Beverly Cleary
Lesson plans for Dear Mr. Henshaw and other books

| Biography and Background | | Dear Mr. Henshaw | | Emily's Runaway Imagination | | The Mouse and the Motorcycle | | Ramona series |

Biography and Background

The Ageless Appeal of Beverly Cleary
This 2011 article about Cleary explores why she is still popular today.

The World of Beverly Cleary
Click on the "Teacher's Resources" button for PDF files of ideas for teaching the Ramona Quimby books. Adobe Reader is required; a link to download the reader is available onsite.

Video Interview with Beverly Cleary
This interview lasts about 14 minutes. Cleary discusses her inspirations.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw
Three extension activities.

Dear Mr. Henshaw
Students note details as they read. Includes text-dependent questions, vocabulary words, a culminating task, and additional learning activities. Word processor required for access.

Dear Mr. Henshaw
This writing task includes prompt, graphic organizer, student handouts, and a model essay. Emphasis is on providing evidence to support an inference. 7 pages; word processor required.

Writing to Your Favorite Author
Students will create a friendly letter to an author that they like. They will write from a genuine and personal point of view, sharing details about themselves, based on questions they choose to answer. Students will ask questions of the author, using details as they explain why they have an interest in the questions they are asking. This lesson focuses on organization and idea development.

Emily's Runaway Imagination

Dear Librarian: Writing a Persuasive Letter
Students write to their school librarian, requesting that a specific text be added to the school library collection.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Teacher Guide to The Mouse and the Motorcycle
How might students use storyboards to demonstrate and to extend their learning? Check the resources here. Includes plot summary, essential questions, learning activities, compare/contrast, vocabulary, a character map, more. Note: Storyboard That helps sponsor this site.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle
A variety of activities to support the book.

The Ramona series

Click here : these lesson plans are now on a separate page.