Frog and Toad Are Friends

 Frog and Toad are Friends

Written and Illustrated by Arnold Lobel 

Published in 1970

Grade Level: 2nd grade

Synopsis: Frog and Toad are Friends is a series of short stories about two friends.  The stories are compiled together to make this wonderful children's book.  The story begins in April.  Frog is looking forward to the year to come.  He can't wait to spend it with his best friend, Toad, who still has not woken up from his long winter nap.  In the first of five short stories, clever Frog finds a way to rouse his sleepy friend.  When Frog doesn't feel well, Toad tries to tell him a story.  When Toad loses a button, Frog helps him look for it.  When Toad goes swimming in his funny bathing suit, Frog tries not to laugh.  When Toad is sad because he never gets any mail, Frog knows just what to do. 

Theme/Skill: To put it simply, the story of Frog and Toad is about friendship.  It is about caring for others and being there for them always.  This book gives teachers the opportunity to link science and literature.

Pre-reading activity: Have students write for a couple minutes about what a friend is.  Have students share their answers and write down common words that students use to describe friendship.  Next, have students write down five characteristics that make them a good friend.  They should write down five characteristics that make one of their friends a friend.  Allow students time to draw a picture of them with a friend.  Ask that they write down the defining terms that make them a friend on their illustration.  This should segway nicely to the story of Frog and Toad.

Post-reading activity: Teach students about the similarities and differences between frogs and toads.  For instance, bring in a frog and a toad and allow students to gently feel the amphibians.  Create a Venn Diagram and ask students to identify the similarities and differences about their appearances.  You should write their responses neatly in the Venn Diagram that can then be displayed for the rest of the unit.  Teaching students about the unique life cycle of a frog will be a great way to move from literature to science.  The life cycle of a frog and/or a toad could easily translate into a craft activity.  

The Life Cycle of a Frog

Assessment: Students will be given a quiz on the life cycle of a frog/toad.  They will be expected to be able to label each of the cycles and write at least two sentences about each part of the cycle. 

Reflection: Frog and Toad are Friends was one of the first books that I recall reading.  This story is about friendship.  Frog and Toad are friends who go for walks, tell stories, and help each other out.  I believe that friendship is something that all people should have in their lives, especially children.  The story of Frog and Toad should be read to children at a young age them to show them the value of friendship and companionship.  If children like the story, which I am sure they will, you can also pick up other stories about Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel. 

*For any teacher that would be interested in teaching Frog and Toad are Friends or anything relating to the content of the story, the following website would be very helpful: Frog and Toad.