Pages 14–15 Reread the pages. What do you notice about Question Mark? How does Question Mark help Exclamation Mark find his voice? Possible responses: Question Mark asks a lot of questions and only speaks in questions. Exclamation Mark gets frustrated with all of the questions and he yells. He realizes his special ability for the first time. Pages 18–19 Reread the pages. Why is it an important moment in the story when Exclamation Mark yells, “Stop!”?
SPOTLIGHT ON LANGUAGE Guide campers to notice how the author plays on words and phrases related to punctuation throughout the story: “Period” (page 9), “life sentence” (page 30), “never any question in our minds” (page 37), and “to make his mark” (page 40). Remind campers that a “life sentence” is a long punishment in prison. Ask: Why do you think the author uses words and phrases related to punctuation in this way? Campers may suggest that it makes the story clever and funny.
Possible responses: It’s the first time Exclamation Mark uses his special ability. He finds his purpose. It represents a turning point in the story because he begins to understand and appreciate why he is different. Pages 22–27 Reread the pages. Compare the words Hi, Howdy, and Wow. What do you notice? Why does the author change the style? Possible responses: The word Hi is smaller and in a dark color. The words Howdy and Wow get bigger and brighter. The author changes the style to show that Exclamation Mark is speaking louder and with more emotion. He is becoming comfortable using his voice. Pages 30–31 Reread the pages. What do you think the author and illustrator are trying to show on these pages? Possible responses: They want to show that Exclamation Mark is excited to use his voice in different ways. He enjoys using his voice to express different emotions and ideas. Pages 34–37 Reread the pages. How do the other punctuation marks feel about Exclamation Mark’s new ability? How do you know? Possible responses: The other punctuation marks are happy for him. They think he’s really something and they tell him they knew all along that he could do it. Explore More
If time allows, continue the discussion with these additional prompts. Why is Exclamation Mark’s head held high at the end of the story? Why is Question Mark such an important part of the story?
Leader’s Guide • Lesson 10 | 87
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