Book of the Week: Ms. Nelson Has a Field Day

Summary:

The football team at Miss Nelson's school does not act like a team. In fact, at practice they're often seen horsing around. After Coach Armstrong gets the measles, the students of Smedley elementary think the team needs Viola Swamp to come get the team into shape. After a few weeks of practice the team looks totally different and they go on to win the big game. At the end of the book the team is treated to ice cream and hot dogs and lots of cheers. On the very last page, Miss Nelson thanks for sister Barbara for helping fill in for her. Could it be Miss Nelson was actually Viola Swamp? 

This story has lexile a level of 370 and is perfect for students first grade through fourth grade when thinking of comprehension ideas. 

Questions:

What feeling have blanketed the school?

Why was Mrs. Nelson worried about her students? How can you tell the cafeteria workers had lost their sparkle? Do you think that Mr. Blandsworth can do his job under his desk? Why are why not? What kind of team were the Smedley Tornadoes? How many points did they score this year? Are the werewolves from Central a good team? How do you know? What was the coach doing in the teachers lounge? Who offered to make coach Armstrong fresh coffee? What is the name of the ice cream store that students meet at? They are talking about the team, but who is listening to them? Is it polite or rude for Mr. Blandsworth to eavesdrop?  Do the players want to play when they see Coach Swamp? Why or why not? Do you think Coach Swamp helped the team? Why or Why not? What happens when Coach Armstrong? How did the team perform at the big game? Why did Mr. Blandsworth buy the team hot dogs and ice cream? Vocabulary Pitiful- feeling small and inadequate Horsing around- to engage in horse play Mince Meat-a mix of meat and fruit chopped up then baked in a pie Taxi- short for taxicab and is a way of transportation Swamp- a kind of wetland that has muddy thick water  Substitute- person or thing serving in place of something else Touchdown- a six point goal scored in football when the ball reaches the end zone Extension Ideas Captioned Media Program Ideas from Scholastic