1.  Glared (Page 2, Paragraph 1)

Sentence from the Book:  “Mrs. North glared at Nick.  ‘I will leave detailed instructions for the substitute,’ she warned.  ‘And if any of you misbehave, I will know about it.  That means you, Nick.’”

Part of Speech:  Verb

Meaning of the Word:  Stared

Definition of the Word:  A harsh, intimidating stare

Explanation of How the Word Adds Meaning to the Text:  The word “glared” adds meaning to the text by describing the intense body language of Mrs. North as she communicated expectations of good behavior to the class.

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2.  Kennel (Page 3, Paragraph 11)

Sentence from the Book:  “‘I ‘m going to need someone to take care of Waldo while I’m away,’ said Mrs. North.  ‘I was going to put him in a kennel, but he’s such an old dog.  It would be so much nicer if he could stay home.’”

Part of Speech:  Noun

Meaning of the Word:  A place where pets are boarded temporarily while owners are out of town or, for other reasons, are unable to care for their animals.

Definition of the Word:  A shelter or lodge where dogs and cats are bred, trained, and/or boarded

Explanation of How the Word Adds Meaning to the Text:  The word “kennel” adds meaning to the text by explaining why Mrs. North wanted Marvin to keep Waldo.  Since Waldo was an old dog, Mrs. North wanted him to stay in an environment in which he felt comfortable, instead of being placed in a strange, unfamiliar place, such as a kennel.

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3.  Swished (Page 10, Paragraph 4)

Sentence from the Book:  “Waldo was waiting for them.  His long tail swished slowly behind him.”

Part of Speech:  Verb

Meaning of the Word:  Moved back and forth in a flowing sweep or motion

Definition of the Word:  A rustling or whisking movement or sound as an object moves back and forth through the air

Explanation of How the Word Adds Meaning to the Text:  The word “swished” adds meaning to the text by allowing the reader to visualize and hear the sound of Waldo’s tail, as it moves back and forth in a brisk motion.  In addition, the word encourages the reader to realize that the swishing of Waldo’s tail illustrates his happy or gleeful mood.

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4.  Stale (Page 13, Paragraph 4)

Sentence from the Book:  “‘Would you like something to eat?’ she asked.  ‘I’ve got chocolate chip cookies.’  ‘I’ll be gone a week, and they’ll go stale if nobody eats them.’”

Part of Speech:  Adjective

Meaning of the Word:  Old or outdated food and beverages that have lost freshness or flavor

Definition of the Word:  Not fresh; flat, dry, or hardened food and beverages

Explanation of How the Word Adds Meaning to the Text:  The word “stale” adds meaning to the text by describing the state of uneaten chocolate chip cookies.  Mrs. North persuades Marvin to eat chocolate chip cookies by telling him that they will waste, or become staled, if left uneaten.

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5.  Nuzzled (Page 19, Paragraph 5)

Sentence from the Book:  “Waldo didn’t want Marvin to stop petting him.  Every time Marvin stopped, Waldo whined and nuzzled Marvin for more.”

Part of Speech:  Verb

Meaning of the Word:  To gently or affectionately rub up against a person or object

Definition of the Word:  To cuddle or snuggle up; to burrow or root with the nose or snout

Explanation of How the Word Adds Meaning to the Text:  The word “nuzzled” adds meaning to the text by vividly describing the actions of Waldo as he prompted Marvin to continue scratching and petting him.  In addition, the word “nuzzled” is included in the text to illustrate the affectionate feelings of Waldo toward Marvin.

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