Uncle Jerry's Great Idea

Jim is eight years old.  He lives with his parents, his sister, and his uncle in a small town.  Everybody in Jim's family likes to play sports.  Everybody, but not Jim.  On Saturday Jim's family went to the park.  His father played baseball.  His mother played tennis.  His sister played basketball.  His uncle Jerry played baseball, too.  Where was Jim?  Can you see him?  (p.2)

On Saturday, Jim played baseball, too, but on his computer.  That afternoon, when Jim's parents got home, they heard a lot of noise coming from Jim's bedroom.  They went upstairs to see what all the noise was about.  They opened his door and looked inside.  Jim's mother and father were not happy.  "He never goes to the park," his mother said quietly. (p.4)

Jim's parents were worried about Jim.  They came into Jim's room.  "You always stay home on  the computer," said his father.  "Why don't you come to the park?"  "I don't like the park," said Jim, "I like my computer."  Now Jim wasn't happy.  Uncle Jerry was sad to see Jim unhappy.  He wanted to help.  Then he had a good idea. (p.6)

Uncle Jerry sat outside with Jim on the steps.  "I don't like the park," said Jim.  Uncle Jerry wanted to help Jim.  He didn't like to see Jim so sad.  "I have an idea," said Uncle Jerry.  "Next Saturday, bring some paper and a pencil to the park."  What is Uncle Jerry's good idea?  Can you guess?  Can Jim play baseball with a pencil and some paper?  What is Jerry's idea? (p.8)

The next Saturday, Jim went to the park.  He went to watch his father and uncle play baseball.  He remembered to bring his pencil and paper.  The game was about to begin.  The players were on the field.  His father went up to bat.  Uncle Jerry whispered in Jim's ear.  "Watch us play and count everything we do," said Uncle Jerry.  "OK," said Jim.  He picked up his pencil and paper and got ready to write. (p.10)

Play ball!  The game began.  The players threw the ball, they hit the ball, and they caught the ball.  "Is it like baseball on the computer?" asked Jim.  "Yes.  Just count the times we get runs and hits," Uncle Jerry said.  So Jim started to count and write.  Jim was very busy writing on the paper.  He was not sad and he was not bored. (p.12)

The game was very exciting.  Everybody played well.  Jim watched the game carefully.  Then Jim's father hit a long home run!  Everybody clapped and cheered.  Jim's father ran to first base, then to second base, then to third base, and finally to home base.  He was very happy.  "Count the home runs, too!" said Uncle Jerry.  "OK.  Great idea," said Jim. (p.14)

After the game they all went home.  After a good time at the park, they were all tired, but they were all happy.  Jim was happy, too.  Uncle Jerry said to Jim, "Go and make a chart on your computer."  "OK," said Jim, and he ran up to his room with his piece of paper.  Jim is good at using computers, and he knew just what to do. (p.16)

Jim used his computer to make a chart.  He typed in all the numbers on his paper.  After fifteen minutes, he was finished.  He printed his chart out on the printer.  This is Jim's chart.  Look at the numbers.  Well done, Jim.  Who made the most runs?  Did Uncle Jerry hit a home run? (p.18)

Everybody took a shower and put on some clean clothes.  It was time for lunch.  Everybody was in the dining room.  At lunch, Jim gave the chart to his father.  His father looked at the chart carefully.  "This is great!  I really like it!" said his father.  Jim had a big smile on his face.  Uncle Jerry was happy, too.  He was happy and very, very hungry. (p.20)

On Saturday morning, everybody was off to the park again.  This time Jim was going to the park, too.  "Can you do one for basketball, please? asked his sister.  "Yes," said Jim.  Uncle Jerry smiled.  It was a very good idea.  Now Jim goes to the park every Saturday, and he always brings paper and a pencil. (p.22)