(GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2008
Synopsis:
It's Splat's first day of school and he's worried. What if he doesn't make any new friends? Just in case, Splat decides to bring along his pet mouse, Seymour, and hides him in his lunchbox. The teacher, Mrs. Wimpydimple, introduces Splat to the class and he soon starts learning all his important cat lessons. But when Seymour escapes and the cats do what cats do (they chase mice!), Splat's worried again. Maybe now he'll lose all his friends, old and new! Just in time, wise Mrs. Wimpydimple takes charge and teaches everyone an important new lesson. Maybe Cat School is going to be okay after all!
-Amazon Books
| Note to readers: |
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This book has rhyming and alliteration(using the same beginning sound in a sentence--wiggled wildly with worry). Point them out to the kids.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you have any pets?
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Do any of your pets read?
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Do cats read?
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Do cats and mice get along?
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Do cats go to school?
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Do you like going to school?
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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How did you feel on your first day of school?
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Were you scared to go to school?
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Have you ever tried to get out of going to school?
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What did you do to get out of doing something (like going to school)?
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What was in Splat’s lunch box?
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What did the cats do?
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Why do you think Splat brought his pet mouse to school?
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What did Mrs. Wimpydimple teach the cats?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make a cat mask using a paper plate or construction paper.
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Make a cat puppet using paper bags
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Make a mouse out of construction paper and attach a string tail.
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Draw a picture of your class.
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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!
