We know from the title that there is going to be a mouse in the story.What are the impressions of the inn for each member of the Gridley family? (Chapter One).Is the author the same as the illustrator? You may need to look further inside to find the answer.Who is the author of this book? Have you read any other books by this author? If so, what were the titles and what were they about? Did you enjoy them? Why or why not?.Does it confirm your prediction? Why or why not? Based on this, what do you predict the story may be about? Before you begin discussing The Mouse and the Motorcycle literature circle questions, take a look at the illustration on the front cover of the book.Their friendship is solidified when Ralph risks his own life to save Keith during an illness by delivering to him an aspirin which he has found on the ground, under a dresser in one of the guest rooms of the hotel. The book goes on to detail the adventures the pair have together after Keith teaches Ralph how to ride the motorcycle simply by making the same noise Keith himself makes during his pretend play. Ralph lives with his family in a once-fashionable mountain resort which is still charming, but run-down and worn.It is here that Ralph meets a young boy named Keith, the owner of a small, toy motorcycle. The Mouse and the Motorcycle (1965) is the first in a series of three stories about a little mouse named Ralph written by famed children’s author, Beverly Cleary. In this article, you will find literature circle questions to be used for guiding either a small group or whole group study. More information about using literature circles for units of study in the classroom can be found right here at Bright Hub.

Depending on the age of the students involved, the discussion may revolve around a set list of pre-determined questions, or topics and themes the group delves into spontaneously. Students read the story independently or together, as a group, and then gather to discuss. If you are not familiar with the concept, imagine a “book group” for the younger set. Literature circles are a great tool for in-depth learning.

Are you using The Mouse and the Motorcycle in your elementary classroom this year? Why not consider utilizing literature circles?

Mouse and the motorcycle series