Provide each student with two paper dolls. Ask them to decorate one doll as Tacky the Penguin and to write several characteristics about what makes Tacky different from other penguins and animals on his stomach. Instruct students to write their own unique qualities on the second paper doll, and decorate the doll to reflect what makes the student unique.
Set aside a tacky day for the entire class. Encourage students to come to school dressed in "tacky" styles or as penguins, with black and white outfits. Decorate paper penguins to be just as tacky, or tackier, than the students' clothing choices. Act out the story of "Tacky the Penguin," with each student assigned a role in the story.
Read two or three volumes from the Tacky series with students. Begin reading a fourth book as a class. Stop reading aloud to ask the students to discuss Tacky's behavior. Ask them to consider what quirky behaviors Tacky is exhibiting and to predict the outcomes of his behavior. Continue reading to find out what does happen in the book.
Brainstorm, as a class, about other potential problems that Tacky might encounter in his polar environment, such as a blizzard or a lost dog from a dog sled race. List the students' ideas on the board or overhead projector. Select one or two ideas to expound upon, further brainstorming how Tacky might resolve the problem, despite or because of his unique character traits. Instruct students to choose an idea and to write their own Tacky story, complete with a problem and resolution, as well as the requisite beginning, middle and ending of a story.