Million Dollar Shot by Dan Gutman

Basic Outline:
Play some basketball type games. HORSE and Knock-Out
Book Talk
Snacks

(Would be a great book to read while working on cub scout Basketball Belt Loop program!)
Prepare: Gather ingredients for your own versions of “Finkles“ .
Pg 17 gives a brief description of how to make one…
Need peanuts, chocolates, marshmallows and your favorite pancake mix.
Make a pancake and then sprinkle peanuts, chocolate and marshmallows on it. Roll it up and serve warm.

Energy Game:
Play a game of HORSE- as described in the book. Play a few time until all boys are present.
Play another basketball game- Knock-Out.
Boys line up at the free throw line. You need 2 basketballs for this game. The first person in line takes a free-throw. If he makes it- he moves to the back of the line. If he misses- he rebounds the ball for himself and takes shots anywhere on the court he would like. Meanwhile- after his missed shot.. The next boy in line tries to throw a free-throw. If he makes it… the first boy is “knocked- out” of the game and cheers the rest of the boys on.
So you have two boys shooting at the same time.
If the first boy makes his shot first. The second boy still continues to shoot. The first boy passes his ball to the next person in line at the free-throw line. This boy tries to sink a free-throw and “knock out” second boy.
You continue playing until there is only one boy left… he’s knocked out all his opponents.

Book Talk-
1. You and a friend have 3 minutes to come up with an original poem about Finkles - now that you’ve tasted one.
Share your poem with the group. (This should get a few laughs.) Then have each boy line up and see if they could make a free-throw under pressure. Would they have won the million dollars?
2. What do you think about George Finkles attempts to weasel out of paying a million dollars? What were some of the ways he tried to prevent Eddie?
3. Is that realistic that Anne wouldn’t want to take the million dollar shot? She wrote the winning poem, why didn’t she want the money? Is that believable? (pg 39)
4. Did you try any tips on improving your foul-shot?(pg. 48)
5. Would you take Finkles offer and miss the shot on purpose? Would you keep his offer a secret from your parents? (pg 66) Should you keep secrets from your parents?
6. What did you think of the end of the book? Did you like how the author made you wait for the end? Did it add suspense?
7. What would you do with a million dollars?

The Kid Who Ran For President by Dan Gutman

Basic Outline:
Book Talk
Snacks- lemonade

Ideas & Preparation:
Gather items for obstacle course.
Make Lemonade.
Have a Lemonade stand.
Set up a “Presidential Relay”.

Energy Game:
Have two sets of white shirt, tie, and men’s shoes
Divide boys into two teams. Boys have to go through an obstacle course and put on the clothes then run to the their team. Next boy in line puts on the “presidential clothes” and runs the course. When they get to the end of the obstacle course they take clothes off and run back to their team while tagging the next boy. Boys alternate putting the clothes on and off, while running the obstacle course.
Ideas for obstacle course could be jump over things, zig and zag between things, toss items, etc.

(Other book club ideas can be found in the Cub Scout Citizenship Belt Loop and Academic Pin requirments. Things like going to the Polls with parents and talking about the right to vote, visit a local site of government and interview someone who is involved with the governemntal process, etc.. )

Book Talk-
1. How does Politics change a person? June Syers said , “It rips your heart out and puts a stone in its place.” What do you think she means?
2. What is the first thing you have to do to run for President? (pg 15 make a petition with signatures of registered voters…)
3. What are the two parties Republican or Democrat in favor of? (Republicans are against government having too much power, Democrats are in favor of a strong government system. Pg 27)
4. Which party did Judd pick? (started his own party- the Lemonade Party. Pg. 63)
5. What is the first rule of politics? Pg 75 (Give the people what they want.)
Is it right that Judd make promised he cannot keep? Do you think real politicians do this?
6. Have you ever watched a real Presidential Debate? How does it compare to Moons debate. (pg 122)
7. Did the end surprise you? Would you want to be president?
8. Did you try to peek in the back of the book ?

Field Trip ideas: If you live near the Washington D.C area- what better field trip than visit the White House and other sites!

Halloween Story Time

Opening Activity:

Invite your little ones over for a Halloween story time and set out your box of dress up clothes. Let the kids mix and match items and create a costume for the Story time.
Story time: Once all the kids have arrived and are happy with their costumes. Sit them down for some Halloween stories.

Stories: Who Goes Out on Halloween? by Sue Alexander, My Monster Mama Loves Me So by Laura Leuck , There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat! by Lucille Colandro,

Sing songs such as: Eency Weency Spider, (modify it and sing again the "Big -Fat hairy spider" in a deeper voice.), 5 Little Pumpkins sitting on a gate- with hand motions, and 1little 2 little, 3 little witches. (sung to the tune of 10 little Indians.)
(It goes as follows: One little, two little, three little witches - hold up your fingers....
flying over hay stacks, flying down ditches- swoop your hand up and down...
sliding down moon beams without any hitches ....
HEY Ho! Halloween's here!)

Snack: Enjoy pumpkin cookies and pumpkin treats... frost pumpkin shaped sugar cookies.

End game: TRICK OR TREAT....(modified game)
For this trick or treat game- kids don't go door to door. They sit on your floor in a circle and take turns pulling cards out of a pumpkin. (plastic trick or treat pumpkin). Some of the papers say TRICK- and have a silly thing they have to do like, "make a silly face" , "howl at the moon", etc.. some papers say TREAT. Papers that say TREAT- have a number on them too. (Take one, two , three treats... ) Some papers say SHARE a treat and they have to choose someone in the circle to give a treat to...
This game is about sharing, taking turns, being silly and getting treats! Play and make sure everyone has a handful of treats to take home with them.

Ending Activity: Dance until parents come to Halloween music. I found a CD at Walmart for under $5 that has silly songs like Monster Mash and the Flying Purple People Eater.

Mice are Nice Story Time

Invite your story time group over for a Mice of a Nice time-
(be sure to have them wear "play clothes" since this story time we'll be painting.)
I let the kids play- until everyone arrives.

Introduction game:
A nice game to introduce the theme is a "Guess which house the mouse is hiding behind".
Simply - draw and cut out different colored houses out of construction paper or color white paper houses. Then draw and cut out a paper mouse.

Stick the houses to a poster board, magnet board, or cork board. Then let the children take turns hiding the mouse behind a house. Everyone chant, "Little mouse, little mouse are you behind the _____ house?" (the red, yellow, blue, green, etc... )
One child picks the color to look behind. He keeps picking until the mouse is found- then he hides the mouse and a new child is given a turn to find the mouse.
Play this game- until everyone has had a turn finding and hiding the mouse.

(A friend of mine is a reader at our local library- and she introduced me to this simple game. The kids really enjoyed it!)

Story time:
Next read the selected stories
You can sing songs like, Hickory Dickory Dock together and Little Bunny Foo Foo in between stories if they are getting wiggly.

Snacks:
Enjoy a strawberry treat for snacks. These could be real, fresh strawberries or simple strawberry jam on bread, strawberry fruit snacks or fruit roll-ups. Whatever you decide.

Activity: Paint.
Let the children explore mixing colors like the three white mice. Provide paper and red, yellow and blue paint. They can use their "paws" like the mice- or paint brushes!

Activity- game: While the kids are painting... talk about other mice stories or facts.
Share the nursery song- Three blind mice. When children are done painting, clean up and then head outside for a game of chase. (cat and mouse style!) or pretend you are the "farmers wife" and chase your mice!

Pirate Story Time

Supplies:

Books for your story time:

Treasure Chest- if you have one great, if not decorate a tissue box

Trinkets for the treasure chest. (Instead of bags of candy- I made bags filled with POP cereal. They look like gold nuggets.)

Make picture clues for your treasure hunt. Simple pictures or TV, Couch, Kitchen table, etc..

Invite: Encourage kids to dress up for your Pirate Story time!

A few days before the story time event- I usually grab a container ( I have a specific bucket with handle) and keep it out and handy. Whenever I run across a toy, book or other item that would fit in my up-coming story time I place it in my bucket.

Right before your guests arrive- set out your clues- and hide your treasure box!

Let your PIRATES come in and play. Have any pirate ships, sharks and fish toys.

When all Pirates are accounted for- gather them around and read the different selected books below. The Silly Shark- really is a great Pop-up book. ( A real crowd pleaser.)

After reading, play Pop the Pirate. (The picture it's a fun game for preschoolers.. they stab swords into a barrel and when they hit the "random" hole the pirate pops out! )

Then have the children go on a TREASURE HUNT!
For the treasure hunt- use picture clues that lead your small band of pirates through your house and yard. You could include other trinkets to your booty- bubbles, rubber balls, POGS ( my kids are really into those now.) Whatever you like.

Camp Out Story time

This isn't the best picture. But I just wanted you to know- YES!I really do these Story Times with my 4 year old and his friends. (He was horrified that on this day- only the girls could come! GASP!) But we had a blast and I couldn't believe it.... the girls had never had a smore! Is that a crime or what!?

Your Checklist: A week or so before....
First buy or gather your Camp Out books.
Invite your group over for a "Camp Out".

Your Checklist: A day or two before....
Gather all your "woodsy" type of stuffed animals. (bears, wolves, rabbits, etc...)
Gather "Tent" type materials. If you have a play tent great! If not- use your imagination- chairs and sheets, etc.... ( Our pitched tent was that sheet of a shelter in the background)
Made a fake campfire- ( the paper bag pile with construction paper flames in the center.)
Do you have your Camp Craft supplies?
Do you have Smore ingredients?

Day of Story time:
As the kids come- remind them of the theme and have them help set up camp!
Build the camp fire together
Pitch the tent
Bring out all the stuffed animals and let them play!

Gather the kids together again and re-construct the camp fire. (During play time- this might have gotten spread across the room. )

Re-state the theme and start the chant:
We're going on a camp out
We're going to have a good time!
What a beautiful day- we're not scared! ( to the tune- We're going on a Bear Hunt.)
Guide the kids, walking down a path, climbing up a hill , through the trees, etc.. to find your imaginary campsite. I usually pat my knees to the beat then mime the actions. This will hopefully help get some of those last minute wiggles out!

Read some stories that relate to Camping Out

Then make the snacks- Smores!

( I melted chocolate chips in the microwave and cooked the marshmallows a little bit in there too. Then I spread the chocolate on the graham cracker and placed the warm mellow on top- sandwiched with another graham cracker.)

Craft: Camp Crafts.

Easy Binoculars. Two Toilet paper rolls with two paper clips!

Camp Lantern: green construction paper, stapler (adult staples tube together),

Stuff with red, yellow and orange tissue paper

Punch holes and attach a string

When they are done with their Camp Crafts- let them continue their "Camp Out playing" until parents come to pick up. You could also take them outside to look at things with their binoculars.

UPDATE: This post was our story time for my 3rd son when he was in preschool-- below is a picture of this son (now in first grade) reading this book to his younger brother (who is now in preschool).

I just had to share: a weak mommy moment. I can't tell you HOW THRILLED I am each and every time my kids pick up a book and read! Because that is not usually the first thing they think to do. And if they do pick a book up- it could just as easily turn into a projectile or weapon to whack with, but I caught a sweet moment between brothers.

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Opening Games:
List of Supplies:
a stuffed dog for each boy
a dog toy for each boy
a granola bar for each boy

Shiloh game
In the book, Marty learned how much work it takes to care for a dog. Give each boy a stuffed dog, a ball, and a "dog treat" (granola bar)- Sneak a brief review of the book and how Marty took care of Shiloh. Ask questions like, " How did Marty feed Shiloh? Where did Shiloh sleep?, etc..

Have each boy find a space in your yard to put their items.
When everyone has their places- explain that when you say "go" everyone runs to other people's piles and take items and return to their place. They race from pile to pile- taking items one at a time. When you randomly say , "stop" everyone stops and the boys that still have a dog, a ball and a treat win. (Play a few times to get some of their energy out.)

Dog Pound
For this chase game all the boys but one, lines up on one side of the yard. They decided three or four different types of dogs to represent. One boy is "Judd" or "it". Judd calls out the different types. When he calls out "Dog Pound" all the boys run across the yard and try not to get tagged. If he calls out just one type of dog- those boys run across. Boys that are tagged, stay frozen and try to tag other boys as they run across. The game continues until their is just one dog left.

Activity: Paint Bobble Head Puppies
I got bobble head puppies from Party Express. The boys really enjoyed painting their own dogs.
I think they liked the "mixing it up" at book club.

Talk about Topics in the book while boys paint.

There is also a Movie that goes along with this book.
Both are really good.

How to Be a Pirate by Cressida Cowell

Supplies:
Cut out the questions and hide clues for the TREASURE HUNT!
Brown grocery sack for each boy
stapler

OPENING ENERGY ACTIVITY:
Help each boy make a “Viking” triangle hat out of a brown paper bag. Staple “horns” (cardstock horns) to the hat and write the Vikings name on it.

FEATS OF STRENGTH-- have the boys pair up and do these different wrestling activities.
Have two boys face each other and put their hands on each other’s shoulders. Draw a line in between them. Have the boys try to push the other boy and cross the line. Then next round- have them try to pull the other boy across the line.

Have boys face each other and hold RIGHT hands. Then have each boy hold his own left ankle with left hand. Boys try to get their opponent off balance by pushing and pulling with their right hands.

Partner each boy up and have them sit down, back to back. Have them link their arms at the elbow. Working together- by pushing on each others back- see if they can get into a standing position.

(More partner physical activities can be found in Cub scouting books. Wolf pg 39-45, Bear pg 131-135, Webelos pg 139-141.)
ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS
Once ALL the boys are in attendance and have had a chance to get some of their energy out… start the official ..

Search for Grimbeard the Ghastly Treasure Hunt!
Make a special dessert or treat for the boys this will be the TREASURE after their scavenger hunt. Take the questions/ clues and fill in the correct letters for the answers. For example: If you plan on having Hot Fudge Sundae’s for dessert. The correct answer for #1 question will be H, #2 will be O, #3 will be T and so on..

Hide the questions in and around your house or neighborhood. You can change the location of any or all of the clues- if you want to personalize the search to your specific house, Just make sure you check and double check that one clue leads to the next.

Boys will be running around your house, answering questions- so be sure to have breakable knit-knacks put up and out of the way. When they get an answer- they record the letter that corresponds with the right answer on their score sheet. ( A piece of paper they have numbered.)When they have answered all the questions correctly they will know what you have made for dessert = the TREASURE! ( Brownie Sundaes! or Chocolate Chip Cookies!)

CONVERSATION STARTERS:
Have you ever felt like Hiccup?
What would you do to train your dragon?
What was your favorite part of the book?
What surprised you?
Who was your favorite character?
Did you enjoy the book?
If not- what would have made it better?

How to Train a Dragon by Cressida Cowell

Supplies:
Dragon Fliers (from Oriental Trading Company)
Marker
stickers
Brown grocery sack for each boy- Viking hat
stapler

OPENING ENERGY ACTIVITY:
Help each boy make a “Viking” triangle hat out of a brown paper bag. Staple “horns” (card stock horns) to the hat and write the Vikings name on it.

FEATS OF STRENGTH-- have the boys pair up and do these different wrestling activities.
Have two boys face each other and put their hands on each other’s shoulders. Draw a line in between them. Have the boys try to push the other boy and cross the line. Then next round- have them try to pull the other boy across the line.

Have boys face each other and hold RIGHT hands. Then have each boy hold his own left ankle with left hand. Boys try to get their opponent off balance by pushing and pulling with their right hands.

Partner each boy up and have them sit down, back to back. Have them link their arms at the elbow. Working together- by pushing on each others back- see if they can get into a standing position.
(More partner physical activities can be found in Cub scouting books. Wolf pg 39-45, Bear pg 131-135, Webelos pg 139-141.)

ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS
Once ALL the boys are in attendance and have had a chance to get some of their energy out… start the official ..

Thorsday Thursday Celebration!
How Many Gulls’ Eggs Can You Eat In A Minute?-
If you own a jello- Easter Egg mold- make Jello Eggs, other wise just boil regular eggs.
Ugliest Face Contest- Have boys take turns to stand in front of the group and make an ugly or silly face.
Final Initiation Test- Give each boy a Dragon Flier to decorate and assemble. Boys get to name their dragon and practice flying them. Let the boys throw their dragons and see whose can fly the farthest.

CONVERSATION STARTERS:
Have you ever felt like Hiccup?
What would you do to train your dragon?
What was your favorite part of the book?
What surprised you?
Who was your favorite character?
Did you enjoy the book?
If not- what would have made it better?

Holes by Louis Sachar

Supply list for Games:
Squirt gun for each boy
A medicine dropper or infant medicine syringe
Pitcher of water
Paper napkins (optional)
String (optional)

OPENING ENERGY ACTIVITY
Mr. Sir May I?
This game is a variation of “mother may I” except have one boy be “Mr. Sir“. “Mr. Sir” stands with his back facing the rest of the boys- who are a few feet away, lined up shoulder to shoulder. The boys take turns asking Mr. Sir (who can’t see them-because his back is turned…) how many pace’s they may take. The boys try to get as close to Mr.Sir as they can and hopefully “sneak” up behind him and tag him on the shoulder.
The first boy to tag Mr. Sir- get’s to be Mr. Sir for the next game.

For example:
Boy= Mr. Sir May I take 3 paces?
-Yes you may… (or no you may not)
Boy= Thank-you Mr. Sir!
If the boy forgets to say Thank-you before moving-- the boy has to go back to the original starting line.

INCENTIVE GAME:
Pass out a EMPTY squirt gun for each boy while you hold the pitcher of water with an EMPTY medicine dropper. Ask the boys questions about the book. If they answer the question right… take the dropper and put water into their water gun. If they answer wrong- the water that could have been squirted in their gun gets squirt on the ground. Continue asking questions and filling squirt guns. Whatever water they have in their gun… is how much they get for the beginning of the water fight!
( I always warn the boys before hand… when the book is assigned so they are really motivated to read and understand the book.)

We made “targets” for the boys to wear on their back. This helps boys focus on squirting each other on their backs instead of in eyes and ears, which some people find very sensitive. To make the targets- tie a long piece of string to the four ends of the napkin. Place the napkin on the back of a boy and tie two strings together. Do the same on the other side- having one string go over the shoulder and the other string under the armpit.

QUESTIONS
What color are the uniforms at Camp Green lake? (orange)
How many uniforms does each camper get? (two)
How big of a hole does each camper have to dig?
(as tall and wide as their shovel.)
What is the last thing the boys do, before they leave their finished hole?
(spit in it.)
What color are the yellow spotted lizards teeth? (black)
What does Stanley see in the bottom of one hole, when he is looking for Zero? ( a nest of lizards)
What does Zero stand for? (Zeroni)
What is “Caveman’s” real name? (Stanley)
Where does Trout find Kissing Kate? (the movie shows by the boat, the book reads different) ( in a cabin)
What is the special ingredient in the Wardens nail polish? ( rattlesnake venom.)
Why is Magnet called “Magnet”? ( his fingers are like little magnets- when he steals things.)
Why is Twitch nicknamed “Twitch”? ( he has a nervous twitch.)
Sing the song that Stanley’s family sings… it starts, “if only if only….”
Why is the boat named Mary Lou? (after the donkey- the boat was Sam’s)

DIRT CUPS
Plastic cups & spoons
Chocolate pudding (prepared in advance)
Chocolate cookies- crushed
Gummy worms

Let the boys assemble their own dirt cups layering the ingredients as they like.

Get to know the author too! Web page at http://www.louissachar.com/ He says this is his favorite book he ever wrote! There's Frequently Asked Questions along with a Bio- page!

Book & Movie group- Buy or rent Holes and compare and contrast the book with the video. Boys are eager to point out , “Hey that’s not how it happened!“ or “ Why did they skip that part from the book?”

After the movie ask: Did you like the book better or the movie? Were they exactly the same? Why do you think they change parts?

The Magicians Nephew by C.S Lewis

Did your son enjoy the movie- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? This book takes place before The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This story will answer all those questions about- Why the wardrobe is a bridge to Narnia. Why their is a lamp post in the middle of the woods in Narnia and so much more!

Topics to talk about:

The rings. Talk about their magical properties (pg 43) How do they work?
Use magnets and pins. Experiment with the power of magnets and how they attract items. (Pg 78)

They talk about the possibilities of a new world, Narnia. What types of possibilities? Compare how Narnia was created, what are some theories on how earth was created?

Why could some adults hear the animal speaking but not the Uncle. Is it possible to hear without listening? Understanding?

Why did the witch try and tempt Diggory?
Have you ever been tempted?
What was his resolution?
Have you ever been tempted?

Honus and Me by Dan Gutman

Summary:

Reading level for 8-12 year olds. Joe Stoshack loves baseball and has a real magical connection to baseball cards. He knows about players past and present. Too bad he doesn't know how to play well. This is a great story that introduces themes of honesty and integrity. What would you do if you found the most valuable baseball card in the world while cleaning out a neighbors dusty attic?


Game:
Play a game of baseball or if you don’t have enough boys for a full game. Have batting practice or play catch. Have two boys with gloves play catch while standing near a base. (the base can be a hat, Frisbee, etc..) The rest of the boys run trying to run to the other base without being tagged out.

Refreshments:
Have Hot Dogs, popcorn, peanuts and cracker jacks! Make it an All American Meal.

Topics to talk about:
Integrity. Honus wouldn’t let the tobacco company use his picture. Joey has an integrity issue too- what to do with the card… what would you do?

What is the secret to being a great baseball player?

p60 “lies catch up to you” Did Joey do the right thing? What would you do?

Talk about the traits of characters in the book: What do we know about the values of Joey’s mom, his dad, Joey, Honus, Birdie, etc..

What does Honus get out of doing nice things? P106

Activity: Let the boys design their own trading card. Have card stock cut to size with markers and color pencils.

Green Eggs and Ham with others by Dr. Seuss

Have book club members read Green Eggs and Ham at home with Parents. Suggest parents read this book to their children and then take turns reading the different parts. (Sometimes reading a whole book by themselves is a daunting task!)

Supplies:
Cat in the Hat book
Cat in the Hat board game or make a game with rhyming words.
Balloons with paper slips inside.
Cartoon movie double feature: Green Eggs and Ham & Cat in the Hat

On Book Club day turn on the movie- while you wait for all Book Club members to arrive.

Starter ENERGY game:
Have three cups placed around the room. One says HAT, one SAM, one says TRAIN
Write on small slips of paper words that rhyme with HAT, SAM and TRAIN.
(CAT, BAT, MAT, FAT, RAT, PAT, NAT, HAM, RAM, PAM, CAIN, RAIN, MAIN,etc..)
Place slips of paper inside balloons and blow them up.

Let the kids run around the room popping the balloons one at a time, and placing the word paper in the cup that rhymes with that word. The game is over when all the balloons are popped and hopefully all the kids have their wiggles out!


For Book Club Treat: Of course it will be dyed GREEN.
Put food coloring in your milk- green milk.
Frost cookies- with green frosting. (green cookies)
Eat green grapes
Take the opportunity to talk about:
Is it hard to try new things? Taste new foods?
Have you ever tried something you thought you wouldn't like... and were surprised you did like it after all?
Let the kids share their experiences

Game:

Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat board game , with colorful illustrations from the book. Designed for parents and children to play together, this game promotes early reading skills while challenging players to match letters with colors as they race along the board, and makes a great starter game for preschoolers. Includes a game board, 4 playing pieces, a numbered spinner card with a spin dial, 40 picture cards and complete instructions. For 2-4 players. Recommended for ages 4 and up. (Available at Amazon or other stores where games are sold.) We happened to get it for Christmas one year.

Or you can make your own matching/ rhyming game. In preparation for book club- cut out or draw pictures of items that rhyme.

Field Trip:
Live Near Manhattan?
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan has a major, new interactive exhibition with environments and activities themed to the Seuss classic Oh, the Places You'll Go! The exhibit opened first in New York and then will tour select cities around the country.
The Oh, the Places You’ll Go! exhibition bursts with Seussian colors, characters, and off-center structures—from the exhibition’s floor, walls, ceiling, and even from the facade of the museum. Visitors will follow Seussian pathways that lead “straight out of town,” they’ll “join the high fliers who soar to high heights” via raised platforms or descend through tunnels from a “prickle-ly perch” to a Seussian “Slump.”
The exhibition maintains the positive outlook on life inherent in Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and many of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s other books. The exhibition is designed to inspire children to love reading as it weaves together a history of Geisel’s life and work with an interactive journey where children and adults are immersed in activities. Children will be encouraged to try new things and to become explorers and doers with reading the key to finding new places.
Hours: Summer Hours (Now - September 12)Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm Winter Hours (Beginning September 25)Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm
Address: The Tisch Building212 West 83rd Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam)New York, NY 10024
Admission Fees: $7 for adults and children $4 for seniors Free for children under one

We really have been here! When my oldest was just 2 years old. Talk about entering the world of Dr. Seuss! Colorful and zany- it was like entering one of his books. My son had a blast!

May I Please Have a Cookie? by Jennifer Morris

First Grade reading level Book Club. This is the book that we delivered to all the book club members. A cute book about how a young alligator figures out the best way to get a cookie!

Supplies:
Other books about cookies: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Gingerbread Man, Boy or Baby

Energy/ Gathering Game:
We sat the kids down in a circle and played, "Who Stole the Cookie From the Cookie Jar?"
You sit in a circle and start a clapping pattern. (Pat your legs once and clap once and then snap fingers one at a time.) While patting everyone chants:
"Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?"
You start the game by saying, "(Name a name) stole the cookie from the cookie jar."
That person says, "who me?"
you say, "Yes you"
person says, "it couldn't be.."
you say, "then who?"
Then the person named says, " (names a new name) stole the cookie from the cookie jar."
and the game continues until everyone has participated.
Play this game until all Book Club Members have arrived.

Read additional books about cookies:
First reread May I Please Have a Cookie. What are the different ways he tried to get a cookie? What is the best way?
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Gingerbread Boy and/or Gingerbread Baby

Craft:
Make Gingerbread Puppets with brown paper lunch sacks.
Write on the back of the bags a list of words. (Old lady, cow, dog, etc..) These words will help the kids re-tell the story later with their puppets.
Seat the kids around a table and give every child a brown paper sack.
Have decorating items on the table with glue for them to decorate their own Gingerbread puppets.
Buttons, ribbon, sparkles, stickers, etc..


Snack: Cookies and Milk!

Scooby-Doo Phonics Book Set

Here are the books we used with our Scooby Doo Book Club.
Then I found a Scooby Doo Sudoku! I gave each child a few pages to do before book club. They enjoyed having an activity- besides reading- that helped get them excited for the up coming Book Club meeting. Don't miss this cute book of games that builds math skills too!


Preparation:
Make a Book Club package for every member of your book club. Include in each package:
1. 1-2 Scooby-Doo Phonics Books ( The Phonics box set has 12 easy to read books.)
2. 2-3 pages from the Scooby-Doo SUDOKU book. ( I rip out these pages along with the stickers that correspond to their puzzle pages.)
3. An invitation to the next book club meeting. (I usually set the book club meeting a week later.)
4. Deliver a package to each club member.

5. Stuffed animal- Scooby Do or a picture of Scooby Doo

Energy Game: Scooby-Doo Where Are YOU?
Take turns hiding Scooby-Doo. While one boy is hiding Scooby the others are in a different room. When he is hidden, all the boys are allowed to enter the room and search for Scooby-Doo. The boy who hid Scooby calls out if someone is HOT = close to Scooby or COLD = far from where Scooby is hidden. Hints can also be WARM, COOL, WARMER, RED HOT!, etc.. The boy to find Scooby gets to hide him next while the other boys leave the room. Play until all the boys have a turn to hide Scooby!

Snacks: Prepare Scooby Snacks. Make sugar cookies and cut into Dog bone shapes. We found at Price Busters a box of "Dog Treat" looking cookies.

Movie: Watch a cartoon movie - Scooby Doo

Game: Here's a match games featuring our favorite- Scooby-Doo! But if a player gets a Monster card, a matched pair must be forfeited. This game also includes a Wild card that creates an instant pair. The lucky player who finds a Take Scooby card claims the prized plastic Scooby figurine until the next player wins it away. A great Game for your Scooby-Doo Book club meeting! If you can't find this game in the stores- Amazon.com has it.. or just make your own matching game by using extra stickers from the Sudoku book, or cut up a coloring book to make your own cards for matching.

Frog and Toad All Year by Arnold Lobel

Summary: Follow Frog and Toad's friendship from season to season. This is a simple chapter book. Each chapter highlights a season and the last chapter includes a Christmas story. Frog and Toad share, support and serve each other. A quaint book about true friends.

Frog & Toad All Year Outline
Frog and Toad are good friends.
Talk about the qualities of a good friend.
What does it mean to be a good friend.
This was our November 2007 pick- so I will be emphasising blessings and things we have to be thankful for. (For example: Good Friends.)

This book is divided into 5 chapters- each highlighting a different season.
(Chapter 5 is a holiday- Christmas.)
Do 5 Activities while reviewing each chapter.

Chapter 1. Down the Hill-
TRY SOMETHING NEW! Frog introduced Toad to snow and sledding.
Go ICE BLOCKING... down a grassy hill... ( To make Ice Blocks use large plastic dish tubs and freeze enough ice blocks for each boy. Or ask each family to make their own.) Find a good sledding hill- and be sure to bring towels to sit on. (Bums do get cold and wet!) Fun activity!

Chapter 2. The Corner-
Is a story about the Season Changing... while outside ICE BLOCKING- look at the signs that the season is changing.. in the story- it was winter to spring... in November- it will be Fall - Winter.
(Blessing: The beautiful world we live in.)

Chapter 3. Ice Cream
- Need I even say?-- enjoy some ice cream cones for your treat!

Chapter 4. The Surprise!
Plan and do a service project to do as a book club.

Make cards- and mail them to an organization like- Keiki Cards. An organization that sends handmade cards to sick children monthly. These are not "get well" cards- they don't want to focus on the children's illness. They prefer holiday, silly, children's cards- just for fun.
Talk about the blessing of our bodies, and enjoying good health!

For this activity- you can use stickers, stamps, card stock paper, markers... make a book mark to include and why not share some of the titles of your favorite books!

Chapter 5 Christmas Eve!
Let the boys know- For your Christmas Book Club Meeting - you'll be exchanging names- to swap presents..! You can do this however you like- this could be a Secret Santa kind of thing or just a gift exchange. Our group is going to have it be a simple gift exchange with the limit $5.

Blue Berry- Barf Off by R.L Stein

Summary: Rotten School is a residential school where Bernie Bridges wants Sherman Oaks' fancy new watch. A challenge to a pie eating contest is part of Bernie's plan but will it work? How will he get the watch? And where does the barfing coming in? You'll have to read it to find out.


Prepare: Book Journal to be passed along with the book.

This was one of the first books we did. I tried buying one book and the boys sharing it. It worked out o-k-a-y. It's not the ideal. Since we were passing the book around. I was afraid that the boys who read it first- would have a hard time remembering things for our discussion. So I made a little question book that got passes around with the actual story. The question log book consisted of 5 envelopes stapled together with a cover. The envelopes were SEALED with a small slit in the side- so the boys could tuck in a piece of paper with their answers on it.

ON the inside cover of the "log book".
"Hello fellow Boyz Book Club members! This month you have a week, ONE WEEK to read your book! After your week you pass the book, this "log book" and book bag to the next club member. As you read- stop and answer the question is on the sealed envelopes. The next book club meeting is ------. We will open all the envelopes and talk about the book. Be prepared to have some ROTTEN FUN!"

On the back-inside cover was a list of all the boys and a place to check off if they had already read it.

Envelope 1- If you went to Rotten School, which school club would you join? a. The 3rd grade swim team, b. Nyce House Volunteer club, c. Dental Hygiene club.
Envelope 2. If you could design a fancy cool watch.. what would it be able to do? (chapter 4)
Envelope 3. Would you want to shave a letter on your head- if your friends did? if so... which letter and why? (What would the letter represent?) ( Chapter 7)
Envelope 4 If you were in an eating contest... would it be PIE or CAKE? and what flavor? (chapter 11)
Envelope 5 Would you have given up your cool watch?

Our Energy/Opening game- we tossed water balloons off my balcony.
I had half the boys on the balcony and half the boys at the bottom with buckets. The boys with the water balloons on the balcony tossed the balloons and the boys on the bottom tried to catch them in the buckets. After 5 tosses- a boy from the balcony would run down and tag a boy with a bucket and they would switch places.
Our boys are so good natured. They all wanted to get hit with water balloons- I thought they would all want to do the tossing. But it was the other way around! You can never have too many water balloons. So fill as many as you possibly can. They did not get tired of this activity- and in fact. After our discussion and dinner- we filled up MORE water balloons so they could continue until parents came for pick up!

Refreshments:
Then we had pizza- opened up the envelopes and we took turns reading the responses.
We had blueberry pie for dessert!- of course :0)
Then like I said, they were back outside for more water-balloon fun!

Geronimo Stilton Series

When our club members went to get the Geronimo Stilton books, they each wanted a different book. So we are going to let them read their own book and then report to the group what their book was about. I love it! The more they get to make the choices for their book club- the less it feels like homework and more like their club.


If each child reads a different book.

On the day of Book Club - each person brings their book and shares their "review".

I'm excited to hear the kids explain the stories they read.
We're going to snack on cheese nips, cheese sticks, have melted cheese (fondue) they can dip crackers and veggies in cheese.

Cam Jansen and Summer Camp.. by David Adler

Supply list for Games:
Ask the boys to bring their school back packs with them to book club.
HELLO- name tags- (Write the silly names on them for awards to the scavenger hunt)
Laffy taffy
Small trinkets on a tray- or cookie sheet, covered
Book Bag scavenger hunt list for each boy
Soccer Ball
Frisbee
Baseballs
Empty soda cans filled with sand or rocks

OPENING ENERGY ACTIVITY & Incentive Game
1. Host your own- “End of Camp Tournament”
Set up stations in your backyard.
Soccer Station- see how many goals they can make in a set amount of time.
Frisbee toss- how far can they toss a Frisbee.
Baseball throw- see how many cans they can hit over with the baseballs. (or tennis balls)
Let all the boys- enjoy the stations while you wait for everyone to arrive.

Start the Incentive Part of the Tournament.
Ask the boys a question- before they get an official turn to do each activity.
If they get the answer right- they get rewarded with- a full minute to make goals at the soccer station. Let every boy have a chance to answer a question and do the station. Then move to the next station. (If they answer right at other stations- the rewards could be…. They get the best out of three tosses at the Frisbee station and get three tries to knock cans over.)

ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS
Book bag Scavenger Hunt:
Have the boys grab their back packs and sit in a circle. Read off the items on the Scavenger Hunt list. The boys must hunt in their backpacks to find the items. If they have the item, they show everyone and cross off the item on their list.
Bit of food, sticker, broken crayon, bit of tape, marker, ruler, key, eraser, paper clip, glue stick, pencil, rubber band, scrap of paper, old homework, old spelling list, book , etc..
You might be surprised what they find in their back packs!

After playing the game pass out the HELLO Name tag Awards.
“Random Randy“- for the boy who had the strangest item in his back pack
“Neat Nick“- for the boy whose back pack was the cleanest
“Orderly Owen“- who didn’t have anything random
“Always Prepared Peter“- for the boy who had all the helpful items- ruler, pencil, etc..
“Clue-less Clark“- for the boy with NOTHING in his back pack!
“Oscar the Grouch“- in honor of the boy who is a pack rat like Oscar on Sesame Street.

Work on their Memory Skills- like Cam Jansen!
Bring out your tray of trinkets. Give the boys a minute to look at the tray. Then cover the tray - and remove a few items. (Without the boys seeing which items you removed.) Then place the tray back in view and ask the boys, “What is missing?”

Do they have Camera Like memories like Cam Jansen?
Let the boys take turns- removing items from the tray.
(trinkets- could be random things from your junk drawer.)


Refreshments:
Have Hot dogs or your favorite Camp Food.
For Dessert- have the boys take turns reading the jokes on the Laffy Taffy.

Conversation starters:
Have you ever been to a Summer Camp?
Who is your favorite character? Who are you most like?
What was your favorite part of the book?
What surprised you?
Did you enjoy the book? Would you recommend it to a friend?
If not- what would have made it better?

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Supply list for Games:
Pkg of balloons
String or yarn
Cowboy Hat

OPENING ENERGY ACTIVITY
Wild Horses Balloon Stomp
As book club members arrive, tie a balloon onto one ankle of each child. Boys try to pop other people’s balloons by stomping- while trying to protect their own balloon. Once their balloon is popped, boys can tie another balloon onto their ankle. Continue until all balloons are gone and only one boy and balloon are left.

ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS
LUCKY HORSE-SHOE SNACK
Ingredients:
Box of Favorite cereal
1 bag of Large Marshmallows
1 stick of Butter
Cooking Spray
Wax paper
Melt a bag of large marshmallows and butter in a sauce pan on low heat. Pour in box of cereal- stir until coated with “Mellow” mixture. Spray hands with Cooking Spray and carefully mold into “horse-shoe” shape on the wax paper. ( if you take two handfuls- using both hands it’s easier to do this.) Let cool. Be careful- as the cereal mixture is HOT. This is quick work and should be done BEFORE book club by an adult. (These are rice crispi treats molded into horse-shoe shapes.)

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

Did you like hearing the story through the eyes of the horse?
Have you ever thought what it would be like to be an animal?
What animal would you want to be?
What was your favorite part of the book?
What surprised you?
Who was your favorite character?
Who did you relate to?
Did you enjoy the book?
If not- what would have made it better?

Book & Movie group- Buy or rent Black Beauty and compare and contrast the book with the video. Boys are eager to point out , “Hey that’s not how it happened!“ or “ Why did they skip that part from the book?” After the movie ask: Did you like the book better or the movie? Were they exactly the same? Why do you think they change parts?

ADDED INCENTIVES:
BEFORE the movie. Pass out a questionnaire about the book and let them earn “MOVIE BUCKS” for each right answer. Have a “Concession Stand” - that the boys can redeem their Movie Bucks for snacks to munch on during the movie.

Here are some sample questions:
What was the Name of Black Beauty’s horse friend?( Merry legs &/or Ginger)
What are “Blinkers” and why are they dangerous? ( Blinkers block the side vision of horses. They are dangerous because Horses can’t see very well and at times get in accidents.)
How did Black Beauty get his name? (Black- because of his color, and Beauty because of his sweet face.)
How did Black Beauty let his master know the bridge was not safe? ( He would not cross it.)

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman

Supply list:
Pennies
Bag of Balloons- prepare the balloons before book club by placing a penny inside each balloon an blow it up.
Rolled up clean socks (enough for each boy to have 2-3)
Baked Potatoes with toppings
OPENING ENERGY ACTIVITY:
Juggling Practice:
While waiting for all the boys to arrive have a bunch of rolled up socks ready for boys to practice “juggling”. Ask them what they would do to earn money if they lived during the time of Jemmy and Prince Brat.

Rat Catching
When all the boys have arrived- explain that they have 30 seconds to “catch” as many “rats” as they can. (Really, they get a balloon & pop it and keep the penny. ) Let the boys run and chase & hopefully get the wiggles out!


Captain Nips Potato Bar
Baked potatoes ( enough for each member of book club)
Provide toppings:
Shredded cheese
Steamed broccoli
Butter
Salt & Pepper
Sour Cream
Chili
Let the boys top their own baked potatoes to their fancy!

Book & Movie group- Buy or rent The Whipping Boy.
BEFORE you assign the book, invite the boys over to introduce the book and “wet their interest”… show the first ---- minutes of the movie. This preview- will help the boys envision the time period, the customs & costumes, the manner of speaking and basic plot of the book.
Also introduce some vocabulary words that they will encounter.
Then- on your official book club night, let the boys watch the full movie and compare and contrast the book with the video. Boys are eager to point out , “Hey that’s not how it happened!“ or “ Why did they skip that part from the book?” After the movie ask: Did you like the book better or the movie? Were they exactly the same? Why do you think they change parts?

Vocabulary Match game.
CONVERSATION STARTERS:
What was your favorite part of the book?
What did you think of Prince Brat’s life? Would you want to be a Prince?
Why didn’t the bag guys think the Prince was the REAL prince?
Who was your favorite character?

Did you enjoy the book?
If not- what would have made it better?

Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

Things to gather for this Book club meeting:
Pictures of the Sistine chapel.
Pocket knife and permission from parents
Bar of soap for each boy.
(Check out whittling books from library for examples, pictures, safety tips and ideas. You could ask around and see if any Scout leaders in your area know how to whittle this is an achievement for BEARS in cub scouts.- have them come and demonstrate. I am not a whittling expert so I am going to do this.)
Mac-n-cheese for snack
Reward for the incentive game: gum balls. (In the book they talk about "eight ball gum".)

ENERGY & INCENTIVE GAME:
Set up an obstacle course- could be a simple route as run around the mailbox and back or as complex as you would like with props. Have the boys run through the course and back- first three get to answer questions and win a gumball if they answer right. If they answer wrong... another boy can answer and win a gum ball. Ask three questions and set them off running again. Repeat until all questions are asked. (Make it so all the boys have a chance to answer questions. That might mean, making the fastest 3 boys sit out on the last few runs.)

Where does Rob Horton live? In a Hotel/motel
What is the name of the hotel? Kentucky Star
Why is it named that? It is named after a horse the owner once had.
Why does Sistine dress the way she does?
Bullies- how does Rob deal with bullies?- he doesn't fight back, he waits for them to get bored and leave him alone or he runs.
How does Sistine deal with bullies?- She fights them, sometimes she even starts the fights first.
What does Robs father think he should do? fight back
What would you do?
Why does Rob and his father eat Mac-n-cheese a lot? Robs mom died and that is about all his father knows how to cook.
Why does Rob get kicked out of school? the rash on his legs.
What kind of jobs does Rob do around the Motel? Sweeping, cleaning up, weeding, feeding the tiger...
Who is Willie May? Motel housekeeper
How does Willie May explain the rash on Robs legs? sadness bottled up inside
What is Sistine secret? Why is she mad all the time? Her father left her and her mother.
What is Robs "suitcase"? What does he keep inside it?= He bottles up all his feelings, keeps all his feelings inside- like packing them inside a suitcase so he won't feel ...sad.. or happy.
Sistine was willing to do what to miss school? Rub her hands on Robs legs and try to catch his rash. What would you do?
Why doesn't Rob wish on stars? He's afraid he starts wishing... he'll never be able to stop.
What are some things Rob is sad about? His mom dying, his rash, moving, not having friends, any thoughtful answer is right.
Beauchamp didn't name the tiger- what would you name it? or Would you name it? any answer is correct.
Willie May describes Sistine and Rob by emotions... what two emotions? Angry and sorrow What emotion would she use to describe you?
What did Willie May mean- when she said the Tiger rising up out of the cage and how Robs sadness needed to rise up out of his legs. What do you think that means? Rob needs to let the hurt go... and so he thinks he needs to let the tiger go too.
What happened to the tiger in the end of the book? Rob's dad shot it.

Now that the boys are good and tired- let them chew their gum. (I wouldn't let them chew it while running the course- they might choke.)

ACTIVITY:
Sit the boys down and talk about Whittling.
Stress the importance of listening and following instructions while using the pocket knives.
Let the boys work on their soap or wood.

SNACK:
Mac n cheese
You can talk more about the book while they snack.
Show them the pictures of the Sistine Chapel. Did they know what that was before?

Talk about topics mentioned in the book: Boys might not want to talk about their feeling-
or bullies. But this might be a good opportunity to help boys see their options if they have ever been bullied.

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Summary from book: These guys are not your average neighbors. Unless you live on Alcatraz. It's 1935 and twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan and his family have just moved to the infamous island that's home to criminals like notorious escapee Roy Gardner, Machine Gun Kelly and of course, Al Capone. But that's just the beginning of Moose's troubles because on Alcatraz the kids are all cowed by the clever, danger- loving daughter of the warden, Piper Williams. Now Moose has to try to fit in at his new school, avoid getting caught up in one of Piper's countless schemes and keep an eye on his sister, Natalie, who's not like other kids. All Moose wants to do is protect Natalie, live up to his parents' expectations and stay out of trouble. But on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.

Basic Outline:
Make Book club T-shirts
Prepare a ‘treasure hunt’
Bowling or play baseball

I pre-washed the T-shirts, used fabric paint-diluted with water, and clear contact paper to make the stripes. Super easy T-shirt. Use a sponge to apply dye to exposed T-shirt. Let dry- remove the contact paper and you have a white/grey striped shirt. (I always put a flattened cereal box inside each shirt so the dye doesn't bleed to other side. )

Prepare:
Book Club T-shirts
Check out my blog for complete directions. T-shirts really help the boys get excited and feel apart of a real club. Making a book club T-shirt for the year is a great way to get boys excited, they also will come in helpful when you go on field trips as a book club.
You can have the boys make the T-shirts as part of your meeting. Play baseball or catch while you wait for paint to dry. Because we were crunched for time this month, I made the T-shirts, sent the boys on a treasure hunt to find them, then we went bowling.

With fabric paint- add serial numbers and book club name on the back of each shirt!

Energy & Incentive Game
Treasure Hunt- Book Club style
For my treasure hunt I used the following questions and placed them in the mentioned hiding spots. Boys collect the questions/clues. For each right answer they learn a letter and come closer to finding out where their treasure lies.
I hid the book club t-shirts in our dryer. My boys figured out the hiding spot after the two letters D- R… so NEXT time I’m going to have my answers be symbols (star, diamond, heart, etc…) They learn a symbol after each answer and THEN have to decode the results. Boys are clever and cunning!

QUESTION ONE (hidden in the microwave)
The Main Character Moose has a sister who is a little different. What are some of Nathalie’s favorite things?
B- She likes to sing and paint
H- She likes to draw and read
D- she likes to count and eat lemon cake

QUESTION TWO (hidden on our back fence gate)
Moose is new to San Francisco, but he does make some new friends at school who like to play his favorite game. Who is his friend and what game is it?
A- Piper and he likes to play Go Water!
R- Scout and he likes to play baseball!
E- Alex and he plays soccer!

QUESTION THREE (hidden under our mailbox)
Why does Moose change his mind about helping Piper with the Laundry plan? (Piper wants to have kids pay them to get their clothes washed by the inmates in Alcatraz. At first he says no, but then he changes his mind.)
y- Piper promises to not make a big deal about Natalie and how she is different. If she makes a big deal- the warden might make Moose and his family move.
T- Piper promises to give him half the money. Moose wants money so he can call his old friends.
I- Piper promises not to tell the warden that Moose stole a baseball from Alcatraz.

QUESTION FOUR (hidden on our hose)
Why does Moose WANT to talk to the Warden. What problem is Moose trying to help solve?
P- Moose promised Scout he would find a baseball for him, but he hasn’t found one yet. He is wondering if the Warden can give him one.
E- Moose wants to ask the Warden to help get his sister in a special school for kids like Natalie. The Warden knows lots of people who might be able to help.
H- Moose wants to tattle on Piper. She is trying to communicate with the inmates and Moose doesn’t want to get in trouble AGAIN like the laundry business. Piper even tried to talk to Al Capone’s MOTHER! She is always causing problems.

QUESTION FIVE (hidden on our hockey net)
Who ended up helping Natalie get into the private and special school?
W- The warden - he called and made the arrangements.
R- Moose asked Al Capone to ask some of his connections to arrange Natalie to get into the private school.
N- Natalie got in on her own. She worked hard with Miss Kelly.

Let these questions start a conversation about the book. What parts did the boys like? Did they predict what 105 meant the first time Natalie said it? Would you want to live on Alcatraz?

Activity:
Then we went bowling. (My boys like bowling and we have a game center walking distance from our house.) But your club could play baseball instead.

And if you live near San Francisco.. you've got to go visit Alcatraz as a Boys Book Club Field trip! YOU MUST!

Spiderwick Series

We are loved this series! This book club idea is just for the first book. Once the boys finish the series we are going to go see the movie in the theater. I just wanted to reward them for starting the series and hopefully encourage them to continue on!

Our Energy Activity/ Quiz

I quickly sketched some pictures of Mallory/ Jared & Simon and stapled them onto three near by trees. (uh- labeled with their names... so the kids could identify them. :0) I then asked the kids questions about the story and they had to run to the person who was the right answer. If they answered wrong... they had to take a lap around the three trees.

Questions:
Who would most likely be a lion tamer when they grow up? (Simon)
Who made the hole in the kitchen wall? ( Mallory)
Who took the first object out of the wall? (Mallory- her fencing metal.)
Who was the first up the dumbwaiter? (Jared)
Who was the first to be pranked by the house brownie? (Mallory)
Who found the field guide? (Jared)
Who was fencing outside when Jared was reading the field guide? (Mallory and Simon)
Who poured flour on the kitchen floor? (Jared)
Who threatened to rip the book in half? (Mallory)
Whose idea was it to make a new home for the boggart? (Jared)
Who wrote the note to go into the bird house? (Mallory)

Next we went inside to make our "houses". We used milk cartons, pipe cleaners, feathers, buttons, glue, etc.. to decorate the inside. (I used a knife to cut windows and a door- I wanted to avoid any emergency trips to the hospital.)

Once your group has finished the series. Host another book club and watch the movie. Compare and contrast the movie to the book. My boys were disappointed in the end. They really wanted to see the battle with the Dwarfs and Mulgaraths fortress. What a great lesson for them to learn- that often the BOOK is BETTER than the movie! So if you like a certain movie- you should read the book... because the book will often continue and deepen the plot & characters they already know and love.)

Just a funny story: As you know my boys are reluctant to read. They normally don't read for fun. It is either for school or for book club- usually for both!

But once my boys started this series they were fighting over the books to finish.

(literally)

One morning my two oldest boys were fighting on their way out the door on their way to school. I couldn't follow the argument- so I asked them what they were fighting about?

Son #1 wanted to take the Spiderwick #2 book to school, but son #2 had it in his backpack already.

Son #2 argument was- he was almost done and could finish it.

My eldest countered that HE had more time to read during school since he had already finished his Social Studies project...

I was just stunned and stood speechless. Never in a million years would I have imagined them arguing over a book. What really surprised me was a few hours later- the school called. " You needed to pick your son up from school- he doesn't feel well."

I brought son #2 home, suspicious of his symptoms... and sent him to bed.

He spent the WHOLE day reading.. and by the time his brother came home from school he was onto book #4! What a sneaky stinker! They are not in any way competitive. :0)

How To Eat Fried Worms

Summary: Billy is always being dared to do crazy things - but has he bitten off more than he can chew with this new dare to eat 15 worms in 15 days? And we're not talking tiny worms. We're talking the big, fat, juicy night crawlers. If he wins? Well his friend Alan has to fork over 5o dollars! Would you for $50? Good news for Billy is as he gets going, he actually starts getting hooked on worms, bad news is Alan is busy cooking up schemes to Billy will bail out of the bet.


Basic Outline:
Energy Game: Tape a name of a character from the book, on the back of a boy. Then play CHASE! The boy with the name (taped on his back) chase around other boys- if they tag them they get to ask one question about the name on their back. They are no longer "it" when they guess correctly the name. The last boy caught- now gets a new name taped on his back and he has to chase boys to to ask questions.

Snack/Meal:
Hot dogs cut up in strips and microwaved... so they curl up to look like WORMS! Have an assortment of condiments so boys can fix their own plates of worms.

Activity: Watch the movie and compare and contrast the book to movie.
One thing the boys will notice from the start is there is a GIRL in the movie!

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single engine plane in which he is flying in- crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother has given him as a present. With only the dreadful secret that caused his parent's divorce to keep him company Brian has no time for anger, self-pity, or despair. It will take all his know -how and determination and more courage than he knew he possessed to survive.

If you have scouters this series would be great for Boys learning camping skills, the Boy Scouts Mountaineering Merit Badge and Hiking Requirements pg 263, Webelos Outdoorsman Hiking requirements pg 362, or page 107 for Bears- go on a Hike with your family.

Basic Outline

Energy Game: Host a Camp Out or Go on a Hike.

Snack: MRE meal, smores over a fire/ or grill

Review the book while you eat

Activity: Assemble Personal First Aid Kits

Energy: Let the boys set up camp. Give them tarps, cords, and construct their own shelter. Is it waterproof? Is there enough room for all the boys? This could be for an actual camp-out or just an activity for the evening.

If you go on a hike- bring your MRE meal along. Stop some point to rest- eat and review the book out in nature!

Review Book:

Some Topics from the Book

First Aid- What would you do if.... someone was having a heart attack? If someone got hit by a car? If a friend fell down while skateboarding and broke his wrist? Review some possible situations.

Positive Thinking vs Self Pity- what was more productive for Brian? What are some examples of this in the book? (pg 82) How do struggles and trials make you stronger? Have the boys share some examples.

How important is Fire? Have you ever thought about that before? What does having fire mean to Brian?

"Important Firsts"- Brian remembers important First lessons he's learned. Do you have any important firsts? First time you learned how to ride a bike? First time water skiing? etc..

Take Home Activity: First Aid Kits

Have items :

Adhesive bandages

sterile gauze pads 3x3

adhesive tape

soap

antiseptic

scissors

pencil and paper

bag to hold items- could be a school binder pencil pocket with zipper.

(If your boys are in Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts use their books as references. Boy Scout handbook: 287 First Aid, BEARS pg 96, Webelo pg 367. Boys can pass off electives during book club activities!)

Our camp out turned into a "camp in" because of weather. We let the boys try their hand at a Bow & arrow- knocking down cardboard rabbits and played board games.

If your boys liked Hatchet- be sure to follow Brian's adventures in Brian's Winter, The River and Brian's Hunt.