Officer Buckle and Gloria

 Rathman, P. (1995). Officer Buckle and Gloria. New York: G.P Putman's Sons. Grades 2-3
Written by: Peggy Rathmann
Award: The Caldecott Metal
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Safety and the importance of friendship
Subject Area: Social Science

Summary:
Office Buckle goes to schools and give safety talks. Unfortunately, learning about safety isn't the most entertaining to students, until Gloria comes along. Gloria is a police dog that goes with Officer Buckle to safety talks. While Officer Buckle talks, Gloria acts out what he is saying--Learning about safety has never been so fun for students! The most important safety tip of all that Officer Buckle learns is that you need to stick with a buddy at all times.


Initiating Questions and Activities:

1. Where does the police officer look like he is?
2. What do you think the dog is doing?
3. Why do you think they are at a show?
4. Can you predict what will happen in the story?

Activity:
Cut out circles about the size of a soup can. Then have each child make a police badge that includes Officer (Child's name) Here to help! Discuss what police officers do and why they are important people to have in our community. 

Extending Questions and Activity:

1. Why was Office Buckle sad?
2. What did Gloria do when Officer Buckle wasn't looking?
3. How did Gloria feel with out Officer Buckle?
4. How did they feel when they were together?
5. Why are safety talks important?

Activity:
Give each student a star shaped piece of paper. Have each child come up with a different classroom safety rule. Have them write the rule and draw a picture on the star. Have them share them with the class and then hang them in the classroom as a constant reminder of ways we can be safe.