CHAPTER 1: ROSCOE'S DISAPPEARANCE
Preview
Discuss the following:
Do you have a pet? Describe the most important trait of your pet. Has he/she ever been lost? How did you find him?
What are the different ways a dog communicates with his owner? For example, when he wags his tail, what does it mean?
Vocabulary
1. intentionally (to do something on purpose)
2. animal shelter (a place that stray animals are taken)
3. burrs (part of burdock weed, the size of a marble, that sticks to clothes and fur)
4. fend (to take care of himself)
5. ventured (take a risk)
Questions
1. Why can't Belle concentrate on her science homework? (her dog is missing)
2. Why does Dad tell the kids to just ignore the stray dog in their yard?
(they wouldn't make friends and the dog would go home)
3. What are the clues that make Dad change his mind and feed the dog?
(still at their house, no collar, burrs in his fur)
4. What are the steps the dog takes to become a full family member?
(came up on porch, came into house, slept on Belle's bed)
Follow-up
Find and explain each of the following colorful expressions used:
"I felt my tummy growling" (stomach makes digestive noises when hungry)
"wolfed down the food" (ate very fast, like a wolf, afraid food will be stolen)
"roly poly" (round & plump)
Time Lapse:
The author goes back in time to show the reader how Roscoe joined the family. How is this structurally done? (double space before and after going back in time)
Predictions:
Do you think the family will find Roscoe?
What do you think happened to him?
CHAPTER 2: ROSCOE'S TREASURE
Summary of story so far
Belle is very upset because the family dog Roscoe is missing, and she discusses her concerns with Dad while setting the table for supper. She remembers how Roscoe, a stray, joined the family. Dad tells her he'll try to find the dog the next day.
Preview
1. What would you consider a very special treasure?
2. When you have a special treasure, how do you make sure that no one takes it away from you?
Vocabulary
1. pranced (strut, walk proudly)
2. cooed (talked in special voice of love)
3. denture (a set of false teeth)
4. tizzy (upset)
Questions
1. Describe Roscoe's behavior when he returns home. (prancing, possessive, proud)
2. How does Belle get the denture away from Roscoe? (distracts with treat)
3. Why does Roscoe take the teeth? (attracted to the smell)
4. Why does a person wear false teeth? Why usually an older person? (teeth don't always last a lifetime, poor dental care or gum problems)
5. What is the parents' concern? (Roscoe may have gone into someone's house)
6. Explain these colorful expressions
"tearing through the kitchen" (running fast)
"talking a mile a minute" (talking very fast because excited)
"teeth have outlived their warranty" (guarantee, teeth didn't last as long as the
person lived)
Follow-up
Prediction - how do you think Roscoe got the teeth? In small groups, discuss a likely explanation.
CHAPTER 3: THE SEARCH BEGINS
Summary of story so far
The following Saturday, Roscoe, the family dog returns after being gone for 4 days. He is carrying a set of false teeth (a denture) in his mouth. When Belle gets the denture away, she shows it to Mom who cleans it off. The family tries to decide how Roscoe got the teeth and what they should do with them.
Preview
Have you, a friend, or a family member ever lost something of value? What were the steps you took to find the item?
Vocabulary
1. charmed (acting especially sweet)
2. stately (dignified, fancy)
3. Holsteins (black & white dairy cows)
4. reluctantly (not really wanting to)
5. sensitive (touchy, quick to be offended)
6. slurped (eating noisily)
Questions
1. Explain the specific details of the 1st plan to find the owner of the teeth
(family splits up and asks the neighbors if they are missing a denture)
2. What background information do you learn about the Swensons?
(older, 6 grown children, had herd of Holsteins but sold, same church, friendly)
3. Why do the Swensons get angry at Belle?
(offended that she asks if they wear false teeth. Too personal a question. They are
proud that they still have their real teeth)
4. What is their next plan to find the owner? (put an ad in the newspaper)
Follow-up
Think of a better way to find out if an elderly person is missing his/her denture. Demonstrate with a classmate.
What are other questions that are too personal to ask?
CHAPTER 4: LEADS
Summary of story so far
Roscoe, the family dog returns after several days missing, carrying a denture in his mouth. Mom and Dad want to find the owner, knowing the denture is vital and expensive. They divide up and visit the neighbors. Belle angers the Swensons when she asks if they're missing their teeth. None of them find the owner. Mom suggests putting an ad in the newspaper.
Preview
Discuss what you know about teeth problems and dentures.
Vocabulary
1. identification (some method to connect the denture to the owner)
2. frantically (with great energy out of fear)
3. a partial (denture in which there are spaces for the real teeth that still remain)
4. defensively (defending that she still has some of her teeth)
Questions
1. Why does Dad decide to put an ad in the local paper? (elderly people are more likely to
read the paper as a mean of finding their missing denture.)
2. What other idea to find the owner does he get while talking to Mr. Cardova?
(contact all the dentists to check with their patients about missing a denture)
3. How does Belle learn that Grandma wears dentures? (she mentions her dentures in
response to their story of Roscoe's treasure)
4. How does Grandma keep her denture in place? (she attaches them to her teeth and
snaps them in place and uses a glue-type material)
Follow-up
Look through the classified section of your local newspaper and think about the following:
1. What important information needs to be included in an ad?
2. Under what category would a person list a denture ?
Write a short ad for Belle and her family about the false teeth that they would like to return to the owner. Share your results.
CHAPTER 5: VISITING THE DENTIST
Summary of story so far
Belle and her family are working to find the owner of the denture plate that their dog Roscoe brought home after a few days of wondering. They first check with the neighbors and then put an ad in the paper. Grandma visits and Belle learns she wears a denture plate too.
Preview
How much do you pay attention to teeth? What specific characteristics do you notice about people's teeth?
Vocabulary
1. receptionist (person who runs the front desk in a business)
2. reassuringly (to convince in a comforting way)
3. impatiently (having trouble waiting)
4. gigantic (very big)
5. relayed (passing along)
6. insert (to place into)
Questions
1. Why is Rosa Butler reluctant to tell Dr. Trbovich about the visitors? (doesn't want
to bother her if it's not important)
2. What is the cost of dentures today, according to the dentist? ($1600)
3. What new technology would help prevent a problem with lost dentures?
(laser ID on each denture that would be connected to owner)
4. What is the "cliff-hanger" at the end? Why does the author use this technique?
(denture is missing. To keep the reader interested and anxious for next chapter)
Follow-up
Look at images of dentures online. See if you can tell the difference between an upper and a lower? If possible, invite a dentist to visit and explain how a denture is made.
Research denture ID. How does it work? How much is it used today?
CHAPTER 6: FINDING THE MISSING DENTURE
Summary of story so far
Belle and her family continue to look for the owner of the denture that Roscoe brought home. Dad takes Belle with him to the dentist and asks her to check with all her patients that wear dentures to see if anyone is missing his plate. All four dentists in town agree to help. But then one evening, Belle discovers that the teeth are missing.
Preview
Think of a time at recess when play turned into trouble. Why are problems more likely to occur during free playtime. Think of a time when you teased or were teased. What was the cause? How did you feel?
Vocabulary
1. unsightly (very unpleasant to look at)
2. "teachable moment" (opportunity for teacher to give a lesson spontaneously)
Questions
1. Why is the owner of the teeth more likely a woman than a man? (women live longer
than men and older people are more likely to wear dentures)
2. Why does Jordan take the teeth to school? (to show to his friend)
3. How do his friends cause problems at recess? (they won't give it back)
4. Why do you think Jordan doesn't tell his parents right away about the teeth?
(maybe just forgot or knew he'd get in trouble for taking them)
5. What new information about false teeth do the kids learn from Mrs. Williams?
(mold of real teeth, staining, brushing and soaking)
Follow-up
Making predictions: In small groups, discuss what might be the story behind the teeth. Share with the class.
CHAPTER 7: FLAT TIRE
Summary of story so far
Just when the family seems to have lost interest in the false teeth, Belle discovers the denture is missing. Everyone starts looking. It turns out that Jordan has it in his backpack. He took it to school to show his friends, who begin tossing it around at recess until the teacher make them go back inside. She uses the chance to teach the class some facts about false teeth.
Preview
Have you ever experienced a flat tire? Where were you? What was the situation? Who changed the tire? What are the steps to change a tire?
Have you ever done a good deed or had one done to you? Share.
Vocabulary
1. pothole (hole formed in road from cold weather)
2. stubble (facial hair when a man hasn't shave in a couple days)
3. clunking (heavy, dull sound)
4. efficient (easily handled task)
5. light bulb went off in her head (suddenly she put together the facts)
Questions
1. What is the significance of Dad forgetting his phone? (Mom can't call him when she
has the flat tire)
2. Why does Belle think the stranger is dangerous? How is this stereotyping?
(maybe tapping on window, hat low, black stubble)
3. How does Belle and her mom meet Dan? (he's taking his dad to the dentist, and they
call all the dentists in town and find him. They go to the dentist's office)
4. How does the flat tire connect with Roscoe's treasure? (they meet Dan who changes
tire and find out his dad is missing his denture plate.)
Follow-up
Why is this chapter a turning point in the story?
(After so many dead-ends, reader now feels that Belle might find the owner of
Roscoe's stolen teeth)
CHAPTER 8: LOOKING FOR DAN
Summary of story so far
By the second Saturday, Belle's mom has given up hope that they will find the owner of the teeth. She takes Belle to neighboring Marysville to grocery shop. They get a flat tire, and a stranger changes it for them. Just before departing, he mentions that he's taking his father to the dentist because he lost his teeth.
Preview
How might you track down a stranger in a small town?
Vocabulary
1. possibility (likely)
2. puzzled look (confused)
3. knit his brow (draw together eyebrows, a concerned look)
Questions
1. Why does Belle get angry at her mom? (Mom wants to give up searching for Dan)
2. How does Belle convince Mom to keep searching? (this is their very first real lead)
3. What does Mom decide to do? (call all the dentist offices in Marysville to see if
Dan is there with his father)
4. How do they reconnect with Dan? (they find Dan at the last dentist and go over
to talk to him there)
Follow-up
In small groups, discuss how you think the story will end?
CHAPTER 9: DAN'S STORY
Summary of story so far
Mom and Belle search for Dan's truck without success. Mom is ready to give up, but Belle convinces her that they're on the right track and should continue searching. They finally locate him with his dad at a dentist's office. They meet him face to face to see if they have found the right person
Preview
Think of something you own that you love - toy, stuffed animal, blanket, book. What makes you love that item? Do you think of it like a friend? Explain.
Vocabulary
1. reeling (feeling dizzy from the adventure)
2. desperation (feeling hopeless)
3. wrinkled his nose (push up nose with bad smell)
4. knocked out his lights (slang for hit the dog)
5. hassle (extra work it would take)
6. miraculous (to good to be true)
Questions
1. Where does the last scene take place? (At Belle's house for Sunday dinner)
2. Why did Grandpa's denture end up in the trash? (He hid it in his napkin so his son wouldn't know he took it out, they left restaurant, and it got thrown unknowingly in trash by waiter)
3. How did Roscoe actually get the teeth? (He knocked over the trash can in back alley and found the denture. He ran away with it)
4. What other issue, is Dan dealing with concerning his elderly dad? (He is unhappy that he had to move out of his house into an assisted living facility)
Follow-up
This last chapter, like the first chapter contains a "story within a story." What is the inside story here? Why did the author use this technique? With a partner, think of 2 story ideas. Try to put them together as a story within a story. Share
Share your feelings about this story
Preview
Discuss the following:
Do you have a pet? Describe the most important trait of your pet. Has he/she ever been lost? How did you find him?
What are the different ways a dog communicates with his owner? For example, when he wags his tail, what does it mean?
Vocabulary
1. intentionally (to do something on purpose)
2. animal shelter (a place that stray animals are taken)
3. burrs (part of burdock weed, the size of a marble, that sticks to clothes and fur)
4. fend (to take care of himself)
5. ventured (take a risk)
Questions
1. Why can't Belle concentrate on her science homework? (her dog is missing)
2. Why does Dad tell the kids to just ignore the stray dog in their yard?
(they wouldn't make friends and the dog would go home)
3. What are the clues that make Dad change his mind and feed the dog?
(still at their house, no collar, burrs in his fur)
4. What are the steps the dog takes to become a full family member?
(came up on porch, came into house, slept on Belle's bed)
Follow-up
Find and explain each of the following colorful expressions used:
"I felt my tummy growling" (stomach makes digestive noises when hungry)
"wolfed down the food" (ate very fast, like a wolf, afraid food will be stolen)
"roly poly" (round & plump)
Time Lapse:
The author goes back in time to show the reader how Roscoe joined the family. How is this structurally done? (double space before and after going back in time)
Predictions:
Do you think the family will find Roscoe?
What do you think happened to him?
CHAPTER 2: ROSCOE'S TREASURE
Summary of story so far
Belle is very upset because the family dog Roscoe is missing, and she discusses her concerns with Dad while setting the table for supper. She remembers how Roscoe, a stray, joined the family. Dad tells her he'll try to find the dog the next day.
Preview
1. What would you consider a very special treasure?
2. When you have a special treasure, how do you make sure that no one takes it away from you?
Vocabulary
1. pranced (strut, walk proudly)
2. cooed (talked in special voice of love)
3. denture (a set of false teeth)
4. tizzy (upset)
Questions
1. Describe Roscoe's behavior when he returns home. (prancing, possessive, proud)
2. How does Belle get the denture away from Roscoe? (distracts with treat)
3. Why does Roscoe take the teeth? (attracted to the smell)
4. Why does a person wear false teeth? Why usually an older person? (teeth don't always last a lifetime, poor dental care or gum problems)
5. What is the parents' concern? (Roscoe may have gone into someone's house)
6. Explain these colorful expressions
"tearing through the kitchen" (running fast)
"talking a mile a minute" (talking very fast because excited)
"teeth have outlived their warranty" (guarantee, teeth didn't last as long as the
person lived)
Follow-up
Prediction - how do you think Roscoe got the teeth? In small groups, discuss a likely explanation.
CHAPTER 3: THE SEARCH BEGINS
Summary of story so far
The following Saturday, Roscoe, the family dog returns after being gone for 4 days. He is carrying a set of false teeth (a denture) in his mouth. When Belle gets the denture away, she shows it to Mom who cleans it off. The family tries to decide how Roscoe got the teeth and what they should do with them.
Preview
Have you, a friend, or a family member ever lost something of value? What were the steps you took to find the item?
Vocabulary
1. charmed (acting especially sweet)
2. stately (dignified, fancy)
3. Holsteins (black & white dairy cows)
4. reluctantly (not really wanting to)
5. sensitive (touchy, quick to be offended)
6. slurped (eating noisily)
Questions
1. Explain the specific details of the 1st plan to find the owner of the teeth
(family splits up and asks the neighbors if they are missing a denture)
2. What background information do you learn about the Swensons?
(older, 6 grown children, had herd of Holsteins but sold, same church, friendly)
3. Why do the Swensons get angry at Belle?
(offended that she asks if they wear false teeth. Too personal a question. They are
proud that they still have their real teeth)
4. What is their next plan to find the owner? (put an ad in the newspaper)
Follow-up
Think of a better way to find out if an elderly person is missing his/her denture. Demonstrate with a classmate.
What are other questions that are too personal to ask?
CHAPTER 4: LEADS
Summary of story so far
Roscoe, the family dog returns after several days missing, carrying a denture in his mouth. Mom and Dad want to find the owner, knowing the denture is vital and expensive. They divide up and visit the neighbors. Belle angers the Swensons when she asks if they're missing their teeth. None of them find the owner. Mom suggests putting an ad in the newspaper.
Preview
Discuss what you know about teeth problems and dentures.
Vocabulary
1. identification (some method to connect the denture to the owner)
2. frantically (with great energy out of fear)
3. a partial (denture in which there are spaces for the real teeth that still remain)
4. defensively (defending that she still has some of her teeth)
Questions
1. Why does Dad decide to put an ad in the local paper? (elderly people are more likely to
read the paper as a mean of finding their missing denture.)
2. What other idea to find the owner does he get while talking to Mr. Cardova?
(contact all the dentists to check with their patients about missing a denture)
3. How does Belle learn that Grandma wears dentures? (she mentions her dentures in
response to their story of Roscoe's treasure)
4. How does Grandma keep her denture in place? (she attaches them to her teeth and
snaps them in place and uses a glue-type material)
Follow-up
Look through the classified section of your local newspaper and think about the following:
1. What important information needs to be included in an ad?
2. Under what category would a person list a denture ?
Write a short ad for Belle and her family about the false teeth that they would like to return to the owner. Share your results.
CHAPTER 5: VISITING THE DENTIST
Summary of story so far
Belle and her family are working to find the owner of the denture plate that their dog Roscoe brought home after a few days of wondering. They first check with the neighbors and then put an ad in the paper. Grandma visits and Belle learns she wears a denture plate too.
Preview
How much do you pay attention to teeth? What specific characteristics do you notice about people's teeth?
Vocabulary
1. receptionist (person who runs the front desk in a business)
2. reassuringly (to convince in a comforting way)
3. impatiently (having trouble waiting)
4. gigantic (very big)
5. relayed (passing along)
6. insert (to place into)
Questions
1. Why is Rosa Butler reluctant to tell Dr. Trbovich about the visitors? (doesn't want
to bother her if it's not important)
2. What is the cost of dentures today, according to the dentist? ($1600)
3. What new technology would help prevent a problem with lost dentures?
(laser ID on each denture that would be connected to owner)
4. What is the "cliff-hanger" at the end? Why does the author use this technique?
(denture is missing. To keep the reader interested and anxious for next chapter)
Follow-up
Look at images of dentures online. See if you can tell the difference between an upper and a lower? If possible, invite a dentist to visit and explain how a denture is made.
Research denture ID. How does it work? How much is it used today?
CHAPTER 6: FINDING THE MISSING DENTURE
Summary of story so far
Belle and her family continue to look for the owner of the denture that Roscoe brought home. Dad takes Belle with him to the dentist and asks her to check with all her patients that wear dentures to see if anyone is missing his plate. All four dentists in town agree to help. But then one evening, Belle discovers that the teeth are missing.
Preview
Think of a time at recess when play turned into trouble. Why are problems more likely to occur during free playtime. Think of a time when you teased or were teased. What was the cause? How did you feel?
Vocabulary
1. unsightly (very unpleasant to look at)
2. "teachable moment" (opportunity for teacher to give a lesson spontaneously)
Questions
1. Why is the owner of the teeth more likely a woman than a man? (women live longer
than men and older people are more likely to wear dentures)
2. Why does Jordan take the teeth to school? (to show to his friend)
3. How do his friends cause problems at recess? (they won't give it back)
4. Why do you think Jordan doesn't tell his parents right away about the teeth?
(maybe just forgot or knew he'd get in trouble for taking them)
5. What new information about false teeth do the kids learn from Mrs. Williams?
(mold of real teeth, staining, brushing and soaking)
Follow-up
Making predictions: In small groups, discuss what might be the story behind the teeth. Share with the class.
CHAPTER 7: FLAT TIRE
Summary of story so far
Just when the family seems to have lost interest in the false teeth, Belle discovers the denture is missing. Everyone starts looking. It turns out that Jordan has it in his backpack. He took it to school to show his friends, who begin tossing it around at recess until the teacher make them go back inside. She uses the chance to teach the class some facts about false teeth.
Preview
Have you ever experienced a flat tire? Where were you? What was the situation? Who changed the tire? What are the steps to change a tire?
Have you ever done a good deed or had one done to you? Share.
Vocabulary
1. pothole (hole formed in road from cold weather)
2. stubble (facial hair when a man hasn't shave in a couple days)
3. clunking (heavy, dull sound)
4. efficient (easily handled task)
5. light bulb went off in her head (suddenly she put together the facts)
Questions
1. What is the significance of Dad forgetting his phone? (Mom can't call him when she
has the flat tire)
2. Why does Belle think the stranger is dangerous? How is this stereotyping?
(maybe tapping on window, hat low, black stubble)
3. How does Belle and her mom meet Dan? (he's taking his dad to the dentist, and they
call all the dentists in town and find him. They go to the dentist's office)
4. How does the flat tire connect with Roscoe's treasure? (they meet Dan who changes
tire and find out his dad is missing his denture plate.)
Follow-up
Why is this chapter a turning point in the story?
(After so many dead-ends, reader now feels that Belle might find the owner of
Roscoe's stolen teeth)
CHAPTER 8: LOOKING FOR DAN
Summary of story so far
By the second Saturday, Belle's mom has given up hope that they will find the owner of the teeth. She takes Belle to neighboring Marysville to grocery shop. They get a flat tire, and a stranger changes it for them. Just before departing, he mentions that he's taking his father to the dentist because he lost his teeth.
Preview
How might you track down a stranger in a small town?
Vocabulary
1. possibility (likely)
2. puzzled look (confused)
3. knit his brow (draw together eyebrows, a concerned look)
Questions
1. Why does Belle get angry at her mom? (Mom wants to give up searching for Dan)
2. How does Belle convince Mom to keep searching? (this is their very first real lead)
3. What does Mom decide to do? (call all the dentist offices in Marysville to see if
Dan is there with his father)
4. How do they reconnect with Dan? (they find Dan at the last dentist and go over
to talk to him there)
Follow-up
In small groups, discuss how you think the story will end?
CHAPTER 9: DAN'S STORY
Summary of story so far
Mom and Belle search for Dan's truck without success. Mom is ready to give up, but Belle convinces her that they're on the right track and should continue searching. They finally locate him with his dad at a dentist's office. They meet him face to face to see if they have found the right person
Preview
Think of something you own that you love - toy, stuffed animal, blanket, book. What makes you love that item? Do you think of it like a friend? Explain.
Vocabulary
1. reeling (feeling dizzy from the adventure)
2. desperation (feeling hopeless)
3. wrinkled his nose (push up nose with bad smell)
4. knocked out his lights (slang for hit the dog)
5. hassle (extra work it would take)
6. miraculous (to good to be true)
Questions
1. Where does the last scene take place? (At Belle's house for Sunday dinner)
2. Why did Grandpa's denture end up in the trash? (He hid it in his napkin so his son wouldn't know he took it out, they left restaurant, and it got thrown unknowingly in trash by waiter)
3. How did Roscoe actually get the teeth? (He knocked over the trash can in back alley and found the denture. He ran away with it)
4. What other issue, is Dan dealing with concerning his elderly dad? (He is unhappy that he had to move out of his house into an assisted living facility)
Follow-up
This last chapter, like the first chapter contains a "story within a story." What is the inside story here? Why did the author use this technique? With a partner, think of 2 story ideas. Try to put them together as a story within a story. Share
Share your feelings about this story