Teacher’s Guide: The Mouse and the MotorcycleThe activities below address the following Sunshine State Standards:

LA.A.1.2; LA.A.2.2; LA.B.1.2; LA.B.2.2; LA.D.1.2; LA.D.2.2

Chapter 1VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

bellboy: n. A hotel worker who carries travelers’ luggage croquet: n. A game in which players use mallets to hit balls through metal wicketsvacancy: n. An openingdreadful: adj. Frightening; very unpleasantthreadbare: adj. Worn down; shabby

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. How are you and Keith alike? How are you and Keith different? Support your answers with specific examples.

2. How does Mrs. Gridley feel about the Mountain View Inn? 3. Why does Mr. Gridley refuse to leave the Mountain View Inn? 4. How is Keith’s opinion of mice different than his mother’s? How do you know?

ActivitiesWrite a ReviewHave students write reviews of the Mountain View Inn to be published in the travel section of a newspaper. Students’ reviews should begin with a description of the hotel. Help them look through Chapter 1 for descriptive words and phrases to use. Then, the reviews should explain why readers should or should not stay at the hotel. Have students include at least two reasons to support their points of view. Provide reviews from travel sections of newspapers that students can use as models.

Create an AdvertisementHave students work in pairs to create advertisements for the Mountain View Inn. As a class, look at advertisements in a newspaper and make a list of the qualities they share, such as illustrations, photographs, descriptions and testimonials from satisfied customers. Then, help students gather information about the hotel from Chapter 1. Students’ ads should include a brief description of the hotel’s best qualities and imaginary quotations from happy customers. Have students illustrate their ads with an appealing illustration or photograph of the hotel.

Chapter 2VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

despair: n. Hopelessnesschromium: n. A hard, shiny, metallic element used to harden steel and protect it from corrosionjauntily: adv. With self-confidence and ease

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Is this story an example of fiction or nonfiction? Why?2. What are some things Ralph’s mother worries about?3. How does Ralph feel about the motorcycle? 4. Why does Ralph’s mother think Ralph is reckless?

ActivitiesWrite a Classified Ad Tell students to imagine they need to sell Keith’s motorcycle. Have them compose newspaper ads to attract potential buyers. As a class, look through the classified ads in a newspaper. Make a list of things a classified ad usually includes, such as a description of the item’s features, its price, and instructions for contacting the seller. In their ads, students should be sure to include descriptive details from Chapter 2. They should make the motorcycle sound as appealing as possible and remember to include the price and imaginary contact information.

Write a Help-Wanted AdAsk students to write help-wanted ads for a job at the Mountain View Inn. Have them imagine that Matt, the bellboy, is away for the summer, and that the inn needs to find someone to take his place. What qualifications must the applicant have? What kinds of tasks will he or she do? What benefits does this job offer? How long will the summer season last? Help students look at classified job ads in a newspaper and note what they usually include. Encourage students to include those elements in their ads.

Chapter 3VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

incinerator: n. A furnace used for burning garbage to ashes remorseful: adj. Feeling regret for past sins  venturing: v. Going on an adventure; taking a risk tourist: n. A person who travels for pleasure predicament: n. A difficult or troublesome situation

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Why does Ralph feel remorseful?2. What have you learned about Ralph? Make a list of his qualities, or write them in

a character web.3. List some events from this chapter that could not happen in real life.4. Predict will happen next in the book.

ActivitiesWrite a News ArticleHave students write articles about Ralph’s accident. First, have them read a news article in a newspaper; help students see that the article addresses the questions who, what, where, when and why about the topic. Then, have them reread the part of Chapter 3 in which Ralph has the motorcycle accident, and take notes about the details of the accident. Tell students to include the most important information in their articles.

Write an Opinion ColumnExplain that an opinion column focuses on a journalist’s beliefs about a topic, whereas a news article focuses on the facts. Have students write opinion columns in which they offer their opinions on whether Ralph should have stayed close to home, or left home to look for adventure. Before students write, have them read some opinion columns in a newspaper. Discuss which parts are fact and which are opinion. Tell students to make their columns persuasive by explaining their opinions clearly and supporting them with facts.

Chapter 4VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

mislay: v. To misplacecower: v. To cringe in fearquiver: v. To shake, vibrate or trembledignity: n. The quality of being worthy of respect

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Describe Keith’s reaction to seeing Ralph for the first time. Would you have reacted in the same way? Why?

2. What makes Keith wonder whether Ralph rode the motorcycle off of the bedside table?

3. Why are Keith and Ralph able to understand each other?4. Do you think Keith likes Ralph? How can you tell?

ActivitiesWrite an Editorial

Read and discuss some newspaper editorials with students. Then, have students write editorials in the voice of Ralph’s mother or Keith’s mother, explaining why the chosen character believes that motorcycle riding is dangerous. Students can work with partners to brainstorm reasons why these characters may want people to stop riding motorcycles. They should then find statements in Chapter 4 to support these ideas. Students’ editorials should express the character’s opinions and address the beliefs of readers who might disagree with them.

Draw a Comic StripAs a class, study comic strips in a newspaper. Discuss how they use words and illustrations to tell a short story or make a point. Then, reread the scene in Chapter 4 in which Ralph learns how to ride the motorcycle. Have students depict the scene in comic strip form. Encourage students to use humor in their words and illustrations.

Chapter 5VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

threshold: n. The entrance to a house, room or building momentum: n. Force of movement of a physical object or course of eventsexhilarated: adj. Invigorated; stimulatedbaseboard: n. A wooden board forming the base of something

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Would you have trusted Ralph with your own toy motorcycle? Why or why not?2. Describe how Ralph feels while riding the motorcycle.3. Why is Ralph afraid of dogs?4. How is Ralph able to make the motorcycle run?

ActivitiesWrite a Feature Article Have students write articles about the cinnamon buns for the food section of a newspaper. First, have students reread the description of the cinnamon buns in Chapter 5. As a class, create a recipe for the popular cinnamon buns; be sure to include the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Also, brainstorm a list of adjectives to describe the cinnamon buns. When students write their articles, they should give the cinnamon buns a catchy name, tell readers why they are good to make at home, and include the recipe.

Write a News ArticleHave students imagine that they are newspaper reporters. Assign them to write news articles about the motorcycle-riding mouse at the Mountain View Inn. Students should start by making a list of hotel guests who saw the mouse ride the motorcycle. They should conduct imaginary interviews with these characters and write down what each one

might have reported seeing, in addition to when and where they saw it. Students’ articles should include details from the book and from their imaginary interviews.

Chapter 6VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

generous: adj. Unselfish in giving or sharing incredulous: adj. Showing or feeling disbelief associate: v. To join together as partners

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Why does Ralph consider Keith a generous boy in this chapter?2. What would you have ordered for breakfast from room service at the Mountain

View Inn?3. What are some clues that suggest Ralph likes Keith?4. Describe Ralph’s home and family.

ActivitiesCreate an Advertisement Have students look at advertisements in a newspaper. Discuss which elements catch their attention. Then, have students design creative and artistic ads for the restaurant in the Mountain View Inn. In their ads, students should consider including a coupon or special sale price and highlighting part of the menu. Don’t let them forget the peanut butter sandwiches!

Write a News Article Tell students to imagine they are news reporters who are going to write news articles about Mountain View Inn guests seeing mice. Students should include the following information in their articles: exactly what the guests saw, when and where they saw it, and how they think the hotel should handle the situation. They may include information from imaginary interviews with hotel guests, hotel employees, or representatives from the local health department.

Chapter 7VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

devour: v. To eat hungrily or ravenously reckless: adj. Careless; without cautionexhaust: v. To drain of strength or energy

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. List the sequence of events in this chapter.2. Why is Ralph filled with remorse at the loss of Keith’s motorcycle?3. Explain how Ralph acts recklessly during this chapter.4. What might you have done differently in this chapter if you were Ralph?

ActivitiesCreate an AdvertisementHave students write newspaper advertisements for a vacuum cleaner. Work with students to study newspaper ads and think about what might make readers notice their own ads and want to buy the vacuum. Students’ ads should include a description of the vacuum cleaner, an illustration of it, and a coupon or special sale price.

Draw a Comic StripHave students draw comic strips about Ralph running back and forth with the motorcycle as he tries to avoid being sucked into the vacuum cleaner. To prepare, have students reread this scene in Chapter 7. Then, work with them to study comics in a newspaper and discuss how they combine words and illustrations to describe a scene.

Chapter 8VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

reunion: n. A regular gathering of relatives, friends or associatespilfering: n. Stealing tactless: adj. Inconsiderate; blunt; rude foolhardy: adj. Reckless; foolishly bold

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Describe Ralph’s family reunion.2. Do you think riding motorcycles is dangerous or foolhardy? Why?3. What gift does Keith give to Ralph?4. Describe Keith’s reaction to Ralph’s loss of the motorcycle.

ActivitiesWrite a Feature ArticleHave students write articles for the family section of a newspaper. The articles should be about family reunions. They should suggest activities that people might enjoy together during a family reunion, food they might serve, and places where large families might gather. The articles should also address why people organize family reunions and how

family reunions benefit people who attend them. Provide articles from the family section of a newspaper that students can use as models.

Write a Letter to the EditorStudents’ letters should tell why it is important to wear helmets while riding motorcycles. Before students write their letters, help them make a list of the safety benefits of helmets. In addition, work with them to brainstorm a list of vivid words that might persuade others to wear helmets when they ride motorcycles. Encourage students to make their letters as persuasive as they can. Have them read letters from newspapers, and then discuss which are the most persuasive, and why.

Chapter 9VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

fragrance: n. A sweet or pleasant scent pandemonium: n. Wild uproar; chaos agitated: adj. Disturbed; emotionally excitedexterminated: v. Eliminate by totally destroying

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. What is the main idea of this chapter?2. Why does Keith say he is like Ralph?3. Describe the relationship between Ralph and Keith.4. Are you in a hurry to grow up? What are some grown-up things you wish you

could do now?

ActivitiesWrite a News Article Have students write news reports about the hotel staff discovering chew marks in the sheets. In pairs, students can reread the chapter and write down dialogue to use in their articles. When writing, they should use this dialogue from the story to tell who found what and how they reacted. Students should also explain how the hotel management plans to handle the matter.

Write a Lost-and-Found Advertisement Have students write lost-and-found ads for Keith’s lost motorcycle. Encourage them to use details from the book to help them describe the motorcycle. Then, with students, look through a newspaper’s lost-and-found section to see what details the writers include in their ads, such as contact information and rewards. Have students incorporate these elements in their ads.

Chapter 10

VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

sparingly: adv. Economically; in a limited way scurrying: v. Moving quickly switchboard: n. A machine with instruments necessary for completing telephone circuits manually

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Why do the mice have to depend on Keith for food?2. Why isn’t Keith’s father able to find an aspirin?3. Do you think Ralph will be able to find an aspirin? Why or why not?4. If Ralph finds an aspirin, how do you think he will bring it to Keith?

ActivitiesWrite a News ArticleHave students write news articles about the food shortage facing the mice in Chapter 10. Show students articles from a newspaper, and point out that the most important facts are usually listed first. In their articles, students should include detailed information that answers the questions who, what, when, where and why – such as who is feeding the mice and why they are experiencing a shortage.

Create an Advertisement Have students create newspaper ads for the drugstore located 25 miles from the Mountain View Inn. They should include details listed in Chapter 10, such as the store’s hours. Ask students what else they can include in their ads that would make people want to shop at the drugstore. Have them examine advertisements in a newspaper for ideas.

Chapter 11VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

steadfast: adj. Steady; unchanging misery: n. Great unhappinesscunning: adj. Shrewd; sly

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Why is Ralph’s family upset about his search for an aspirin?2. The teachers call Ralph a pest. Ralph thinks the teachers are pests. Explain why

these characters think as they do.

3. Tell why Ralph could be described as cunning.4. What would you have done if you had caught Ralph searching your hotel room?

ActivitiesWrite a News Article Have students write news articles about Ralph getting trapped under the cup in Chapter 11. Their articles should explain where Ralph was, what he was doing when he became trapped, and how and why Ralph was finally released. Encourage students to use quotes from the teachers and Ralph to explain the situation. Work with them to examine newspaper articles to see how writers use quotations to convey information.

Write a Review Have students choose one of the California destinations described in Chapter 11. Help them conduct research about that location either online or in the school library. Then, they should write review articles for the travel section of a newspaper. When they write, students should describe the destination and tell why readers would or would not want to visit. They should include information about hotels, restaurants and activities. Provide sample travel articles for students to read.

Chapter 12VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

grimly: adv. Sternly; severely detour: n. A route taken when the main route is closed or blocked din: n. A loud, steady noise nuisance: n. Something that causes trouble

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. Describe Ralph’s plan to bring the aspirin to Keith. Do you think it is a good plan? Why or why not?

2. Explain how the dog is a nuisance.3. Give a summary of this chapter.4. Use examples from the story to explain why Ralph’s plan works.

ActivitiesDraw a Comic StripHave students draw comic strips about the scene in Chapter 12 in which Ralph rides the ambulance into the elevator with the man and his barking dog. Study comic strips in a newspaper, and talk with students about how comics use words and illustrations to tell about a humorous scene. Encourage students to use similar techniques in their own comics.

Write a News Article Have students write news articles about Ralph bringing an aspirin to Keith. They should explain how he accomplished the feat, when and where it happened, and why he did it. Tell students to imagine that they are able to interview Ralph and Keith. Have them write down questions they would ask each character and then work with partners to create answers these characters might give. Students should include some of these answers in their articles.

Chapter 13VocabularyPronounce each vocabulary word for students, and review the definitions as a class. Have students demonstrate their comprehension of the words by using them in sentences.

tip: n. A small gift given in exchange for a serviceflaw: n. A break or crack that spoils the perfection of somethinghamper: v. A large basket that usually has a covertantalizing: adj. Teasing with something that is desired but out of reach

QuestionsHave students answer the following questions individually or in small groups. Students can then share their answers with the class.

1. What is the main idea of the book?2. What was your favorite part of the book? Why3. Did you enjoy reading the book? Why or why not?4. Would you like having Ralph as a friend? Why or why not?

ActivitiesCreate a Crossword Puzzle Have students create simple crossword puzzles using vocabulary words from the book. Show students a crossword puzzle in a newspaper, and discuss the main features, such as the intersecting answers and the clues. Give students words from this teacher’s guide, or allow students to choose their own words from the book. After students finish, have them trade with a partner and try to solve each other’s puzzles.

Write a Movie Review Have students write reviews of a movie version of The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Show students a movie review from a newspaper. Discuss its features, such as the plot summary, comments on the acting, and an overall evaluation of the film’s quality. Students should work in pairs to imagine a film version of the book and decide which actors might play each role. Then, they can write a review based on this information.