Doctor De Sotoby William Steig

Newbery Honor Book

Included: A brief excerpt from the book and rigorous question set activities promoting higher level-thinking

development

Additional Resources

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Tier 1

Excerpt from book

Jacob’s Ladder Goals & Objectives

Habits of Mind

Excerpt

Doctor De Soto, a mouse dentist, helps various animals by treating their toothaches-except those, of course, with a taste of mice. When a fox comes to him one day in great pain, Doctor De Soto is unsure what to do. A kind-hearted mouse, he wants to help the poor fox, but how

can he ensure his safety when doing so.

Obtain the book from a school library to read the story in its entirety and complete the ladder activities.

Students will be able:

Ladder AA1: Sequencing-To list in order of importance specific events or plot summaries A2: Cause and Effect-To identify and predict relationships between character behavior and story events, and their effects upon other characters or events.A3: Consequences and Implications-To predict character actions, story outcomes, and make real-world forecasts.

Ladder CC1: Literary Elements-To identify and explain specific story elements.C2: Inference—To use textual clues to read between the lines and make judgments about specific textual events, ideas, or character analysis.C3: Theme and Concept—To identify a major theme or ideas common throughout the text.

Ladder DD1: Paraphrasing—To restate lines read using their own words.D2: Summarizing—To provide a synopsis of text sections.D3: Creative Synthesis—To create something new using what they have learned from the reading and their synopsis.

Habits of Mind

Working Interdependently

Thinking about Thinking (metacognition)

Innovating, Creating, Imagining

Refer to Jacob’s Ladder Story Table for Ladder A, C, & D Thinking Questions.

Tier 2Rigor

(Discussion)

High Level Strategies with

Ladder A, C, & D Questions

Discussion Strategies: Think-Pair-Share, Write-around, Sequencing pictures, Role Play, Journaling

Choose 3 of 4 questions below to complete.

A2: What is the effect of having the fox as a dental patient? Think of all the issues associated with this situation.

C1: In your opinion, what qualities or personality traits does Doctor De Soto exhibit? Make a list and share where each quality is portrayed in the book.

C2: What inference do the De Sotos make when they hear the fox mumbling: “…with just a pinch of salt”? Are they right?

D1: How would you explain the fox being tricked?

Tier 3Rigor

(Discussion)

High Level Strategies with

Ladder A, C, & D Questions

Discussion Strategies: Think-Pair-Share, Write-around, Sequencing pictures, Role Play, JournalingChoose 2 of 3 questions below to complete.

A1: Prioritize the major events in the story.

A3: What problem-solving approaches do the De Sotos use in the face of danger to protect themselves? What is the outcome of their plan on the fox?

C3: What might you rename the story, based on your understanding of the major ideas? How did you determine your answer?

Tier 4

Reflections/Relevance

Choose one of the ideas to complete.  Be creative. 1. Make a series of at least five (5) drawings showing the major parts

of the plot and include a written explanation of each drawing.

2. Create an alternative ending to the story. What might have happened to the De Sotos? Tell a friend your new ending. Ask your friend to illustrate a picture while you do the same, Compare and contrast your finished product.

3. With a partner brainstorm ideas for a mouse holiday, including leisure activities, modes of transportation, and the view of their surroundings. The two of you collaborate on a postcard, with a holiday scene on the front and a descriptive message on the back. Share with the class.

Optional project strategies:  Role Play; Create a Puppet Show; Charts, Posters, Flyers, Brochures; Raft