Return to flip book view

PRESENTED BYMiddle School Discussion QuestionsAuthor Cathy Ballou Mealey, Illustrator Kelly Collier SLOTH & SQUIRREL IN A PICKLEwww.ReadingMakesCents.com

Lesson Plan By:Lynne F. Stoverstoverlf@jmu.edu Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle Author Cathy Ballou Mealey, Illustrator Kelly Collier Kids Can Press/2021 STORY SYNOPSIS: A pair of unlikely friends, decide they wouldlike a new tandem bike and begin theirpursuit to earn money to purchase one. Mr.Peacock, the manager of a pickle-packingcompany, hires them and it does not gowell. Squirrel’s plan to specialize, with himpacking the jars and Sloth attaching thelabels, backfires. When Mr. Peacockdiscovers six hundred and seventy-sevenpickle jars with upside down labels, he firesthem. Stating he cannot pay them for theirwork, he gives them the unsellable pickles. The entrepreneurial friends turn theirmistake into a unique business, make aprofit, and surpass their goal.

Reading Makes Cents 2022-2023Sloth & Squirrel in a PickleLesson Plan By:Lynne F. Stoverstoverlf@jmu.eduMiddle School Discussion Questions The story of Sloth and Squirrel is about two friends who want to earn enough money tobuy a new bike? It is about friendship, overcoming obstacles and creative problemsolving. It also contains many economic concepts. Recall at least five of these conceptsfeatured in the story. [Examples include: Money, Work, Entrepreneurship,Specialization, Profit, Producers, Consumers, Productive Resources, Human Resources,Jobs, Market Economy, Earnings, Job Interview, Marketable Skills, Competition.] In what ways was the Pickle Pops business Sloth and Squirrel created an example ofthe free market (market economy)? [Possible responses: They made and promotedtheir product, set the price, and supplied a product demanded by consumers.]What business was likely Pickle Pops main competitor? [Tropical Fruit Pops] The “accidental” entrepreneurs made a profit selling Pickle Pops and used this tomoney to purchase a motorcycle. Can you think of other ways they could have usedtheir profit? [They could have invested or saved the money. They could have expandedtheir business. They could have invested in their own human capital by taking classes,traveling and/or helping others in need.] We do not know where Sloth and Squirrel kept the money they made from sellingPickle Pops. Where could they have kept it? [They could have kept it in a bank or acredit union where it would be safe. If they kept it themselves, they risked it gettingstolen or lost.] The moral of a story is the lesson that the characters learn. What would be a goodmoral for Sloth & Squirrel in a Pickle? [Possible responses: It is best to be trained for atask. A successful entrepreneur uses good problem- solving skills. You have to work forwhat you get. Good friends support you in many ways.] 1.2.3.4.5.6.Introduction: Show the cover of the book to the students. Ask them to think of a time theywanted something so bad, but did not have the money to buy it. Inform them that this storyfollows two enterprising friends who are committed to earning enough money together topurchase something they sincerely want, even if it means they have to get creative.