Frederick Lesson Plan
- Grades: PreK–K, 1–2
About this book
- Frederick by Leo Lionni
- walnut shell halves
- craft google eyes
- gray felt
- popsicle sticks
- popcorn (unpopped)
- stalks of wheat
- shoe boxes
- construction paper, assorted colors
- Sharpie markers
Set Up and Prepare
This activity is best completed in two 1 hour blocks. One hour for the story and to create the mice, and one hour to create the diorama.Laying a shoebox on its side, cut a slit lengthwise, along the bottom. Do the same to the remaining shoe boxes. This will allow the popsicle stick to slide back and forth inside the box.
Have students glue google eyes to one end of an upturned walnut shell. Glue a felt tail to the other end, and a popsicle stick to the bottom of the tail end. Use a Sharpie marker to draw eyes and a nose.
Laying the shoe boxes on their sides, have students recreate Frederick's home using the pebbles, construction paper, wheat, and popcorn. Keep in mind that the popsicle stick will need room to slide the length of the box, with the mouse on the end.
After all of the materials have dried, students can retell the story of Frederick.
Have students write new stories to act out with their mice.
Swimmy, A Color of His Own, and Inch by Inch are just a few classics by Leo Lionni.