Sparkling Start Quiz
Chapter 1: The Year of the Dog
Sparkling Start Quiz
Read Chapter 1 and choose the best answer for each question.
Name:
Date:
1 What holiday are Pacy and her family preparing to celebrate? (Factual)
A Dragon Boat Festival B Chinese New Year C Mid-Autumn Moon Festival D Lantern Festival
2 Pacy’s mother explains that dumplings symbolize wealth because: (Inferential)
A They are wrapped in gold foil B They look like ancient gold ingots C They are stuffed with real coins D They contain bright yellow dye
3 What is the best definition of the word loyal in this chapter? (Vocabulary)
A Highly creative and artistic B Easily frightened and nervous C Faithful, devoted, and dependable D Quick-moving and wild
4 Why does Pacy feel a strong sense of curiosity after hearing Uncle Shin? (Inferential)
A She is worried she must adopt a real dog B She hopes she can find her own special talent C She fears she will fail all of her school tests D She thinks her sisters will get all the talent
5 Why must they eat their green mustard vegetables without cutting them? (Factual)
A They represent a long, healthy life B They are very expensive import greens C A prize is hidden inside the largest leaf D It is a test to see who can chew them fastest
Bonus Spark: Personal Reflection
Pacy is looking for her talent during the Year of the Dog. If you could discover or master one talent this year, what would you choose and why?
Lucky Money Quiz
Chapter 2: The Red Envelope
Lucky Money Quiz
Read Chapter 2 and choose the best answer for each question.
Name:
Date:
1 What do Pacy and her sisters find inside their red envelopes on New Year’s morning? (Factual)
A Traditional candies and rice cakes B Crisp paper bills called "lucky money" C Cute hand-drawn dog stickers D Golden keys to a special treasure box
2 Why is meeting Melody at the Chinese New Year party so unusual and exciting for Pacy? (Inferential)
A They are wearing identical outfits B Melody refuses to eat Taiwanese food too C Melody is the only other girl of her age there D Melody is a Taiwanese girl her age who fits in
3 If Pacy and Melody become extremely close, almost **inseparable** friends, what does **inseparable** mean? (Vocabulary)
A Easily angered by small things B Very difficult to split up; always together C Unfriendly and cold to new people D Hard to understand or hear clearly
4 Why does Pacy feel a strong sense of comfort and relief after she begins talking to Melody? (Inferential)
A Melody shares her red envelope money with her B She finally has a friend who shares her heritage C Melody shows her a secret exit from the party D Melody helps her hide from her younger sister
5 What do Pacy and Melody discover about their names during their conversation? (Factual)
A They have the exact same Chinese name B They both only use Chinese names at school C They both have an American name and a Chinese name D They decide to make up fake superhero names
Bonus Spark: Connecting Cultures
Pacy and Melody immediately become friends because they share similar experiences. Think about a time you met someone and felt an instant connection. What did you have in common?
Quick Bites Exit Tickets
Exit Ticket
Chapter 1 Quick Check
Name:
Date:
1. According to the elders, what makes the "Year of the Dog" so special, and what does Pacy hope to find?
2. Why are dumplings eaten during Chinese New Year, and what do they represent?
The Year of the Dog • Chapter 1
My understanding:
😕 Still learning 🙂 Got it! 🌟 Ready to teach!
Cut along dotted line
Exit Ticket
Chapter 2 Quick Check
Name:
Date:
1. Who is Melody, and why is meeting her such an important moment for Pacy?
2. What do Pacy and Melody discover they have in common regarding their names?
The Year of the Dog • Chapter 2
My understanding:
😕 Still learning 🙂 Got it! 🌟 Ready to teach!
Red Envelope Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource Guide
Red Envelope Teacher Guide
Comprehensive answer keys, pedagogical guide, and discussion prompts for Chapters 1 & 2 of Grace Lin's 'The Year of the Dog'.
Sparkling Start Quiz Key (Ch. 1)
Q1: B (Chinese New Year)
Pacy's family holds a large celebration with specific traditional Taiwanese customs.
Q2: B (Ancient gold ingots)
Dumplings look like traditional coins/ingots, representing prosperity and family wealth.
Q3: C (Faithful, devoted, dependable)
Contextual definition highlights the core character trait of a loyal companion.
Q4: B (Find special talent)
Pacy feels self-conscious about her abilities and wants to discover her purpose.
Q5: A (Long, healthy life)
Long greens must not be cut; they symbolize uninterrupted longevity.
Exit Ticket Benchmarks (Ch. 1)
Q1 Response: Students should mention the elders believe a Dog Year is for finding one's talent and "best self." Pacy hopes to discover her unique gift.
Q2 Response: Dumplings represent wealth/good fortune because of their physical resemblance to ancient gold ingots.
Lucky Money Quiz Key (Ch. 2)
Q1: B (Crisp bills / lucky money)
They receive paper money in traditional red envelopes on New Year's morning.
Q2: D (Taiwanese girl who fits in)
Pacy is used to being the only Asian girl, making Melody's presence highly significant.
Q3: B (Very difficult to split up)
Inseparable implies they form an instant, tight-knit, almost permanent bond.
Q4: B (Shares her heritage)
Melody's friendship relieves Pacy's feelings of isolation and school exclusion.
Q5: C (American & Chinese names)
Both girls navigate dual cultural identities through their English and Chinese names.
Exit Ticket Benchmarks (Ch. 2)
Q1 Response: Melody is another Taiwanese-American girl Pacy's age. She is crucial because she shares Pacy's exact cultural struggles.
Q2 Response: They realize they both have "American" names for school and "Chinese" names they only use with their families.
Key Student Misconceptions
Dual Identity Confusion: Some students may not understand why Pacy and Melody use different names at home and school. Use this to discuss the concept of "cultural code-switching" and navigating two worlds.
Literal vs. Symbolic: Clarify that the family's superstitions (like long greens or gold-shaped dumplings) are culturally symbolic wishes for the year, not magical rules.
