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The A+ Custodian
The A+ Custodian: Louise Borden, Margaret K. McElderry Books-Simon and Schuster, 2004
Grade Level: 3rd-5th
ISBN: 0-689-84995-8 Cost: $15.95
Synopsis:
Through their early morning contact with the school custodian, Zack and Gracie learn of his commitment to his job and their school…Together they devise a plan to recognize his hard work.
General Review:
Using a common situation and a simple growth of awareness from the main characters, a believable plot unfolds with a realistic conclusion.
Themes: Work Ethic, Craftsmanship, Careers, Recognition of Work, Awards
Author Information:
www.louiseborden.com Site has author biography and discussion about other titles written.
www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?sid=33&pid=487154 Site has summary of The A+ Custodian.
Discussion Questions: Standard 3, Benchmark 3
- What job skills does a custodian need?
- What are the responsibilities of a custodian?
- What does the word custodian mean?
- Why did Gracie and Zack follow Mr. Carillo around the school?
- Why did Dublin School decide to honor Mr. Carillo?
Activity Suggestions:
Standard 4 Benchmark 1 (Careers)
1. Ask a custodian or custodial supervisor to visit with students about job requirements for the position. Discuss workload, hours, safety issues, areas of expertise, level of education, and additional training required.
Standard 3 Benchmark 3 (Problem Solving)
2. Initiate a discussion with students about respect for work done in various other departments of the school ( food service, transportation, office staff, health services, as well as custodial).
Standard 2 Benchmark 2 ( Fact, Opinion, point of view)
3. Utilize another title from the list below and compare/contrast the point of view of the main character(s) to Zack and Gracie in The A+ Custodian.
Repeat the compare/contrast activity for the value placed on the work done by custodial staff.
Custodians by Debbie Yanuck
Custodian from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler
Janitor’s Boy by Andrew Clements
Feet in the Gym by Daniels
Follow up:
Allow students to plan and execute a recognition day for custodial and/or other support staff.
