The Great Fuzz Frenzy

The Great Fuzz Frenzy

by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

Summary:

This is a fun book about a tennis ball that is dropped down a prairie dog hole.  The consequence is that the prairie dogs fight over the fuzz from the tennis ball.  They learn a great lesson about how to treat others and work together.

Mini-Lesson: Theme

This is a wonderful book to discuss theme to lessons with students.  The book is pretty meaty, so take breaks throughout the book to summarize and have student brainstorm what the prairie dogs are learning.  At the conclusion of the read aloud, have students brainstorm the various lessons they can learn from reading the book.  Examples include: 

• You can accomplish more through teamwork.
• Good friends share things.
• Treat others kindly.

Mini-Lesson: Problem and Solution

This is a more complicated book to use when teaching problem and solution.  There are several problems in the book and several solutions.  Make a t-chart for problem and solution.  Add problems and solutions to the chart as they arise in the book.  

Mini-Lesson: Prediction

This book is also fun for makign predictions.  The end of the book leaves the reader wondering what will happen when something else is dropped down the prairie dog hole.  Have students brainstorm what they thing might happen and give reasons from the text that was read to support thier thinking.