How to Catch a Class Pet is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"How to Catch a Class Pet" by Alice Walstead is a delightful children's book that follows the adventures of a group of clever students on their first day of school, when they discover that all the class pets have escaped somewhere in the playground. The students devise various creative and humorous traps and plans using their individual skills and talents, all of which sadly fail. As the students work together and combine their individual skills, they learn valuable lessons about teamwork, problem-solving, and friendship. The story is filled with colorful illustrations that bring the characters and their antics to life, making it an engaging and entertaining read for young readers. Ultimately, the students discover that somehow all the class pets made their way back to their designated classroom and cage and all the students couldn't wait for their new and adventurous school year to continue.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Discuss the author’s use of rhyme and rhythm in this book.
- Analyze the setting of this book. Discuss where and when it takes place.
- Teach a mini lesson on compound words.
- Teach students how contractions are used.
- Discuss how problem solving was used throughout the story.
- Discuss patience with students and share strategies they can use to be more patient.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Is This Your Class Pet? by Troy Cummings
- We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins
- Alfie by Thyra Heder
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
