Nothing says welcome fall like a read-aloud of Those Darn Squirrels!
Hands down, this is my favorite read-aloud of the season, and is equally enjoyed by students. I found this book by chance. One day after I dropped off my students at the Media Center for their weekly library class, a huge pile of books caught my eye. They were labeled "discard pile." Since picture books are totally my jam, I had to peek and see what was being discarded. Those Darn Squirrels was in the stack {and I have no idea why because it is so good} and had a new home in my classroom.
Have you read this one yet?
Those Darn Squirrels, written by Adam Rubin tells the
story of Old Man Fookwire, a lonely, old man who lives alone and loves to bird
watch. When the squirrels start stealing the bird seed that he leaves out for the
birds, a match of wits ensues between Fookwire and the squirrels. The squirrels
come up with a plan to turn cranky old Fookwire into a happy man who becomes their friend.
This picture book, as with so many picture books can be used in many different ways, saving you valuable classroom time and increasing student comprehension at a deeper level. A read-aloud of Those Darn Squirrels pairs perfectly with lessons about:
- Reading: Problem and Solution and Story Structure
- Writing: Writing Story Beginnings that Hook Readers
- Word Work: Understanding and Using Compound Words
- Going Further: Activities that focus on character emotions, changing characters, writing a sequel, researching birds and migration, designing your own squirrel trap, and much more!
Grab a free activity to do with this book at the bottom of this post:
Here is a closer look at the lessons that I teach using this mentor text.
Reading as Readers: Problem and Solution and Story Structure
This story is just perfect to teach problem and solution structure with your students. Since the main character has more than one problem and other characters in the books have problems, too, this book is just perfect for upper elementary students who are ready to go beyond just the basic problem and solution structure.
Reading as Writers: Writing Story Beginnings that Hook Readers
To be honest, my students are always immediately hooked from the title and cover of this book. They giggle and laugh when I read the title and instantly their eyes widen with anticipation about what might happen in this book. But, the first page is another instant hook! it dives deep into the setting and introduces the main character. I love to use the book as a mentor text for students about writing beginnings that hook the readers. The unique character names, title, and illustrations, also support how important it is for students to make their writing pieces unique, stand out, and have a little something special to hook their readers right at the beginning of the piece.
Word Work: Understanding and Using Compound Words
Let's Go Further: Literature Activities
- focus on character emotions and changing characters
- write a sequel
- research birds and migration
- design your own squirrel trap
Those Darn Squirrels, written by Adam Rubin is a must-grab! It will instantly become your new favorite fall read-aloud and mentor text. You will find yourself loving Old Man Fookwire as much as the kids do!
Grab a free activity to do with this book right here:
Looking for more fall read aloud companions?
Look HERE!
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