Historical Investigations
  • Use Poinsett and his achievements as a starting point for a discussion of historic figures. Poinsett's lasting fame came not from his day to day achievements, but from his hobby. (Pages 20-21.) How, or for what, are other historical figures (i. E. Johnny Appleseed), remembered?
  • Ask students to write what they would like to be remembered for. What makes a person feel successful?
  • Tell the story of how poinsettias got their name. (Pages 16-17.) Investigate the origin of local names. For who or what were the school, city, streets, rivers and local flowers named?
  • Investigate another culture. Who were the Aztecs? (Page 13.) What happened to them?

Images from the Past

  • Show students the many old photographs and images in the book. Why do we keep old pictures? Ask students to share the history/story of an old photo from home with the class.
  • What can be learned from looking at old images?
  • The photograph of Miss Gas and Miss Electric, 1936, was taken for an advertising campaign in Louisville, Kentucky. (Page 55.) Ask students to find an old image from a magazine or family album and make up a story about what is shown in the picture.
  • Discuss the history of postcards. (Page 58.) Look at the antique postcards. (Pages 49, 59.) Ask students to design a postcard (front and back) for their favorite holiday or occasion.


Exploring Occupations

  • Paul Ecke, Sr. was an entrepreneur. (Page 41.) What is an entrepreneur? Make a list of other famous entrepreneurs. (Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonalds, Henry Ford, Bill Gates, etc.) What made them successful?
  • People in all 50 states grow poinsettias for a living. (Page 41.) As students what business they would like to start. What resources would they need? Would their business benefit the community? Why or why not?
  • Joel Robert Poinsett was the first United States Ambassador to Mexico. (Page 20-21.)  Look up the word ambassador in the dictionary. If each student could be the ambassador to any country in the world, what country would it be, and why?
  • 90% of all poinsettias are exported from the United States. (Page 41.)What is an export? An import? (Page 13.) An exporter? An importer? Make a list of common, everyday items that are imported or exported and their country of origin.


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