Muggie Maggie is a popular children’s novel written by Beverly Cleary that tells the story of a young girl named Maggie who is struggling to learn how to write in cursive. The book is often used as a teaching tool in elementary schools, but it is also a great choice for a novel study for homeschooling or personal reading.
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Muggie Maggie is a great book to use in the classroom
Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel: Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel. The book was first published in 1990 and has been a favorite of elementary school students ever since. By using a classic novel like Muggie Maggie, you can expose your child to timeless themes and lessons that are still relevant today.
Muggie Maggie is relatable: The main character, Maggie, is relatable to many young readers. The story is set in a school environment, and Maggie struggles with a task that many students can relate to, learning how to write in cursive. By reading about Maggie’s struggles and triumphs, students can learn to overcome their own challenges and develop resilience.
Muggie Maggie teaches valuable lessons: Muggie Maggie is more than just a story about learning how to write in cursive. It teaches valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, hard work, and self-confidence. Through Maggie’s journey, students can learn about the power of determination and the importance of believing in themselves.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Muggie Maggie
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Muggie Maggie is a classic children’s novel that teaches valuable lessons and is relatable to many young readers. By using this book as a novel study, you can help your child develop important skills and values, such as perseverance, hard work, and self-confidence.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Muggie Maggie for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
If you are a child of the 1970s and ’80s like me, you grew up with the revered Little House books (and TV series) by Laura Ingalls Wilder. As times have progressed and changed, we’ve looked back at these stories with a new perspective in regard to racial issues they present. In 2018, the American Library Association changed the name of their top award from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award to the Children’s Literature Legacy Award in response to the change in perspective and inclusiveness in today’s society.
Many people believe that there is no place for the work of Laura Ingalls Wilder in our society. While others believe the whole thing is overblown and nothing is wrong with the books. I see the points with Wilder’s depictions of African Americans, and especially Indigenous Peoples, are derogatory through our 21st-century eyes. There is also merit in her work that kids can benefit from. This offers a teacher a vital opportunity to use as a teachable moment to critique the wrong and extract the good. We can’t ignore history and pretend it never happened. We need to shed light on the mistreatments and inaccuracies for what they are and learn from those mistakes so they are not repeated.
One of the best articles I have read on this subject is by Laura McLemore in her post found here. It puts into historical perspective the times that Wilder was living in during the story, and keeping in mind these books, authored in the 1930s, written through the eyes of an impressionable child who didn’t really have all the knowledge to address the fears she had. This was a very different time for our country and culture. Many views and actions perpetrated during this time were outright wrong and based on false knowledge. If you look through Wilder’s eyes with these points in mind, you can gain perspective of WHY she may have written and believed the things she did without agreeing. You can identify the wrong points in her writing and actions and use the hurtful content to help students understand why this is wrong and how these beliefs continued to hurt as time passed. Kids need to learn these things, and they need to know why it was wrong in order for the future to be a better place.
Because of these beliefs that the Laura Ingalls Wilder books can be used as a tool for greater understanding, a teachable moment, I still feel they have a valuable place in the classroom. Her descriptions of pioneer living are invaluable for children to gain an insight into what it was like living during the late 1800s and what hardships the pioneers faced as they moved west. However, if you do choose to use these books, it is imperative that you give kids the proper historical perspectives and facts. Help them understand the true, and sometimes very awful, part of the history of the western expansion of the United States.
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Benefits of Using Little House in the Big Woods in Your Classroom:
Historical Perspective: One of the greatest benefits of using Little House in the Big Woods in the classroom is its ability to provide students with a firsthand look at American history. Through the eyes of young Laura Ingalls, readers gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of pioneer life during the 1800s. From daily chores to seasonal celebrations, the novel offers a comprehensive glimpse into a bygone era, helping students develop a deeper appreciation for the past.
Cultural Awareness: In addition to its historical significance, Little House in the Big Woods exposes students to different cultural perspectives. As the Ingalls family interacts with Indigenous tribes and other settlers, readers are prompted to consider the complexities of cultural exchange and coexistence. This exposure fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging students to reflect on their own cultural identities and the diversity of the world around them.
Literary Analysis: From its rich imagery to its compelling characters, Little House in the Big Woods provides ample opportunities for literary analysis. Teachers can guide students in examining elements such as setting, characterization, and theme, fostering critical thinking skills and literary appreciation. Additionally, the novel serves as a springboard for discussions on narrative structure, point of view, and storytelling techniques.
Life Skills: The pioneer lifestyle depicted in Little House in the Big Woods offers valuable lessons in self-sufficiency and resilience. Through Laura’s experiences, students learn about the importance of hard work, resourcefulness, and adaptability in the face of adversity. These life skills are not only relevant to historical contexts but also applicable to students’ own lives as they navigate challenges and pursue their goals.
Environmental Awareness: At its core, Little House in the Big Woods celebrates the beauty and bounty of the natural world. From descriptions of the Wisconsin wilderness to depictions of hunting and gathering, the novel underscores the interconnectedness between humans and their environment. By exploring themes of conservation and sustainability, teachers can inspire students to become stewards of the earth and appreciate the wonders of nature.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Little House in the Big Woods lends itself to interdisciplinary learning, allowing teachers to integrate various subjects into their curriculum. For example, students can explore the geography of the Midwest, conduct research on pioneer technologies, or engage in hands-on activities such as cooking traditional recipes mentioned in the novel. By making connections across disciplines, educators create a holistic learning experience that resonates with students’ diverse interests and abilities.
Timeless Themes: Despite being set in the past, Little House in the Big Woods addresses timeless themes that resonate with readers today. From the importance of family bonds to the pursuit of dreams and aspirations, the novel speaks to universal truths about human nature and the human experience. By delving into these themes, teachers can facilitate meaningful discussions and empower students to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and goals.
Little House in the Big Woods offers a myriad of benefits for both teachers and students alike. From its historical insights to its literary richness, this timeless novel provides a wealth of opportunities for learning, exploration, and growth. By embracing the lessons and themes found within its pages, educators can inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in their students, ensuring that the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder continues to endure for generations to come.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany book 1 in the series, Little House in the Big Woods, for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Looking for a fun, engaging novel to add to your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade ELA curriculum? Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger by Louis Sachar is a fantastic choice for teachers who want to combine laughter and creativity with meaningful reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and critical-thinking activities.
The third book in the hilarious Wayside School series takes students on another wildly imaginative adventure filled with unusual characters, unexpected situations, and plenty of opportunities for discussion and deeper thinking.
If your students already love Sideways Stories from Wayside School and Wayside School Is Falling Down, they will have plenty to enjoy in Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger.
And for teachers? This quirky novel provides an excellent opportunity to teach important reading and literary skills without sacrificing student engagement.
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Why Teach Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger?
One of the best things about using a humorous children’s novel in the classroom is that students often don’t realize how much learning is happening while they’re having fun.
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger gives students plenty to laugh about while providing opportunities to practice important upper elementary reading skills.
1. Keep Students Engaged With Humor and Imagination
Let’s face it: getting students excited about reading isn’t always easy.
Fortunately, Louis Sachar’s Wayside School books are anything but ordinary.
The strange situations, memorable characters, humor, and unexpected events throughout Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger can help keep students turning the pages and wondering what will happen next.
That natural curiosity makes the novel an excellent choice for a whole-class novel study, small-group reading unit, literature circles, or independent reading.
Instead of trying to convince students that reading is fun, give them a book that does much of the convincing for you!
2. Build Reading Comprehension Skills
A novel study allows students to practice comprehension skills repeatedly and in context.
As students read Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger, they can work on skills such as:
Identifying important details
Making inferences
Determining character traits
Understanding character motivations
Summarizing chapters
Making predictions
Making text-to-self and text-to-text connections
Identifying story elements
Understanding the sequence of events
Supporting answers with evidence from the text
Because the story is humorous and unusual, it can also encourage students to think beyond simply recalling what happened.
Why did a character behave that way? What can we infer from the situation? What would you have done differently?
Questions like these turn reading into a conversation rather than simply an assignment.
3. Expand Students’ Vocabulary
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger is also a great opportunity to incorporate vocabulary instruction into your novel study.
Rather than teaching vocabulary words in isolation, students can encounter unfamiliar words within the context of a story they are already invested in.
You can have students:
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words using context clues
Identify synonyms and antonyms
Use new vocabulary in their own writing
Discuss interesting or unusual word choices
Explore how word choice contributes to the humor of the story
This makes vocabulary instruction more meaningful because students can immediately connect new words to the events and characters in the novel.
4. Encourage Critical Thinking
The unusual world of Wayside School naturally lends itself to critical-thinking activities.
Students can discuss characters’ decisions, consider different solutions to problems, make predictions, and explain their thinking using evidence from the text.
Try asking questions such as:
What would you have done in this situation?
Why do you think the character made that choice?
What evidence from the story supports your thinking?
How might the situation have turned out differently?
What does this event tell us about the character?
Which character would you most want to have as a friend? Why?
These questions encourage students to move beyond simple recall and develop the habit of explaining and defending their ideas.
5. Use the Novel to Inspire Writing
A funny, imaginative book can be an excellent springboard for creative writing.
After reading Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger, students could:
Write about what it would be like to attend Wayside School
Create a new character
Write an additional chapter
Create their own unusual classroom
Retell an event from another character’s point of view
Write a sequel
Describe what they would do if they were one of the characters
Create their own humorous school story
You can also connect the novel to more formal literary responses by asking students to write about character traits, themes, story elements, or lessons learned.
6. Discuss Themes and Life Lessons
Although Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger is primarily a humorous and entertaining read, it can also open the door to meaningful classroom conversations.
Students can discuss ideas such as:
Friendship
Teamwork
Individuality
Acceptance
Problem-solving
Being yourself
Respecting differences
The importance of working together
These conversations can help students connect the events in the novel to their own experiences and the world around them.
Ways to Use Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger in Your Classroom
There are many ways to incorporate this novel into your ELA instruction.
📚 Whole-Class Novel Study
Read the novel together and use chapter questions, vocabulary, writing activities, and discussions to guide students through the book.
👥 Small-Group Reading
Use the novel with a small group while other students work independently or in literacy centers.
💬 Literature Circles
Have students discuss chapters, characters, predictions, and important events with their peers.
✏️ Independent Reading
The engaging storyline makes the book a great choice for independent reading followed by written responses or discussion.
🏠 Homeschool
The novel can also be incorporated into a homeschool reading or language arts curriculum.
Make Your Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger Novel Study Easy
If you want to use this book in your classroom but don’t want to spend hours creating comprehension questions, vocabulary activities, assessments, writing prompts, and lesson plans, I’ve done the prep work for you.
✔️ Detailed daily lesson plans ✔️ Pacing and standards guide ✔️ Vocabulary activities ✔️ Vocabulary word wall cards ✔️ Spelling ✔️ Chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions ✔️ Short-answer questions ✔️ Extension activities ✔️ Complete answer keys ✔️ Parent letter ✔️ Vocabulary assessment ✔️ Reading comprehension assessment ✔️ Writing assessment ✔️ Self-grading digital quiz ✔️ End-of-book activities ✔️ Story Elements Interactive Notebook activities ✔️ Common Core State Standards alignment
The resource includes 130+ pages, giving you the flexibility to use the materials in a traditional classroom or a paperless/digital learning environment.
The unit is designed for approximately two weeks of instruction and is appropriate for grades 3-5.
Printable + Digital Formats
You don’t have to choose between paper and digital instruction.
The novel study includes:
Printable PDF materials for traditional classroom instruction and Google Drive™ materials for digital assignments, Google Classroom, paperless classrooms, small-group instruction, or students who need additional flexibility.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
Ready to Make This Novel Easy to Teach?
Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger is a fun way to bring humor, imagination, and enthusiasm into your reading instruction—but you don’t have to create all of the supporting materials yourself.
My complete Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger Novel Study gives you ready-to-use resources for reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing, critical thinking, assessments, and more.
More Wayside School Resources
Looking for more resources to accompany the Wayside School series?
Explore the other Wayside School novel studies from The Teaching Bank and give your students a complete reading experience with Louis Sachar’s hilarious and unforgettable books.
And if you’re teaching the entire series, you can save even more with the Wayside School Novel Study Bundle, which includes all four novel studies at a discounted price.
Connect with Fellow Educators!
Are you teaching Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger this school year?
Join our free community, Book Talk with The Teaching Bank, to share ideas, grab freebies, and connect with 3rd–8th grade teachers using novels in the classroom!
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Before authoring the classic novel, Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White wrote of a mischievous mouse, Stuart Little. White’s premise for the story came to him in a dream as a young boy and through his prolific gift of storytelling brought it to life. While the tale of Stuart’s journey may seem like a simple story on the surface, its depth and richness offer a plethora of educational opportunities for young readers.
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Benefits of Using Stuart Little in Your Classroom:
Stimulates Imagination: Stuart Little takes readers on a captivating journey through the eyes of a tiny mouse navigating the vast world of humans. By immersing students in Stuart’s adventures, teachers can ignite their imaginations and inspire them to see the world from different perspectives. The whimsical settings and colorful characters in the novel provide ample fuel for students’ creativity, encouraging them to envision their own extraordinary adventures.
Cultivates Critical Thinking: As Stuart encounters various challenges and obstacles on his quest to find his place in the world, readers are prompted to think critically about problem-solving and resilience. By analyzing Stuart’s decisions and actions, students can develop their critical thinking skills and learn valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability. Moreover, discussing the themes present in the novel encourages students to engage in thoughtful reflection and analysis.
Promotes Empathy and Understanding: One of the most remarkable aspects of Stuart Little is its exploration of themes such as acceptance, belonging, and identity. Through Stuart’s experiences of navigating a world where he doesn’t quite fit in, students gain insight into the importance of empathy and understanding towards those who are different from themselves. By fostering discussions around empathy and inclusivity, teachers can create a more compassionate classroom environment where every student feels valued and respected.
Enhances Language and Literacy Skills: E.B. White’s masterful storytelling in Stuart Little provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop their language and literacy skills. From rich descriptive language to engaging dialogue, the novel offers countless examples for students to explore and analyze. By incorporating activities such as vocabulary building, comprehension exercises, and creative writing prompts, teachers can help students strengthen their reading and writing abilities while immersing them in the enchanting world of Stuart Little.
Connects Curriculum Across Disciplines: Stuart Little serves as a versatile educational tool that can be integrated across various subject areas. Teachers can incorporate the novel into lessons on science by exploring topics such as animal habitats and adaptations. In social studies, discussions can revolve around themes of diversity and cultural understanding. Additionally, the novel’s historical context provides opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, connecting literature with history and geography.
Incorporating Stuart Little by E.B. White into the classroom offers a wealth of educational benefits, from stimulating imagination and critical thinking to promoting empathy and understanding. By immersing students in the whimsical world of Stuart Little, teachers can inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning while nurturing essential skills for success in school and beyond.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Stuart Little for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Stuart Little
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is a classic children’s novel that is beloved by millions of young readers. I started every 4th-grade school year with Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing as our first novel unit. It is such a humorous book and opens up many discussions and activities tied to the curriculum and standards. Children relate to the main character, Peter Hatcher, and his struggles to get through the everyday life of a typical 4th grader. Throw in the antics of his younger brother, Fudge, and you are in for a treat! I have never had a child tell me they didn’t enjoy this book. Most students are fighting over who gets to read the sequel, Superfudge, as soon as we finish the unit!
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Benefits of Using Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing in Your Classroom:
Contains Relatable Themes: One of the key strengths of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing lies in its relatability. The protagonist, Peter Hatcher, navigates the challenges of sibling dynamics, school life, and growing up – themes that resonate deeply with students. By delving into these relatable experiences, students not only engage more with the story but also gain insights into their own lives, fostering introspection and self-awareness.
Encourages Empathy: Through the character of Fudge, Peter’s mischievous younger brother, students are exposed to diverse personalities and perspectives. This exposure nurtures empathy as they learn to understand and appreciate differences in behavior and personality traits. Discussions around empathy and understanding others’ viewpoints naturally arise from the interactions between characters, promoting a positive classroom environment built on respect and compassion.
Promotes Critical Thinking: Analyzing the plot, character motivations, and conflicts in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing encourages critical thinking skills among students. They learn to dissect narratives, identify cause-and-effect relationships, and make predictions based on evidence from the text. Such analytical skills are invaluable across various academic disciplines and real-life situations, preparing students for higher-level thinking and problem-solving.
Cultivates Creativity: Judy Blume’s vivid storytelling and engaging narrative style inspire creativity in young minds. Students are encouraged to explore their imagination, visualize scenes from the book, and even create their own stories or alternate endings. Creative activities such as art projects, role-playing, or writing assignments based on the novel further enhance students’ artistic expression and communication skills.
Enhances Language Skills: Incorporating Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing into the curriculum provides ample opportunities to improve language skills. From vocabulary expansion to understanding figurative language and exploring dialogue, students immerse themselves in language-rich content that enhances their reading comprehension and communication abilities. Additionally, discussions and debates on themes and character motivations refine their verbal expression and critical analysis skills.
Fosters a Love For Reading: Introducing students to captivating stories like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing fosters a lifelong love for reading. As they immerse themselves in the world of books, students develop a habit of reading for pleasure and information, expanding their knowledge and worldview beyond the classroom walls.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume offers a myriad of benefits for students, from promoting empathy and critical thinking to enhancing creativity and language skills. By incorporating this novel into classroom activities, teachers create a dynamic learning environment that nurtures holistic development and a passion for lifelong learning.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
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Connect with Fellow Educators!
