Paul Holmes -
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English Professor

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The Peculiar Pineapple Parade

The Peculiar Pineapple Parade brings joy and unity to the magical land of Fruitopia.

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Once upon a time, in the magical land of Fruitopia, there lived a group of pineapples who were unlike any other pineapples in the world. These pineapples had vibrant colors and could speak with the animals of the forest. One sunny day, the pineapple friends named Perry, Polly, and Peter decided to organize the very first Peculiar Pineapple Parade.

As news of the parade spread throughout Fruitopia, excitement grew. Animals from all over the land decided to join in the festivities. Monkeys practiced swinging from tree branches, elephants practiced their trumpet melodies, and flamingos practiced their graceful dance moves. The entire town of Fruitopia buzzed with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the start of the parade.

On the day of the parade, everything seemed perfect. The sun shone brightly, and the aroma of delicious fruits filled the air. However, just as the parade was about to begin, a fierce storm suddenly appeared, threatening to ruin all the fun. Strong winds blew, causing chaos and panic. The pineapple friends knew they had to improvise and quickly came up with a solution.

Using their special abilities, the pineapples summoned their animal friends and together, they formed a giant umbrella made of leaves. The animals held the umbrella with all their might, protecting the entire parade from the pouring rain. The unexpected turn of events only made the parade even more exciting and memorable.

As the animals and pineapples paraded through the streets of Fruitopia, singing and dancing, the townspeople cheered and smiled. They realized that even in the face of unexpected challenges, unity and resourcefulness could prevail. The pineapple friends taught everyone that in life, it is important to adapt and find creative solutions to overcome any obstacle.

After the parade, the grateful townspeople thanked the pineapples and animals for saving the day. From that moment on, the Peculiar Pineapple Parade became an annual event, reminding everyone of the importance of staying positive and working together.

And so, the pineapples of Fruitopia continued to brighten the lives of the villagers, not only with their peculiar appearances and abilities but also with their remarkable spirit of resilience. The Peculiar Pineapple Parade became a symbol of hope and joy, reminding everyone that even in the most peculiar of circumstances, there is always a way to make life a little sweeter.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1magicalHaving a special charm or enchantment
2vibrantFull of energy and life; bright and striking
3festivitiesCelebrations or parties
4anticipationThe feeling of looking forward to something with excitement
5aromaA pleasant and distinctive smell
6fierceVery aggressive or intense
7chaosComplete disorder and confusion
8improviseTo create or do something without preparation
9solutionAn answer to a problem
10memorableWorth remembering or easily remembered
11unityThe state of being united or joined as a whole
12resourcefulnessThe ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
13adaptTo adjust or modify to suit new conditions
14creativeInvolving the use of imagination to produce new ideas
15resilienceThe capacity to recover quickly from difficulties

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What made the pineapples in Fruitopia different from other pineapples?
2. What did the animals in Fruitopia do to prepare for the parade?
3. What happened just as the parade was about to begin?
4. How did the pineapple friends handle the unexpected storm?
5. How did the townspeople react to the parade?
6. What did the pineapple friends teach everyone through their actions?
7. How did the townspeople show their gratitude to the pineapples and animals?
8. What did the Peculiar Pineapple Parade symbolize in Fruitopia?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Fruitopia, there lived a group of pineapples who were unlike any other pineapples in the (1)______. These pineapples had vibrant (2)______ and could speak with the animals of the forest. One (3)______ day, the pineapple friends named Perry, Polly, and Peter (4)______ to organize the very first Peculiar Pineapple Parade.

As news of the parade spread throughout Fruitopia, excitement grew. Animals from all over the land decided to join in the festivities. Monkeys practiced swinging from tree branches, elephants practiced their trumpet melodies, and flamingos practiced their graceful dance moves. The entire town of Fruitopia buzzed with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the start of the parade.

On the day of the parade, everything seemed perfect. The sun shone brightly, and the aroma of delicious fruits filled the air. However, just as the parade was about to begin, a fierce storm suddenly (5)______, threatening to ruin all the fun. Strong (6)______ blew, causing chaos and panic. The pineapple friends knew they had to improvise and quickly came up with a solution.

Using their special abilities, the pineapples (7)______ their animal friends and together, they (8)______ a giant umbrella made of leaves. The animals held the umbrella with all their might, (9)______ the (10)______ (11)______ from the pouring rain. The unexpected turn of events only made the parade even more exciting and memorable.

As the animals and pineapples paraded through the streets of Fruitopia, singing and dancing, the townspeople cheered and smiled. They realized that even in the face of unexpected challenges, unity and resourcefulness could prevail. The pineapple (12)______ taught everyone that in life, it is important to adapt and find creative solutions to overcome any obstacle.

After the parade, the grateful townspeople thanked the (13)______ and animals for saving the day. From that moment on, the Peculiar Pineapple (14)______ became an annual (15)______, reminding everyone of the importance of staying positive and working together.

And so, the pineapples of Fruitopia continued to brighten the lives of the villagers, not only with their peculiar (16)______ and abilities but also with their remarkable spirit of resilience. The Peculiar Pineapple Parade became a symbol of hope and joy, reminding everyone that even in the most peculiar of circumstances, there is always a way to make life a little sweeter.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your favorite festival or parade in your country? Why?
2. How would you feel if you could speak with animals? Why or why not?
3. Do you think it’s important for communities to come together and celebrate? Why or why not?
4. What creative solutions have you come up with in unexpected situations? How did they turn out?
5. How do you think the townspeople felt when the pineapple friends saved the parade? Why?
6. Do you think it’s important to stay positive in difficult situations? Why or why not?
7. Have you ever organized an event or celebration? How did it go? Why or why not?
8. What other abilities or powers would you like to have? Why?
9. How do you think the pineapple friends felt when they saw the storm approaching? Why?
10. Do you think the Peculiar Pineapple Parade would have been as memorable if there was no storm? Why or why not?
11. Have you ever experienced a situation where you had to adapt and find a creative solution? What was it? How did it turn out?
12. What lessons can we learn from the pineapple friends and the Peculiar Pineapple Parade? Why do you think these lessons are important?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. magical
2. vibrant
3. festivities
4. anticipation
5. aroma
6. fierce
7. chaos
8. improvise
9. solution
10. memorable
11. unity
12. resourcefulness
13. adapt
14. creative
15. resilience

Meanings:
(A) To adjust or modify to suit new conditions
(B) The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
(C) The feeling of looking forward to something with excitement
(D) Complete disorder and confusion
(E) Celebrations or parties
(F) The state of being united or joined as a whole
(G) Worth remembering or easily remembered
(H) Full of energy and life; bright and striking
(I) Involving the use of imagination to produce new ideas
(J) The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
(K) Having a special charm or enchantment
(L) A pleasant and distinctive smell
(M) Very aggressive or intense
(N) To create or do something without preparation
(O) An answer to a problem
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What made the pineapples in Fruitopia different from other pineapples?
(a) They had vibrant colors and could speak with animals.
(b) They were larger than other pineapples.
(c) They grew on trees instead of in the ground.
(d) They had a sweet and tangy taste.

2. What did the animals in Fruitopia do to prepare for the parade?
(a) Elephants practiced their trumpet melodies.
(b) Flamingos practiced their graceful dance moves.
(c) Monkeys practiced swinging from tree branches.
(d) All of the above.

3. What threatened to ruin the Peculiar Pineapple Parade?
(a) A shortage of pineapples.
(b) A lack of interest from the townspeople.
(c) A disagreement among the pineapple friends.
(d) A fierce storm.

4. How did the pineapple friends improvise when the storm appeared?
(a) They summoned their animal friends to form a giant umbrella.
(b) They cancelled the parade and rescheduled for another day.
(c) They hid indoors until the storm passed.
(d) They continued with the parade despite the rain.

5. What did the townspeople realize during the parade?
(a) Pineapples are the most delicious fruit in Fruitopia.
(b) Unity and resourcefulness can overcome unexpected challenges.
(c) The rain can make a parade even more exciting.
(d) Animals and pineapples make a great team.

6. How did the parade end?
(a) The pineapples and animals went their separate ways.
(b) The grateful townspeople thanked the pineapples and animals.
(c) The parade was interrupted by another storm.
(d) The townspeople joined the parade and danced along.

7. What did the Peculiar Pineapple Parade become after the first year?
(a) A weekly event.
(b) A one-time celebration.
(c) An annual event.
(d) A tradition celebrated in other lands.

8. What did the Peculiar Pineapple Parade symbolize?
(a) The importance of staying positive.
(b) The power of unity and resourcefulness.
(c) All of the above.
(d) Hope and joy.

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Animals from all over Fruitopia do not join in the parade, practicing their unique talents.
2. The townspeople do not cheer and smile as the animals and pineapples parade through the streets.
3. The Peculiar Pineapple Parade does not become an annual event, symbolizing hope and resilience.
4. The pineapple friends quickly come up with a solution to protect the parade from the rain.
5. A fierce storm suddenly appears, threatening to ruin the parade.
6. The expected turn of events does not make the parade even slightly exciting or memorable.
7. The pineapple friends named Perry, Polly, and Peter organize the first Peculiar Pineapple Parade.
8. The pineapples in Fruitopia have vibrant colors and can communicate with animals.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What made the pineapples in Fruitopia different from other pineapples?
The pineapples in Fruitopia had vibrant colors and the ability to speak with animals.

2. What did the animals in Fruitopia do to prepare for the parade?
The animals in Fruitopia practiced their skills, such as swinging from tree branches, playing instruments, and dancing.

3. What happened just as the parade was about to begin?
A fierce storm suddenly appeared, threatening to ruin the parade.

4. How did the pineapple friends handle the unexpected storm?
The pineapple friends summoned their animal friends and together, they formed a giant umbrella made of leaves to protect the parade from the rain.

5. How did the townspeople react to the parade?
The townspeople cheered and smiled as the animals and pineapples paraded through the streets of Fruitopia.

6. What did the pineapple friends teach everyone through their actions?
The pineapple friends taught everyone the importance of staying positive and finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles.

7. How did the townspeople show their gratitude to the pineapples and animals?
The townspeople thanked the pineapples and animals for saving the day after the parade.

8. What did the Peculiar Pineapple Parade symbolize in Fruitopia?
The Peculiar Pineapple Parade became a symbol of hope and joy, reminding everyone that even in difficult circumstances, there is always a way to make life sweeter.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) world
(2) colors
(3) sunny
(4) decided
(5) appeared
(6) winds
(7) summoned
(8) formed
(9) protecting
(10) entire
(11) parade
(12) friends
(13) pineapples
(14) Parade
(15) event
(16) appearances
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. magical
Answer: (K) Having a special charm or enchantment

2. vibrant
Answer: (H) Full of energy and life; bright and striking

3. festivities
Answer: (E) Celebrations or parties

4. anticipation
Answer: (C) The feeling of looking forward to something with excitement

5. aroma
Answer: (L) A pleasant and distinctive smell

6. fierce
Answer: (M) Very aggressive or intense

7. chaos
Answer: (D) Complete disorder and confusion

8. improvise
Answer: (N) To create or do something without preparation

9. solution
Answer: (O) An answer to a problem

10. memorable
Answer: (G) Worth remembering or easily remembered

11. unity
Answer: (F) The state of being united or joined as a whole

12. resourcefulness
Answer: (J) The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties

13. adapt
Answer: (A) To adjust or modify to suit new conditions

14. creative
Answer: (I) Involving the use of imagination to produce new ideas

15. resilience
Answer: (B) The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What made the pineapples in Fruitopia different from other pineapples?
Answer: (a) They had vibrant colors and could speak with animals.

2. What did the animals in Fruitopia do to prepare for the parade?
Answer: (c) Monkeys practiced swinging from tree branches.

3. What threatened to ruin the Peculiar Pineapple Parade?
Answer: (d) A fierce storm.

4. How did the pineapple friends improvise when the storm appeared?
Answer: (a) They summoned their animal friends to form a giant umbrella.

5. What did the townspeople realize during the parade?
Answer: (b) Unity and resourcefulness can overcome unexpected challenges.

6. How did the parade end?
Answer: (b) The grateful townspeople thanked the pineapples and animals.

7. What did the Peculiar Pineapple Parade become after the first year?
Answer: (c) An annual event.

8. What did the Peculiar Pineapple Parade symbolize?
Answer: (d) Hope and joy.
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Animals from all over Fruitopia do not join in the parade, practicing their unique talents. (Answer: False)
2. The townspeople do not cheer and smile as the animals and pineapples parade through the streets. (Answer: False)
3. The Peculiar Pineapple Parade does not become an annual event, symbolizing hope and resilience. (Answer: False)
4. The pineapple friends quickly come up with a solution to protect the parade from the rain. (Answer: True)
5. A fierce storm suddenly appears, threatening to ruin the parade. (Answer: True)
6. The expected turn of events does not make the parade even slightly exciting or memorable. (Answer: False)
7. The pineapple friends named Perry, Polly, and Peter organize the first Peculiar Pineapple Parade. (Answer: True)
8. The pineapples in Fruitopia have vibrant colors and can communicate with animals. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

In the magical land of Sprinkleville, a mischievous gnome named Minty Mischief plots to steal all the cupcakes from the famous cupcake castle, but a young girl named Ella is determined to stop him and save the town from chaos.

The Cupcake Castle Caper

In the magical land of Sprinkleville, a mischievous gnome named Minty Mischief plots to steal all the cupcakes from the famous cupcake castle, but a young girl named Ella is determined to stop him and save the town from chaos.

Stella the unicorn uses her magical rainbow to spread happiness and love to all creatures.

The Rainbow Bridge

Stella the unicorn uses her magical rainbow to spread happiness and love to all creatures.

A young girl named Lily embarks on a daring adventure to find a hidden harbor and discovers that true treasure lies in the simple pleasures of life.

The Hidden Harbor

A young girl named Lily embarks on a daring adventure to find a hidden harbor and discovers that true treasure lies in the simple pleasures of life.

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