Third grade angels

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 16 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, how does Suds feel about starting third grade, and what details show his feelings?
2. In Chapter 2, Mrs. Simms talks about third graders being "angels." What do you think she wants her students to understand about their behavior?
3. In Chapter 3, Suds begins thinking about how to earn a halo. What does this show about what is important to him at this point in the story?
4. In Chapter 4, how do the students act differently after they learn about the halo? Use examples from the chapter.
5. In Chapter 5, how does Suds's friendship with Joey affect the choices Suds makes?
6. In Chapter 6, what does the word "angel" mean in this story? How is it different from just acting perfect when a teacher is watching?
7. In Chapter 7, what advice or lesson does Suds get from an adult, and how might it help him?
8. In Chapter 8, describe a moment when Suds has to choose between doing what he wants and doing what is kind. What choice does he make?
9. In Chapter 9, what problems come from trying too hard to win the halo?
10. In Chapter 10, how does Suds change as he begins to understand what real goodness means?
11. In Chapter 11, which character shows kindness or honesty in a way that stands out to you? Explain why.
12. In Chapter 12, why does Suds worry about who will win the halo? What does this worry tell us about him?
13. In Chapter 13, how does Suds act at home compared with how he acts at school? What does that reveal about his character?
14. In Chapter 14, what do you predict Suds will do if he does not win the halo? Explain your prediction using what you know about him.
15. In Chapter 15, how does Suds respond when the halo decision is made, and what does his response show?
16. In Chapter 16, what is the biggest lesson Suds learns by the end of the book? How could that lesson apply to your own life?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

In Chapter 2, Mrs. Simms talks about third graders being "angels." What do you think she wants her students to understand about their behavior?

I think Mrs. Simms wants the students to understand that being an angel means being kind, helpful, and responsible. She is not just asking them to sit quietly or follow rules because they might get a prize. She wants them to care about how they treat other people. This makes the class think about what good behavior really means.

In Chapter 9, what problems come from trying too hard to win the halo?

When Suds tries too hard to win the halo, he starts thinking more about the prize than about being truly kind. He worries about every little thing he does and how it will look to Mrs. Simms. That can make him feel stressed and jealous of other kids. It shows that trying to be good only for a reward can cause problems.

In Chapter 16, what is the biggest lesson Suds learns by the end of the book? How could that lesson apply to your own life?

I think Suds learns that being good is not just about winning a halo or getting noticed. It is about making kind choices even when no one is watching. This lesson could apply to my life because I should help people because it is the right thing to do. For example, I can include someone at recess without expecting praise.