1. I Met a Rat of Culture
How does the poet feel about the rat in the poem? How can you tell?
Do you think the rat in the poem would make a good pet? Why or why not?
Which of the rats qualities impressed you the most? Why?
Were you surprised by the way the poem ended? Explain.

2. Question of the Day
Day 1: What does the saying “Better safe than sorry” mean? Do you agree? Why or why not?
Day 2: What do you like about being part of a team? What do you dislike?
Day 3: Many of Officer Buckle’s safety tips are based on common sense. What are some common sense safety rules for home?

3. Question of the Day
Day 4: Officer Buckle says Gloria is his buddy. What are some words that have the same meaning as buddy? What is a word that has the opposite meaning?
Day 5: Gloria teams up with Officer Buckle to help him do his job. In what other ways do animals team up with people and what do they do?

4. Vocabulary
department: a separate part of a large organization, such as a government or business
audience: a group of people who gather to see or hear a performance, such as a play
obeys: carries out wishes, orders, or instructions

5. Vocabulary commands: directions or orders
expression: a way of speaking that shows feeling
accident: something bad that happens without being planned
noticed: became aware of; saw for the first time