Teacher Guide
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Written in short, simple sentences and manageable chapters, these books allow primary-age students to experience success as independent readers of quality literature.
This series of easy-to-read chapter books features humorous, fast-paced stories and fabulous full-color artwork by today's most popular and talented children's book authors and illustrators.
With their newly acquired skills, young readers are eager to take the giant step beyond basic instruction and enter the exciting worlds of literature and reading for pleasure.
The Joy Boys
By Betsy Byars
Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
0-440-410-940
There is never a dull moment with these comical brothers, so join J.J. and Harry, the rambunctious Joy boys, and their faithful dog, Bono, on four rip-roaring adventures.
Other books discussed in this guide are:
Splash-A-Roo and Snowflakes
By Michael Poploff
Illustrated by Diane Palmisciano
0-440-41119-X
The Three Blind Mice Mystery
By Stephen Krensky
Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
0-440-41082-7
The Twelve Princesses
Retold and Illustrated by Sucie Stevenson
0-440-41088-6
TEACHING IDEAS
PRE-READING ACTIVITY
Read several poems about brothers and sisters. Ask the class to think about all the good things about having siblings. Perhaps some of the children will want to share something special about one of their brothers or sisters.
THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS- Harry and J.J. like being brothers. Name the things they enjoy doing together. Mrs. Joy thinks the boys are fighting when they throw mud bombs at each other. Are they really fighting? What actually causes the pillow fight?
SHARING-The Joy boys share a room. Ask students to discuss the things that they share with a brother, sister, or other family member. What things do they share in the classroom? Why is learning to share important?
IMAGINATION-Harry and J.J. imagine that a wild animal is after them. Send students to the library to find other stories where the main character has a good imagination. Ask them to share their story with the class.
INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS
SCIENCE-Have students make a list of all the animals that are named or drawn in the book. Divide the animals into groups. For example, list all the farm animals, list all the animals with hooves, and list all the animals that eat grass.
LANGUAGE ARTS-Ask the students to create a story in which Harry and J.J. do encounter a wild animal. Encourage them to illustrate their story.
VOCABULARY
Ask students to locate the following words in the book: oozed, grinned, crashed, and fled. Allow them to tell what they think each word means. Have them replace the word in the sentence with another word that has the same meaning.