There are always some students in class that have such a natural sense of confidence. They are proud of who they are, take chances, and stand up for themselves and others. We also have the more timid students. These are the students that are more quiet, might not participate often, or seem very self conscious. As teachers, it can be hard to encourage all of our students to be confident and believe in themselves. This week we are spotlighting Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon because it is a great way to inspire students to be themselves. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is a sweet story of a young girl. Molly Lou Melon is the shortest girl in her class, is clumsy, and has teeth that stick out. Her grandma always taught her that she should be proud of who she is and stand tall. One day, Molly finds out that she needs to move. She is leaving her grandma and friends and starting a new school.
At her new school, a boy named Ronald Durkin starts to tease Molly about being short and having big teeth. Molly continues to be proud of herself and impress the other students with her unique qualities. Eventually, Ronald is able to see Molly for who she is. Molly realizes that her grandma was right; if she loves herself, others will love her too.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon is a wonderful story of self confidence and being true to yourself.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
We love all the social emotional learning that can take place with Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. At first glance, one might not think to use it for a writing or grammar lesson. However, this book really lends itself to a variety of academic lessons! Take a look at the different skills and concepts you can teach with Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon.
- This book is a great mentor text for teaching character analysis. There is so much to discuss about Molly Lou Melon.
- Help students to consider and determine the author’s purpose for writing the book.
- Encourage students to show their opinion of the book by writing a book review.
- Engage your students with a descriptive writing activity.
- Practice with verb tense.
- Introduce new suffixes or review known suffixes.
- Lead a class discussion about self esteem.
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
- 30 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
If you are looking for resources to use Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon in your classroom, this book companion has everything you’ll need!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Spaghetti In a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy
- The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
- Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
- Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
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!
