

used to win Andrews friendship.

doodle he bakes. He wants

Within: What problem does

Zinkoff was born with an upsidedown valve in his stomach, which

Beyond: How would you describe

Answers may vary. Students

Soccer is a free-for-all game, so

Beyond: Why do you think

Answers may vary. Students

Within: What generous offer

He offers his trophy to Andrew.

Beyond: What does this tell you