Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes captivates young minds through the power of literature. It is a great novel for teachers seeking to infuse creativity, critical thinking, and moral lessons into their classrooms.
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Benefits of Using Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days in Your Classroom:
Offers Captivating Storytelling: At the heart of Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days lies a captivating narrative that follows the misadventures of Milo Crinkley, a young boy on a quest to become perfect in a mere three days. Manes’ storytelling prowess shines through his vivid descriptions, witty dialogue, and relatable characters, making the journey both entertaining and thought-provoking for readers of all ages. By immersing students in this whimsical tale, teachers can ignite their imagination and instill a passion for reading that transcends the confines of the classroom.
Contains Themes of Self-Discovery and Acceptance:Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days explores the timeless themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of perfection. As Milo embarks on his quest, he encounters a series of challenges that force him to confront his flaws and embrace his true self. This narrative arc provides teachers with a powerful springboard for discussing topics such as identity, self-esteem, and the importance of embracing one’s imperfections. By exploring these themes through the lens of literature, educators can empower their students to navigate the complexities of adolescence with confidence and resilience.
Promotes Critical Thinking and Empathy: In addition to its thematic richness, Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days offers ample opportunities for critical thinking and empathetic engagement. As students unravel Milo’s journey, they are prompted to analyze his motivations, actions, and the consequences of his choices. Through lively classroom discussions and interactive activities, teachers can encourage students to empathize with Milo’s struggles, reflect on their own values, and consider the broader implications of societal pressures to conform. By fostering empathy and critical thinking skills, educators equip their students with the tools they need to navigate moral dilemmas and contribute positively to their communities.
Cultivates a Love for Learning: Ultimately, the integration of Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days into the classroom cultivates a love for learning that extends far beyond the pages of the novel. By fostering a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to explore, question, and create, teachers lay the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of literature and the arts. Whether through creative writing assignments, theatrical adaptations, or multimedia projects, educators can harness the transformative power of storytelling to inspire their students and nurture their intellectual curiosity.
In an age of standardized testing and data-driven instruction, it is easy to overlook the profound impact that literature can have on the hearts and minds of young learners. However, by embracing novels such as Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes, teachers can encourage their students to become compassionate, critical thinkers who are unafraid to embrace their imperfections.
I offer a complete novel studyto accompany Be a Perfect in Just Three Days 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 Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days
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!
Looking for a funny, engaging novel that will keep your students reading while strengthening their ELA skills?Wayside School Is Falling Down by Louis Sachar is an excellent choice for an upper elementary novel study or book unit.
With its outrageous characters, unexpected plot twists, absurd situations, and clever humor, Wayside School Is Falling Down gives students plenty to laugh about—and plenty to think about.
But this quirky novel can do much more than entertain your students. It can also be a wonderful tool for teaching reading comprehension, vocabulary, critical thinking, creativity, writing, inference, and literary analysis.
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Why Teach Wayside School Is Falling Down?
Published by Louis Sachar, Wayside School Is Falling Down takes readers back to the wonderfully strange Wayside School, where almost anything can happen.
The school was accidentally built 30 stories high with one classroom on each floor, and the students and teachers who inhabit it are just as unusual as the building itself.
From bizarre classroom situations to characters who don’t behave the way students expect, the novel constantly surprises readers.
That makes Wayside School Is Falling Down especially useful for classroom discussion.
Instead of simply asking students to remember what happened, you can encourage them to ask:
Why did that character behave that way?
What clues does the author give us?
What would you have done in that situation?
Is the situation meant to be taken literally?
Why is this scene funny?
What makes the characters memorable?
What can we learn from the characters’ choices?
Those conversations turn an entertaining children’s book into a rich ELA learning experience.
1. Build Reading Comprehension Skills
A Wayside School Is Falling Down novel study gives students numerous opportunities to practice important reading comprehension skills.
As students read, they can work on:
Making predictions: What do you think will happen next?
Making inferences: What can you figure out even though the author doesn’t directly tell you?
Making connections: How does a character’s experience connect to your own life or another text?
Analyzing characters: What do a character’s words, actions, and choices tell us about them?
Analyzing plot: How do individual events contribute to the overall story?
Evaluating the text: What do you think about a character’s decision or the author’s choice?
The unusual events in Wayside School Is Falling Down make these skills particularly engaging because students can’t always rely on conventional storytelling patterns.
2. Use Humor to Teach Deeper Thinking
One of the reasons students love Louis Sachar’s books is the humor.
But the humor in Wayside School Is Falling Down can also provide an excellent opportunity to teach students about how authors use language and unexpected situations to create humor.
The book frequently uses absurdity, exaggeration, irony, unexpected events, and unusual character behavior.
Ask students questions such as:
What makes this situation funny?
What did you expect to happen?
What actually happened?
Why is the difference between the two funny?
How does the author’s word choice contribute to the humor?
Would the scene be as funny if it happened in a realistic school?
These questions encourage students to move beyond simply saying, “That’s funny!” and begin thinking about why something is funny.
That’s an important reading skill—and a great way to introduce literary analysis in an accessible way.
3. Encourage Creativity and Imagination
Wayside School Is Falling Down is anything but ordinary.
A teacher can turn into an apple. A student can float away with balloons. A school can have classrooms stacked 30 stories high.
These wonderfully strange events give students permission to think creatively.
After reading a chapter, challenge students to imagine their own version of Wayside School.
What would happen if there were a 31st floor?
What would the strangest classroom in the school look like?
What unusual rule would the teacher have?
What completely unexpected event could happen during the school day?
These questions can easily become creative writing activities, narrative writing prompts, or classroom art projects.
The book gives students a model for thinking outside the box—and then invites them to create something of their own.
4. Develop Critical Thinking Skills
The absurd situations in Wayside School Is Falling Down also make excellent opportunities for critical thinking.
Students can examine characters’ decisions, question assumptions, consider alternative explanations, and defend their opinions with evidence from the text.
For example, students can discuss:
Was the character’s decision a good one? Why or why not?
What could the character have done differently?
What evidence supports your opinion?
How might another character view the same situation?
What assumptions did the characters make?
What would happen if one event in the story changed?
Because the novel doesn’t always behave the way students expect, it naturally encourages them to question, analyze, and reconsider.
5. Teach Vocabulary in Context
A novel study is also a natural way to build vocabulary.
Instead of teaching vocabulary words in isolation, students can encounter new words within the context of an engaging story.
With Wayside School Is Falling Down, students can:
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words using context clues
Examine how word choice affects meaning
Use new vocabulary in their own writing
Practice spelling and word study
Discuss interesting or unusual language from the novel
Vocabulary instruction becomes much more meaningful when students encounter words while reading a story they actually want to understand.
6. Connect Reading to Writing
Wayside School Is Falling Down provides countless opportunities for writing.
Students can respond to the chapters, analyze characters, explain their thinking, make predictions, write creatively, or defend an opinion.
Some possible writing prompts include:
What would it be like to attend Wayside School?
Which character would you most want as your teacher? Explain why.
What would happen if Wayside School had a 31st floor?
Which event in the novel is the most surprising? Support your answer with evidence.
Choose a character and explain what you have learned about that character from their actions and choices.
These activities help students practice writing while keeping the writing connected to a book they are already reading.
A Complete Wayside School Is Falling Down Novel Study
If you want to teach Wayside School Is Falling Down but don’t want to spend hours creating comprehension questions, vocabulary activities, writing assignments, assessments, and lesson plans, I’ve done the work for you.
My Wayside School Is Falling Down Novel Study is a complete, no-prep novel unit for grades 3–5 designed to make teaching this hilarious Louis Sachar novel easier.
The resource includes 135+ pages of printable materials plus digital resources, giving you everything you need to turn the novel into a complete ELA unit.
What’s Included?
Teacher Materials
Daily lesson plans
Pacing and standards guide
Vocabulary word wall cards
Answer keys
Parent letter
Student Activities
Vocabulary activities
Chapter-by-chapter comprehension questions
Short-answer questions
Extension activities
Writing activities
Printable and digital resources
Assessments
Vocabulary quiz
Reading comprehension quiz
Short-answer assessment
Multiple-choice assessment
Writing assessment
Self-grading digital quizzes
Additional Literacy Activities
Story Elements interactive notebook activities
End-of-book activities
Additional writing activities
Activities that can be used with other novels
The unit is designed for 3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-grade classrooms and can be used for whole-class instruction, small-group reading, literature circles, independent work, or homeschool settings.
Make Your Wayside School Is Falling Down Unit Easy
Teaching a novel shouldn’t require you to spend your evenings searching for chapter questions, creating vocabulary worksheets, and putting together assessments.
A complete novel study gives you the structure and resources you need while allowing your students to focus on what matters most: reading, thinking, discussing, and enjoying the book.
And Wayside School Is Falling Down is an especially fun choice because students can laugh at the outrageous situations while simultaneously practicing important reading and thinking skills.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Wayside School is Falling Down
Ready to Start Your Wayside School Is Falling Down Novel Study?
If you’re planning a Louis Sachar novel study, upper elementary ELA unit, reading comprehension unit, or book study, this resource can save you valuable planning time.
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The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling is a classic children’s novel that has been beloved by readers for decades. It tells the story of a young boy named John who discovers a magical chocolate bar that turns everything he touches into chocolate. This delightful tale is not only entertaining but also provides valuable lessons about responsibility, greed, and the importance of moderation.
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Why you should consider using The Chocolate Touch in your classroom.
Engaging and Entertaining: One of the primary reasons why you should use The Chocolate Touch in your classroom is that it is a highly engaging and entertaining story. The book has a fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and a touch of magic that will capture your students’ imaginations. The story is perfect for children in grades 3-6 and is an excellent choice for a read-aloud or independent reading assignment.
Teaches Important Life Lessons: The Chocolate Touch is not just a fun story; it also teaches important life lessons that are relevant to children’s lives. The main character, John, learns about the dangers of excess and the importance of moderation. He discovers that too much of a good thing can be harmful and learns to be responsible for his actions. The book provides an excellent opportunity for classroom discussions on the topics of greed, responsibility, and the consequences of our actions.
Builds Vocabulary and Literacy Skills: Reading The Chocolate Touch is an excellent way to help your students build their vocabulary and literacy skills. The book is full of descriptive language and rich imagery that will help your students develop their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Additionally, the story is an excellent opportunity to teach literary devices such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and character development. A great activity is to compare the novel to the story of King Midas.
Provides Cross-Curricular Opportunities: Using The Chocolate Touch in your classroom provides cross-curricular opportunities that can be integrated into multiple subject areas. For example, you can use the story to teach math concepts such as measurement and fractions by having students calculate how much chocolate John creates. Additionally, the story can be used to teach science concepts such as states of matter and chemical reactions by having students explore how chocolate changes from a solid to a liquid.
Timeless Classic: The Chocolate Touch is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. The book was first published in 1952 and has been enjoyed by generations of children. Using a classic book like The Chocolate Touch in your classroom is an excellent way to introduce your students to the joys of reading and help them develop a love for literature that will last a lifetime.
The Chocolate Touch is a delightful and engaging story that provides valuable life lessons, builds vocabulary and literacy skills, provides cross-curricular opportunities, and is a timeless classic. By using this book in your classroom, you can help your students develop a love for reading and provide them with an enjoyable learning experience.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany The Chocolate Touch 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 The Chocolate Touch
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Try a chocolate theme by incorporating reading The Chocolate Touch along with Chocolate Fever and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
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!
Chocolate Fever is a children’s book written by Robert Kimmel Smith that tells the story of a young boy named Henry who develops an obsession with chocolate. As he consumes more and more chocolate, Henry finds himself at the center of a wild adventure that teaches him the importance of moderation and self-control.
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Chocolate Fever is much more than just a fun story for kids to enjoy. It also has many educational benefits that make it a valuable addition to any classroom.
Why you should consider using the book Chocolate Fever in your classroom:
Engaging Storyline: The first and most obvious reason to use Chocolate Fever in your classroom is that it is an engaging and entertaining story. Children love stories that transport them to new worlds and introduce them to interesting characters, and Chocolate Fever certainly delivers on that front. With its fast-paced plot, colorful cast of characters, and humorous tone, Chocolate Fever is sure to capture the attention of even the most reluctant readers. Additionally, the story’s theme of self-control and the consequences of indulgence is a valuable lesson for children to learn.
Relevance to Health Education: Chocolate Fever provides a unique and engaging way to teach children about the importance of moderation in their eating habits. Through the story of Henry, students can learn about the effects of consuming too much sugar and unhealthy foods, and the potential consequences for their health. This is especially important at a time when childhood obesity and other diet-related illnesses are becoming more common.
Develops Literacy Skills: Of course, reading for pleasure is only one part of the equation. As educators, we also want to ensure that our students are developing the necessary literacy skills to succeed in school and beyond. Chocolate Fever can help with that too. The book is written at a level that is accessible to most elementary school students but still contains enough challenging vocabulary and sentence structures to help them build their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Teaches Important Life Lessons: Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Chocolate Fever is the way it teaches important life lessons to children. The book’s central theme of self-control and moderation is one that is relevant to kids of all ages and is an important concept for them to grasp as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Additionally, the book touches on other important themes such as responsibility, friendship, and teamwork, all of which can help your students develop into well-rounded individuals.
Provides Opportunities for Discussion: Chocolate Fever can provide valuable opportunities for discussion and reflection. After reading the book, you can lead your students in a conversation about the themes and lessons it contains, and encourage them to share their own experiences with self-control and moderation. This type of open dialogue can help create a safe and supportive classroom environment, where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with their peers.
Integration with Other Subjects: Another reason to use Chocolate Fever in your classroom is its potential for integration with other subjects. The book can be used in language arts classes for reading comprehension and analysis, in science classes for discussions about health and nutrition, and in social studies classes for discussions about cultural attitudes toward food.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Chocolate Fever 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 Chocolate Fever
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Chocolate Fever is a fun, engaging, and educational book that has a lot to offer to elementary school students. By incorporating it into your classroom, you can help your students develop their literacy skills, learn important life lessons, and create a positive and supportive learning environment. So why not give it a try? Your students are sure to love it!
Try a chocolate theme by incorporating reading Chocolate Fever along with The Chocolate Touch and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
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!
Finding the perfect book to engage and captivate your students is like finding lost treasure. One such novel that deserves a place of honor in classroom libraries is Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. This timeless tale isn’t just a delightful story; it’s a powerful tool for teaching, sparking curiosity, and fostering essential skills in students. Teachers seeking to engage and inspire their students will find numerous reasons why this charming story deserves a place within their lesson plans.
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The Benefits of Using Mr. Popper’s Penguins in Your Classroom:
Captivating Storyline Sparks Imagination: Mr. Popper’s Penguins follows the delightful tale of Mr. Popper, an ordinary man whose life takes an extraordinary turn when he receives a penguin as an unexpected gift. The escapades that follow, as Mr. Popper and his family adapt to their new, unconventional pet, are both hilarious and heartwarming. This engaging storyline stimulates students’ imagination, fostering a love for reading and storytelling.
Offers Multi-disciplinary Learning Opportunities: This novel isn’t confined to just the reading curriculum. It opens doors to interdisciplinary exploration. From science to geography, history to social studies, there’s a wealth of educational content waiting to be uncovered within its pages. Teachers can seamlessly integrate lessons on ecosystems, climate, geography, and even historical contexts, fostering a holistic learning experience.
Explores Character Development and Moral Lessons: Through Mr. Popper’s journey with the penguins, students can grasp essential values such as responsibility, compassion, and adaptability. Discussions around character motivations, decisions, and consequences provide a rich ground for moral development.
Expands Language and Literacy Development: The novel’s rich vocabulary and descriptive language serve as an excellent resource for language and literacy development. From exploring new words to understanding various literary devices, Mr. Popper’s Penguins offers ample opportunities for language-focused activities.
Promotes Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: The various predicaments Mr. Popper faces throughout the narrative encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. Analyzing characters’ decisions, predicting outcomes, and brainstorming alternative solutions to challenges presented in the story foster cognitive development and logical reasoning.
Cultivates a Love for Reading: Introducing students to a book as delightful and engaging as Mr. Popper’s Penguins can instill a lifelong love for reading. By capturing students’ attention and imagination, teachers pave the way for a deeper appreciation of literature and storytelling, fostering a habit of reading for pleasure.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins isn’t just a story; it’s a gateway to a world of imagination. Its blend of entertainment and educational value makes it an invaluable resource for educators seeking to inspire, engage, and impart essential life lessons. By embracing this beloved classic, teachers open doors to a world of learning opportunities that extend far beyond the pages of the book.
Embrace the magic of storytelling and consider adding Mr. Popper’s Penguins to your classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Mr. Popper’s Penguins
You can purchase this novel study which contains both a printable and a Google Drive™ format 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!
Connect with Fellow Educators!
