TEACHERS TAKE NOTE

The Mushroom Man

Ethel Pochocki

Illustrated by Barry Moser

Paperback, $7.95, ISBN 978-0-88448-278-9

9 x 10, 32 pages, color illustrations

Children / Character Education; Grades 3-6

An older man who works on a mushroom farm has a kind heart but is teased and called names by children who make fun of him because of the way he looks. Yearning for a friend, the Mushroom Man becomes enchanted by a beautiful cat named Beatrice. However, she turns out to be a poor choice for him since she enjoys wandering and does not truly value his love. Just as the Mushroom Man begins to believe that is destined for a solitary life, he comes across another potential companion: a mole. Despite their differences, the friendship between the Mushroom Man and the mole blossoms. They develop a unique bond because they have many similar tastes, including a preference for darkness over daylight. Young readers will enjoy Barry Moser's wonderful illustrations that depict the mole and the Mushroom Man celebrating their special friendship.

The Mushroom Man will help inspire classroom conversations about:

  • The importance of friends in our lives
  • Making new friends
  • Activities to share with friends (finding common interests)
  • Teasing and bullying
  • Understanding character differences
  • Gift giving

Activity: Make Friendship Collages

Background: Students should brainstorm ideas about what makes a good friendship: for example, "A good friendship is strong and reliable."

  • Have students bring in photographs, books, and magazine clippings that represent friendship to them.
  • How to do it: Have the kids work in pairs to make friendship collages.
  • Next: Present collages to class members for discussion.

Activity: Write a New Version of The Mushroom Man

Background: Students should brainstorm ideas about what is special about the Mushroom Man and what is special about the mole.

  • How to do it: Outline the plot of The Mushroom Man.
  • Next: Create a story that reflects each student's favorite moments with either a friend or relative. Create a book complete with illustrations.
  • Finally: Share stories with class members.

Internet Resources

On Building Friendships

For younger children: Fred Rodgers and the folks at PBS offer perspectives about early friendships and provide tips on ways to cope with the ups and downs of friendships, including when they end.
pbskids.org/rogers/parentsteachers/theme/1506.html

For Older Children

This is a comprehensive website maintained by the NYU Child Study Center. It provides excellent resources for parents and teachers on ways to support children in their normal developmental moments as well as in times of natural disaster and national crisis.
www.aboutourkids.org/articles/friends_friendships

On Bullying

Since teasing occurs in The Mushroom Man some readers may want to explore the Anti-Defamation League resources below; they provide strategies to handle all types of behavior or comments that seem inappropriate, hurtful, or biased.

Anti-Defamation League

ADL has been fighting anti-Semitism, bigotry, and extremism since 1913. In 1999 ADL joined forces with Barnes and Noble to produce education materials aimed at breaking the cycle of hate through reading. Many of the resources from this partnership are now available for free on their website. These include handouts such as: "101 Ways You Can Beat Prejudice" and "Hate Hurts: How Children Learn and Unlearn Prejudice."
www.adl.org

What to Tell Your Child About Prejudice and Discrimination (from the Anti-Defamation League)

www.adl.org/what_to_tell/whattotell_intro.asp

Teaching Tolerance

This magazine's website contains a wealth of information for teachers, parents, teens, and kids. Extensive links make a visit to this web site among the most helpful.
www.teachtolerance.org