Dear Educator,
Thank you for taking the time out of your hectic teaching schedule to visit shredderman.com. I was a teacher for 15 years so I know how hard it is to find time to explore educational avenues outside mandated curriculum requirements, and I truly appreciate that you've dropped by.
I've found that teachers have an automatic bond to each other that comes from an understanding of what it's like to be in the classroom day in and day out. Teaching may seem easy to those who've never done it...out at 3:00, off all summer...but we know that's a laugh. Teaching is at times exhilarating, but it is always exhausting, which is why it's important for us to help each other out.
To that end, you'll find that this site is loaded with teacher-support materials that are varied, cross-curricular, and fun! We've made the pages printer-friendly, keeping in mind your copying budgets, and I think you'll find that there's something for everyone.
Before I outline the specifics of what's available, let me present an overview of the series:
You've probably already heard that the Shredderman books are great for reluctant readers, especially boys, and that they serve as a good springboard for classroom discussions on bullying and tolerance. I hope you've also heard that kids love them because they're fun!
There are a total of four Shredderman books. (No more are planned.)
With each book, Nolan's circle of influence as the secret cyber-superhero Shredderman broadens. (During the first book only his school has heard of Shredderman. By the end of the fourth book the whole world has!)
The books work best if read in order. This is true because of the story line, but also because each book is slightly longer than the one before. I believe that a child's success with Book 1 will lead him to Book 2, which will lead him to Book 3, etc., and this slight Ôraising of the bar' will strengthen his/her reading skills without the child even realizing it. (Try it. You'll see!)
Now here's what you can find within the site:
Each book page will have links to the following:
A crossword puzzle (specific to the book)
A second puzzle (each in a different style for variety's sake.)
A 20-question comprehension quiz. (The questions are in order relative to the story--one or two questions per chapter.)
Additionally...
Linked to Book 1 (Shredderman: Secret Identity) you will find
- On the Trail of Truth and Justice (language arts/career exploration)--a guide for budding reporters
- Level 42-e? (math)--a few funny word problems based on power-walking and shredding on guitar.
Linked to Book 2 (Shredderman: Attack of the Tagger):
- About the Illustrator--a page all about our wonderful artist, Brian Biggs.
- Pulling Faces (graphic art)--a cool tutorial from Brian about drawing.
Linked to Book 3 (Shredderman: Meet the Gecko):
- All About Geckos (life science) A supplement about our favorite reptile, plus a little comprehension quiz/puzzle.
- And...Action! (language arts/career exploration) A glossary of Hollywood lingo for kids who are interested in film making.
Linked to Book 4 (Shredderman: Enemy Spy):
- Don't Bore Us, Don't Snore Us, Use a Thesaurus (language arts) This is a beginner's guide to using a thesaurus, complete with activity page. It's fun!
- The Sneaky-Peeky Spy Page (social studies)--a page on Cold War spies and the real-life gadgets they used to gather information.
As you can see, we've tried to build a site that both you and your students will love. Feel free to copy, paste, or rearrange any of the activity pages--whatever makes your life easy! Thanks again for visiting, and remember--you're a superhero!
Sincerely yours,
Wendelin Van Draanen
