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Frog and Toad Together
Last updated Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Author: Arnold Lobel
Illustrator: Arnold Lobel
Date of Publication: 1972
ISBN: 006023959X
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2007
Synopsis:
(From Amazon.com)
"You know, Toad," said Frog with his mouth full, "I think we should stop eating. We will soon be sick." "You are right," said Toad. "Let us eat one last cookie, and then we will stop." Many "last cookies" later, Frog and Toad come up with an ingenious solution to their uncontrolled cookie consumption.
This pair of amphibian pals likes to do everything together, from list making to flower growing to dragon vanquishing. And when Toad bakes cookies one day, the two try to develop willpower together. Simple text and charming, frog-hued pictures combined with sensitive, funny, original stories show children what real friendship is all about.
| Note to readers: |
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This book is composed of 5 short stories. You will probably not be able to get through the whole book. Read as far as you can, or choose a few stories to start with and continue as time permits.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What are the differences between a frog and a toad? Can you look at the picture and tell which is Frog and which is Toad? (Toad is brown and Frog is green)
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Look at the pictures on the front and back cover. What kinds of things do Frog and Toad like to do together? What kinds of things do you like to do with your friends?
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Chapter 1: Toad makes a list to help him remember what to do. Do you ever make a list to help you remember things (chores, homework, etc...)? Do you do any of things on Toad’s list? What would you add?
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Chapter 2: Have you ever planted seeds to grow a garden? What types of things did you grow? Flowers? Fruit? Vegetables? How long did it take to grow? Why aren’t Toad’s seeds growing? What do seeds need to grow?
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Chapter 3: Frog and Toad talk about using "will power." What is “will power”? When are times that you need “will power”? Do friends help you with “will power?”
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Chapter 4: Give an example of a time when you were brave. Is it easier to be brave if you have a friend with you? Are you being brave when you try to make new friends or try new things?
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Chapter 5: In Toad’s dream, he can play the piano. Can you play any musical instruments? What do you dream about? Are you friends in your dreams?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make a frog/toad origami. (Instructions provided.)
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Make a frog/toad out of construction paper. Fold paper in half. Draw a two eyes on top of folded ½ circle. Cut out ½ circle. Cut out a tongue from left over paper and glue inside of folded circle. Cut out 2 long legs and 2 short legs from left over paper. Glue long legs on the folded edge and 2 short legs to the curved edge.
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Plant a seed. BRING AHEAD MATERIALS: egg cartons or paper cups, paper towels, dried peas or seeds. Have kids decorate the egg cartons or cups. Plant seeds in wet paper towel and put in cup. It will take at least a week to grow. (Instructions provided.)
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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