Salt in his Shoes – Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M Jordan – Class 5

Short Summary

Michael loved basketball but was shorter than others. He wanted to play like his brothers. Mark, the tallest boy, always blocked his shots. Mama told him to be patient and put salt in his shoes. Michael ate well and practised every day. Months passed but he did not grow taller. Daddy reminded him that practice and determination matter more than height. Michael listened and felt confident again. He got a chance when a teammate was hurt. Michael scored the winning basket and learned that hard work makes a true winner.

Character Sketches

1. Michael: Michael is a small boy who loves basketball. He follows his brothers to the park every Saturday. He feels sad because he is shorter than others, especially Mark. He believes Mama’s words about salt in his shoes. He practises every day and learns to be patient. He listens to Daddy’s advice and becomes confident. He finally scores the winning basket. Michael shows that hard work and determination make a real winner.
2. Mama: Mama is kind and caring. She wants Michael to feel hopeful, so she tells him about salt in his shoes. She teaches him patience and the importance of eating well. She gives him a stern look when he refuses food. Mama worries when Michael stops going to the park. She asks Daddy to talk to him. She supports Michael’s dreams but knows practice is more important than salt. She stops putting salt in his shoes after he wins the game.
3. Daddy: Daddy is wise and gentle. He notices Michael is sad and talks to him. He explains that being tall is not everything. He says practice, courage, and effort matter most. He gives Michael confidence by tapping his chest. He encourages Michael to play again. His advice helps Michael believe in himself. Daddy shows the role of guidance and love in success.
4. Larry and Ronnie: Larry and Ronnie are Michael’s elder brothers. They play basketball at the park. They let Michael join sometimes, but he struggles against taller boys. Ronnie comforts Michael when he feels sad. They encourage him to keep trying. They celebrate with him when he wins the game. They show love and support for their little brother. They are role models for Michael.
5. Mark: Mark is the tallest boy on the court. He teases Michael by calling him short. He blocks Michael’s shots and makes him lose confidence. He represents the challenge Michael must overcome. Mark’s height makes him strong in the game. But Michael’s practice helps him beat Mark. Mark is surprised when Michael scores over him. He shows that size alone cannot decide the winner.

Conversations

Michael and Mama

• Michael: Mama, will salt make me taller tonight?
• Mama: No, dear, it takes time.
• Michael: What if I eat more vegetables?
• Mama: That will make you strong.
• Michael: Strong like Ronnie?
• Mama: Yes, strong like your brothers.
• Michael: Then I can beat Mark?
• Mama: With practice, you surely can.
• Michael: I will practise every day.
• Mama: That’s my boy, keep believing.

Michael and Daddy

• Michael: Daddy, do you think I’m too small?
• Daddy: No, you are just the right size.
• Michael: But Mark is taller.
• Daddy: Tall doesn’t mean better.
• Michael: What means better then?
• Daddy: Effort, practice, and courage.
• Michael: I have courage, Daddy.
• Daddy: Yes, I see it in your eyes.
• Michael: Then I will play again.
• Daddy: And I will cheer for you.

Michael and Brothers

• Larry: Michael, come play with us today.
• Michael: I want to practise my dribble first.
• Ronnie: But the team needs you.
• Michael: Will you pass me the ball?
• Larry: Of course, little brother.
• Michael: Then I will try a new move.
• Ronnie: Show us what you learned.
• Michael: Spin, step, and shoot!
• Larry: Wow, that was amazing.
• Ronnie: You’re ready for the park now.

Michael and Mark

• Mark: Still trying to beat me, shorty?
• Michael: I’m not afraid of you anymore.
• Mark: You can’t score over me.
• Michael: Watch me, I’ve practised.
• Mark: Practise won’t make you taller.
• Michael: But it makes me smarter.
• Mark: Smarter? What do you mean?
• Michael: I know how to trick you.
• Mark: Try then, little boy.
• Michael: Spin, shoot, and win!

Activity 2

Complete the following sentences 1.

1. Michael loved to _____________.
2. Every Saturday, he followed his elder brothers, Larry and Ronnie, to the park, ______________.
3. Mark was the _________________.
4. When Michael threw the ball, Mark’s long arms came out of nowhere and ___________________.
5. It flew into the hands of a player on Mark’s team, he made the basket, and _________________.
6. When they reached home, Michael went into the kitchen where _______________.
7. “Mama, ______________?” he asked.
8. She smiled, looked at Michael and said, “________.”
9. For this to work, you must be ________________.”
10. During dinner, Mama noticed that ________________.

Mama was cooking dinner | how can I grow taller | “Salt” | knocked the ball away | tallest boy on the court | play basketball | hoping that they would let him play | Michael was barely eating anything | the game was over | patient and listen to what I tell you

Activity 3 – Movement Words

1. Basketball: Bounce, tap, dribble, pass, shoot, jump, spin, run, catch, block.
2. Playground: Slide, swing, climb, hop, skip, jump, crawl, roll, balance, run.
3. Classroom: Walk, sit, stand, raise (hand), turn, point (a finger), write, pick (a book), move, stretch (the arm / body).
4. Animals: Run, leap, pounce, crawl, fly, swim, hop, slither, gallop, waddle
5. Dance: Twirl, Step, Slide, Sway, Jump, Spin, Tap, Kick, Wave, Bow
6. Daily Life: Walk, Lift, Carry, Push, Pull, Open, Close, Reach, Bend, Turn
7. Sports (General): Kick, Throw, Catch, Jump, Sprint, Dive, Hit, Swing, Block, Glide
8. Body Movements: Shrug, Smile, Frown, Stomp, Clap, Shake (head), Jump (with joy), Hide, Sigh, Wave

Activity 4

Write a few sentences about Michael Jordan using the following words:

Michael Jordan | USA | born | worked | became | hard | basketball | player | a famous | a lot | he | his | was | in | mother | helped | him

Michael Jordan was born in the USA and became one of the most famous basketball players in the world. He worked very hard from a young age and never gave up, even when things were difficult. His mother helped him stay strong and focused. Michael played for the Chicago Bulls and won many championships. He was known for his amazing jumps, fast moves, and smart playing. People loved watching him play because he gave his best every time. He became a hero to many young players. Michael showed that with practice, patience, and belief, anyone can reach their dreams. He didn’t just play basketball — he inspired others. His story teaches us to work hard and never stop trying.

Activity 5

Positive. Comparative. Superlative.

1. Raju is a fast runner. Manu is faster than Raju. Arjun is the fastest of the three.
2. This bag is light. That bag is lighter than this one. The red bag is the lightest of all.
3. My house is big. Your house is bigger than mine. Their house is the biggest in the street.
4. This mango is sweet. That mango is sweeter than this one. The yellow mango is the sweetest of all.
5. Tina is a smart girl. Riya is smarter than Tina. Neha is the smartest in the class.
6. This pencil is long. That pencil is longer than this one. The blue pencil is the longest of all.
7. The puppy is cute. The kitten is cuter than the puppy. The baby rabbit is the cutest of the three.
8. This road is narrow. That road is narrower than this one. The village road is the narrowest of all.
9. My toy is old. Your toy is older than mine. Grandpa’s toy is the oldest of all.
10. The river is deep. The lake is deeper than the river. The sea is the deepest of all.

Activity 10 Profile

Read the hints and write a profile of Arunima Sinha.

• Place of birth: Ambedkar Nagar near Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
• Date of birth: 20 July 1989
• Parents: Father – Indian Army official; Mother – Supervisor in the Health Department
• Achievements: The first woman amputee to climb Mount Everest; A volleyball player on the Indian team, seven times

Arunima Sinha was born on 20 July 1989 in Ambedkar Nagar near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Her father worked in the Indian Army, and her mother was a health department supervisor. Arunima loved sports and played volleyball for the Indian national team seven times. One day, she met with a serious accident and lost one leg. But she did not give up. She became strong and brave. With an artificial leg, she trained hard and climbed Mount Everest. She became the first woman amputee to reach the top of the world’s highest mountain. Arunima’s story teaches us courage, hope, and hard work. She showed that nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves and keep trying. She is a true inspiration.

Questions with Short Answers

1. Who is the main character in the story?
   Michael is the main character. He is a small boy. He loves to play basketball.
2. Who were Michael’s brothers?
   His brothers were Larry and Ronnie. They were older than him. They played basketball too.
3. Why did Michael follow his brothers to the park?
   He wanted to play basketball. He hoped they would let him join. He loved the game.
4. Who was the tallest boy on the court?
   Mark was the tallest boy. He blocked Michael’s shots. He made Michael feel small.
5. What did Mark say to tease Michael?
   Mark said Michael was too short. He flapped his arms in Michael’s face. He made fun of him.
6. How did Michael feel after losing the game?
   He felt sad. He thought it was his fault. He even said sorry to his brothers.
7. What did Ronnie tell Michael after the game?
   Ronnie said Michael played well. He told him not to worry. He promised they would win next time.
8. What question did Michael ask Mama?
   He asked, “Mama, how can I grow taller?” He wanted to be big. He wanted to play better.
9. What was Mama’s funny answer?
   She said, “Salt in your shoes.” She told him it would help him grow. Michael believed her.
10. Why did Mama tell Michael to be patient?
    She wanted him to wait. She said growing takes time. She told him to listen to her advice.
11. Why did Mama give Michael a stern look at dinner?
    Michael was not eating. He was dreaming about being tall. Mama wanted him to eat his food.
12. What did Michael do after Mama sprinkled salt in his shoes?
    He wore his shoes every day. He felt special. He practised basketball at home.
13. Why did Michael stop going to the park?
    He wanted to grow taller first. He thought salt would help. He stayed home to practise.
14. How did Michael feel after months of practice?
    He was disappointed. He had not grown taller. But he did not give up.
15. What did Daddy tell Michael when he was sad?
    Daddy said height is not everything. He said practice and determination are more important. He told Michael to give his best.
16. What did Michael do after Daddy’s advice?
    He felt strong inside. He ran to the park. He wanted to play again.
17. How did Michael get a chance to play in the game?
    One boy got hurt. The team needed another player. Michael joined the game.
18. What did Mark say to Michael during the game?
    Mark teased him again. He said Michael was still too small. But Michael ignored him.
19. How did Michael win the game?
    He caught the ball. He tricked Mark by spinning. He shot over Mark’s head and scored.
20. What lesson did Michael learn at the end?
    He learned salt cannot make you taller. Practice and patience make you strong. Hard work makes a real winner.