Jelly Belly

Jelly Belly
Written by Robert Kimmel Smith
Published by Random House Children’s Books,

Self-acceptance, Obesity, Summer, Cheating, Determination

 

 

Awards:

SCASL Book Award (South Carolina) (Won, 1984)

Nene Award (Won, 1985)

 

Summary:

Ned Robbins has two problems, one he is overweight and the other is that he loves sweets, especially from his grandmother.  Now, he is in summer camp where his parents sent him to lose weight, but Ned has a different agenda, which includes sneaking and stealing yummy sweets.  Readers witness Ned struggle to overcome his “addiction to sweets.”

Teaching Strategies

a) Incorporate this novel into anti-bullying lessons!

b) Incorporate this novel into teaching about diversity and acceptance of others regardless of their physical appearance. 

c) Educate your students on the opposite end of the weight scale, anorexia and bulimia.  Being underweight due to eating disorders is just as life threatening as being overweight.  Focus on healthy eating habits. 

Reading Level: LexileMeasure: 680L

Suggested Delivery: Small groups

Key Vocabulary: Lean-to, Overweight, Exertion, Delicacy, Entreat, Objective

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-Reading
Watch videos on healthy eating habits for elementary students.  Complete this activity before reading Jelly Belly so students will feel passionate about supporting Ned to lose weight. 

During reading

Everyone knows and loves Jelly Belly jelly beans! Discuss the classification of Jelly Beans, separating them by their description of flavor, transparency, or color.  Examine how Ned Robbin’s description of himself transforms throughout by the end of the novel.  How does he classify himself?  How does he compare to others inside and outside of “fat camp”?

Post Reading
“Sketch to Stretch” is based on the concept that the visual representation of a text to self-connection will stretches student thinking.  After reading brainstorm with individual students about the nature of the connections, they made to the text and how these could be interpreted through crayon and paper. 

Writing Activity
Robert Kimmel Smith accepts emails and is known for personally responding! In small groups, have your students compose an email to MrRKSMITH@gmail.com asking a question about the novel, about him as an author, or with a comment.  I suggest leaving this activity open ended, allowing the students to explore their own personal interest, heightening their motivation. 

Electronic Resources:

48 worksheets on healthy eating habits can be found here!
http://busyteacher.org/classroom_activities-vocabulary/food_and_drinks/eating_habits-worksheets/
 

Many of the students’ favorite television shows have segments on healthy eating habits, Nick Jr. being one:

http://www.nickjr.com/kids-health/

Smith, R. K., & Jones, B. (1981). Jelly Belly. New York: Delacorte Press.