Judy Blume’s Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing is a timeless classic that has entertained young readers for generations. So much so, that it has become a 4th grade rite of passage. I know I read it as a 4th grader and most of your students’ parents did as well, which makes it a bonding experience for all.
Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing follows the adventures and challenges of Peter Hatcher, a fourth grader who feels overshadowed by his mischievous and attention-grabbing younger brother, Fudge. From Fudge’s antics at a family dinner to his wild escapades at the dentist’s office, this book is packed with humor and relatable family dynamics. At its heart, it’s a story about sibling relationships, growing up, and learning to navigate life’s ups and downs.
To help bring Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing to life in your classroom, here are some creative activities and a novel study resource to enhance your students’ experience.
Activity 1: Family Feud Chart
Peter’s relationship with Fudge is full of hilarious moments and conflicts. Create a family feud chart where students list some of Peter’s grievances with Fudge and vice versa. Then, have students brainstorm solutions to help resolve some of their conflicts. This is also a sneaky way to reinforce positive solutions for conflict resolution that you’d like your students to use with each other!
Discussion Prompt:
- What are some of the reasons Peter gets frustrated with Fudge?
- Can you think of a time when Fudge might have felt overlooked or misunderstood? How could they learn to get along better?
Activity 2: Create a Commercial for Juicy-O
In Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing, Peter’s dad works in advertising and creates a campaign for Juicy-O. Challenge your students to create their own commercial for Juicy-O! They can work in small groups to write a script, design a poster, or even act out their ad.
Extension Idea:
Have students present their commercials to the class and vote on which one they think would sell the most Juicy-O.
Activity 3: Write a Journal Entry from Fudge’s Perspective
Fudge is such a larger-than-life character that it’s fun to imagine the story from his point of view. Have students write a diary entry as if they were Fudge, reflecting on one of the big events in the book (e.g., the dinner disaster or the shoe store scene).
Guiding Question:
- How do you think Fudge feels about the way Peter sees him? Do you think he’s aware of the trouble he causes?
Activity 4: Design a Lost Turtle Poster
When Peter’s pet turtle, Dribble, goes missing, it’s a major turning point in Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing. Have students design a Lost Turtle poster with a description of Dribble and a reward for his return. Encourage them to be creative and include humorous details that show their understanding of the book.
Classroom Display:
Hang the posters around the room and let students vote on the most creative or convincing design.
Activity 5: Sibling Interview
One of the main themes in Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing is sibling relationships. Assign students to pair up and interview each other about their experiences with siblings (or close friends they consider family). Provide a list of questions to guide their conversations, such as:
- What’s the funniest thing your sibling has ever done?
- What’s the most annoying thing they do?
- How do you work through disagreements?
Reflection Idea:
Have students share their favorite interview responses and compare them to Peter and Fudge’s relationship.
Activity 6: Then and Now
It doesn’t take long for readers to realize that Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing was written and set in a very different decade than the one they currently live in. This is a great opportunity for comparing and contrasting. Create a large Venn Diagram poster that you can add to as you make your way through the story. Lead students in discussing similarities and differences between Peter’s experience as a 4th grader and their own.
Discussion prompts:
- What are some things you wish were the same now as when Peter was in 4th grade?
- What are some things you are glad have changed?
- What are some aspects of being a 4th grader that will always be the same no matter which decade a kid lives in?
A Novel Study Resource for Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing
Want an easy way to check comprehension, spark discussions, and practice literary analysis skills with your students? A novel study resource for Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing is the perfect companion to these activities! This resource includes chapter-by-chapter questions, vocabulary exercises, and prompts for essay writing, making it simple to guide your students through the book while keeping them engaged.
By incorporating creative and interactive activities, you can make reading Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing a memorable experience for your students. These activities not only help deepen their understanding of the book but also provide opportunities for critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. So grab your copy of the book, get your students ready for some laughs, and dive into the world of Peter and Fudge!
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