Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden, One Book that Warms the Teacher’s Soul

It’s hard to believe we’re already talking about and thinking about Back to School, but alas, some of our colleagues are back in full swing already. Their gardens are all tended to, and the seeds are ready to be planted. Like Mrs. Spitzer in Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden, you’ll soon be working with care to make sure each of your seedlings get just what he or she needs to blossom and grow this year.

Why Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden means a lot to teachers

Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden describes how good teachers work the soil, protect the seeds, nourish them with only the best “food”, water them with only the high quality work, and cherish the bounty of their achievements. Doesn’t that sound like the exemplary teacher you want to be?  I feel like this book sends such a positive message, and I hope that it will help you begin to explore using mentor texts to demonstrate literary elements and skills. I hope you’ll share it with your students and see if they see the connections.

Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden’s metaphorical language expresses just how important your job is this year. Most definitely, you’ll be pruning and fertilizing, watering and caring for those sweet “flowers” you’ll be growing this year. Some will sprout and reach toward the sky, while others may take a little extra care. The most important task we have is to find the special tools and materials to reach and grow each one.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS FOR WITH MRS. SPITZER’S GARDEN:

• Mrs. Spitzer helps her students grow and bloom in different ways. How does she tailor her teaching to meet each child’s needs and talents? Why is this important?
• What is the central message or theme of “Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden,” and how does the author convey it through the story?
• In the book, Mrs. Spitzer nurtures her students like a gardener tending to her plants. How does this analogy enhance our understanding of the teacher-student relationship?
• What are some of the challenges Mrs. Spitzer faces in her role as a teacher, and how does she overcome them to help her students thrive?
• Explore the various learning styles and personalities of the students in Mrs. Spitzer’s class. How does their diversity contribute to the classroom dynamic?
• The illustrations in the book play a significant role in telling the story. Discuss how the illustrations complement the text and add depth to the narrative.
• Mrs. Spitzer helps her students discover their unique qualities and encourages them to shine. How does this affect the self-esteem and confidence of the children in her class?
• The story encourages growth and development, not just academically but also emotionally and socially. What are some instances where Mrs. Spitzer helps her students grow beyond academics?
• Why do you think the author chose a garden as the metaphor for learning and personal growth? What similarities can you draw between tending to a garden and nurturing young minds?
• How does “Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden” inspire you as a reader? What lessons can we take from the story and apply to our own lives or educational experiences?

If you’d like to have a few printables and digital pages to go with the book, sign up with the form below, and I’ll send it to your inbox. It includes a focus on characterization, general comprehension, and a writing extension.

Craft Ideas to Go with Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden:

1. “Garden of Learners” Bulletin Board

Materials: Construction paper, markers, glue, scissors

Activity: Have each student decorate a flower with their name and a unique trait (e.g., “I am kind,” “I love reading”). Add stems and leaves, then arrange them in a classroom “garden.”

Purpose: Reinforces the book’s metaphor and builds classroom community.

2. Seed Packet Craft

Materials: Small envelopes, crayons, stickers

Activity: Decorate a “seed packet” and write what they will “grow” this year (e.g., “I will grow in math,” “I will grow in being a good friend”).

Optional: Add real wildflower seeds and plant outside as a class project.

3. Flower Pot Self-Portraits
   Materials: Paper pots (pre-cut or traced), paper flowers, art supplies

3. Flower Pot Self-Portraits

Materials: Paper pots (pre-cut or traced), paper flowers, art supplies

Activity: On the pot, students write their name and draw themselves as a flower. Petals can show their interests or qualities.

Display: Create a blooming wall of student portraits.

More activities to love for mrs. spitzer’s garden

grab your mrs. Spitzer’s garden resource:

What Teachers had to say about this Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden unit:

“This is a great book and I love all the skills you cover in this resource. This will really help when working on character traits and how events influence characters.” Burke’s Special Kids

“This was a great supplemental reading resource for our Plant science unit and Foss kit. My students enjoyed the story and the activities.” Lisa M

“Love this!! Thank you so much…will be using this for both my students and parents for Back to School.” Jodi E

Others who inspire like mrs. Spitzer:

As you inspire your little people, be sure to fill them with positive messages and lots of great skill modeling. Recently, I came across this sweet inspirational poster(linked to the TED talk).  I just love Rita Pierson’s TED talk, and if you have a minute, be sure to check that out. This poster hits the highlights. I just love it!

other back to school posts you might like:

• BACK TO SCHOOL LITERACY RESOURCES YOU CAN HAVE FOR FREE
• 10+ BOOKS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL THAT BUILD POSITIVE TRAITS
• SIX TIME SAVING CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION IDEAS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
• HOW TO HELP READERS BLOSSOM AND GROW WITH AUTHOR STUDIES

Thanks so much for taking time to read the post, and I hope you’ll enjoy the freebie. Have a great back to school season!