Because of Mr. Terupt

Because of Mr.Terupt

Written by: Rob Buyea

Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers in 2010.

Engaging, Gripping, Realistic, Surprising, Touching


Summary:
This story is told from seven different students points of view. Jeffrey, Luke, Anna, Jessica, Danielle, Alexia, and Peter are all in Mr. Terupt's fifth grade class. Mr. Terupt touches the hearts of each of these seven students and causes them to all change for the better. When a snowball thrown by Peter puts Mr. Terupt into a coma, the students are devastated. However, through this experience they learn a lot about each other and Mr. Terupt. In the end, Mr. Terupt comes out of the coma and forgives Peter. It is a happy ending for all.

Reading Level:
Lexile Measure: 560L
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.2
Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Electronic Resources:
Rob Buyea Official Website
This link leads to Rob Buyea's Official Website. This is about his book, Because of Mr. Terupt and Mr. Terupt falls again. It gives blurbs about what each book is about, an about the author section, and frequently asked questions. It tells how Buyea came up with the characters. It also has an educators guide for teachers. This would be a good website for both teachers and students who want to learn more about the writing of the stories.

Because of Mr. Terupt Teachers Guide
This link leads to a website that rates the book, says the best way for it to be read, gives a brief overview of what the students will learn from this book to help teachers decide if they want it to be read, gives an in depth summary of the book that includes the emotions children should feel as they read this book, and has a list of discussion questions. This site would be extremely helpful for students.

Teaching Suggestions:
Teachers can use this story to show how characters and people change over time.
Teachers can use this story to show how students can connect to a book using text-to-self connections.

Suggested Delivery:
I would have students read this book independently. It is not a difficult read so students should have no problem reading this book on there own.

Key Vocabulary:
Puttered, Organisms, Looming, Anxiously, Hyperventilating, Patient

Reading Strategies:

Before Reading:
Have students read the back cover and then flip through the story. Talk about how the story will be told. Who are the narrators?

During Reading:
Have students make predictions about what they think will happen in the story. Throughout their reading have them change their predictions and make new ones.

After Reading:
Have students get into seven groups. Each group will be a different character. Have each group discuss how their character changed throughout the book. Then have each group share with the class.

Writing Activity:
Have students write about which character they think they are most like and why. At what points in the story are they most like their character. Give specific examples.