Login
Join

Lesson Plans and Teaching Resources for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

The cover for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble Lesson Plans and Teaching Resources
Download
Preview
Buy the book
Watch a Read-Aloud

Use Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig to strengthen your students' comprehension skills, build their vocabulary, and help them understand how words work.

Sylvester is a young burro who enjoys collecting unusual pebbles. One rainy day, he finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. Sylvester wishes many wishes, but one wish has unexpected consequences for Sylvester. This story is an excellent anchor text for teaching several comprehension strategies, including retelling and summarizing, making predictions, and determining importance.
Print resources
Preview
Buy the book
Watch a Read-Aloud

Explore lesson plans and activities to help you teach with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble in the drop down below.

The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Determining Importance with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

The level of detail present in this story makes it a good choice for readers who are learning to determine importance. Students will need to decide which events and details are most important to remember in order to retell and identify the author's purpose.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
RL.3.2,RL.3.3,RL.3.5,RL.3.6,RL.3.7,RL.3.10,RF.3.3,RF.3.4,SL.3.1d,SL.3.2,SL.3.3,W.3.8,L.3.6
TEKS Alignment
3.7B,3.13H,3.13E,3.13C,3.10A,3.8C,3.7G,3.7F,3.7E,3.7D,3.7C,3.1A,3.7A,3.6I,3.6G,3.6E,3.6B,3.6A,3.1E,3.1D,3.1C
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Identifying the Author's Purpose with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

This book is a smart choice for readers who are learning to identify the author's purpose. As the story unfolds, readers will need to apply clues from the text to uncover messages about being careful what you wish for and about the far-reaching impact your actions can have on other people.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
RL.3.2,RL.3.4,RL.3.6,RL.3.10,RF.3.3,RF.3.4,SL.3.1d,SL.3.2,SL.3.3,W.3.8,L.3.6
TEKS Alignment
3.7E,3.13H,3.13E,3.13C,3.10F,3.10D,3.10C,3.10B,3.10A,3.8C,3.7G,3.7F,3.1A,3.7D,3.7C,3.7B,3.7A,3.6I,3.6B,3.6A,3.1E,3.1D,3.1C
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Making Predictions with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

When Sylvester discovers a magic pebble, he uses it to grant himself several wishes. But, one of his wishes puts him in an unexpected predicament. Readers will enjoy identifying problems throughout this story and predicting possible solutions for Sylvester.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
RL.3.1,RL.3.2,RL.3.3,RL.3.10,RF.3.3,RF.3.4,SL.3.1d,SL.3.2,SL.3.3,W.3.8,L.3.6
TEKS Alignment
3.7B,3.13H,3.13E,3.13C,3.8C,3.7G,3.7F,3.7E,3.7D,3.7C,3.1A,3.7A,3.6I,3.6C,3.6B,3.6A,3.1E,3.1D,3.1C
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Retelling & Summarizing with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

This book is perfect for supporting a lesson on retelling. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble has a very clear sequence of events and a limited cast of characters. Therefore, readers can focus on identifying the key events and supporting details to construct an accurate summary of this story.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
RL.3.1,RL.3.2,RL.3.4,RL.3.7,RL.3.10,RF.3.3,RF.3.4,SL.3.1d,SL.3.2,SL.3.3,W.3.8,L.3.6
TEKS Alignment
3.7D,3.13H,3.13E,3.13C,3.8D,3.8C,3.8B,3.7G,3.7F,3.7E,3.1A,3.7C,3.7B,3.6I,3.6G,3.6A,3.1E,3.1D,3.1C
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Synthesizing with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

This book and lesson plan are helpful resources for introducing students to the idea of synthesizing in order to fully comprehend a text. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble presents readers with rich detail, several opportunities to identify cause and effect, and multiple meaningful messages. This will require readers to identify and apply a variety of comprehension strategies to fully appreciate this story.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
RL.3.1,RL.3.2,RL.3.3,RL.3.4,RL.3.5,RL.3.6,RL.3.7,RL.3.10,RF.3.3,RF.3.4,SL.3.1c,SL.3.1d,SL.3.2,SL.3.3,W.3.8,L.3.6
TEKS Alignment
3.7C,3.13H,3.13E,3.13C,3.8D,3.8C,3.7G,3.7F,3.7E,3.7D,3.1A,3.7B,3.6I,3.6H,3.6G,3.6A,3.1E,3.1D,3.1C
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Visualizing with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

The author of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble uses engaging, descriptive language, and the illustrator provides images that are based closely on the text. This is ideal for readers who are learning how visualizing can enhance their comprehension of a story.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
RL.3.7,RL.3.10,RF.3.3,RF.3.4,SL.3.1d,SL.3.2,SL.3.3,W.3.8,L.3.6
TEKS Alignment
3.7A,3.13H,3.13E,3.13C,3.10C,3.7F,3.7E,3.7C,3.7B,3.1A,3.6I,3.6E,3.6D,3.6A,3.1E,3.1D,3.1C
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Syllables with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

This word work lesson plan and set of teaching resources use Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig as a springboard for instruction focused on syllables.

By anchoring word study to the text, students will benefit from seeing how three-syllable words are used inside of the text before engaging in both guided and independent practice with syllables.

Common Core State Standards Alignment
RF.3.3,RF.3.4
TEKS Alignment
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Vocabulary Connections with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

This set of vocabulary development resources for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble highlights the words that are most important for students to know and understand while reading the book. Through engaging in fun word games, matching words to definitions and pictures, and practicing how to categorize words, students will develop the vocabulary necessary to comprehend this story and many others.

Common Core State Standards Alignment
L.3.4a,L.3.5b,L.3.6
TEKS Alignment
3.7E,3.7F,3.3A,3.3B
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Comprehension Assessment with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Use this Common Core aligned comprehension assessment to evaluate students' comprehension of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
TEKS Alignment
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Running Record with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Use this Running Record to assess oral reading fluency with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Track meaning, structure, and visual accuracy using the first 100 words of the text to determine whether or not this book is a good fit for the readers in your classroom.

Common Core State Standards Alignment
TEKS Alignment
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Cause and Effect Matching with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Read Sylvester and the Magic Pebble then have some fun matching cause and effect sentences from the book. By using these cause and effect cards, students will demonstrate both their comprehension of the text and their understanding of cause and effect relationships in hands-on and interactive way.

This resource includes matching/sorting cards and a sorting mat for four cause and effect sentences in Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Each cause card is marked with a square and each effect card is marked with a circle, making it easy to support students who struggle with matching cause and effect relationships.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
TEKS Alignment
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Cause and Effect Sentence Stems with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Understanding cause and effect is a key comprehension and language skill. The text structure of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble includes several examples of cause and effect relationships, making it easy to use as a springboard for modeling or independent practice.

This simple resource includes four sentence stems. Each sentence stem presents an effect. Students will use what they know about the book to fill in the cause of the effect.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
TEKS Alignment
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print
The first page of Asking Questions with A Bad Case of Stripes

Writing with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

The BookPagez extension activities are a great way to push student engagement beyond the pages of the text. Try using this activity with early finishers, with students who show a deeper connection with the text, or as a center activity.
Common Core State Standards Alignment
TEKS Alignment
Print
Preview PDF
Preview Digital
Preview Digital
Print

Determining Importance with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (Spanish)

  • Student Practice Page and Answer Key
  • Reader's Notebook Prompt
  • Graphic Organizer
Print

Identifying the Author's Purpose with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (Spanish)

  • Student Practice Page and Answer Key
  • Reader's Notebook Prompt
  • Graphic Organizer
Print

Making Predictions with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (Spanish)

  • Student Practice Page and Answer Key
  • Reader's Notebook Prompt
  • Graphic Organizer
Print

Retelling & Summarizing with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (Spanish)

  • Student Practice Page and Answer Key
  • Reader's Notebook Prompt
  • Graphic Organizer
Print

Synthesizing with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (Spanish)

  • Student Practice Page and Answer Key
  • Reader's Notebook Prompt
  • Graphic Organizer
Print

Visualizing with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (Spanish)

  • Student Practice Page and Answer Key
  • Reader's Notebook Prompt
  • Graphic Organizer
Print

Writing with Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (Spanish)

Worksheet
Print

Get Full Access to the Entire Library of Resources when You Join Today!

You don’t need another curriculum—you need smart, supportive tools that build on the stories already in your classroom. BookPagez delivers research-aligned lessons, assessments, and digital tools to make your read-alouds, centers, and guided work more meaningful, more efficient, and more fun.
  • Teach with the favorite children’s books already on your shelf
  • Receive new, research-based materials every week
  • Tap into Digital Classroom for centers, assignments, and monitoring
  • Reclaim your evenings—planning is streamlined & ready to go
  • Stay organized with your personal file cabinet + dashboard
JOIN NOW!
30 Day Risk-Free Guarantee, Cancel Anytime

About the Book

The cover for the book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Title: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Author: William Steig
Genre: Fable
Themes: Award Winners, Family
ISBN: 9780808523826
Publisher's Summary:
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, written and illustrated by William Steig, is a beloved picture book that captures the hearts of both children and adults. The story centers on Sylvester Duncan, a young donkey in the town of Oatsdale, who has a passion for collecting unique pebbles. One day, Sylvester discovers a remarkable red pebble with magical powers: any wish made while holding it comes true. His excitement, however, quickly turns to trouble when a frightening encounter with a lion prompts him to wish himself into a rock for safety. Unable to hold the pebble as a rock, Sylvester becomes trapped in this form, and his absence leaves his loving parents distraught.

Steig's gentle storytelling and expressive illustrations invite readers to explore themes of family, longing, and the true meaning of happiness. The narrative subtly encourages reflection on the consequences of wishes and the value of being together with loved ones, rather than the pursuit of material desires. This book presents rich opportunities for classroom discussions about empathy, gratitude, and making thoughtful choices. Winner of the Caldecott Medal, Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is not only a literary classic but also a valuable resource for nurturing thoughtful conversation and emotional literacy among young readers.
Resources
Browse by Book Title Browse Classroom Resources Use the Resource Wizard Teacher Guides Digital Classroom Guides
Customer Service
Get Samples Contact Us Frequently Asked Questions Purchase Orders Login
About Us
Our Story Become a Member
Fine Print
Terms of Use Subscriber Agreement Privacy Policy Refund Policy Disclaimer Digital Resource User Agreement Student Privacy Policy Trademark and Copyright Notice
Content and Downloadable content Copyright ©2010-2025 Thinking Tree Enterprises, LLC. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referenced on this site are the property of their respective owners. Please see our Terms of Use.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
©BookPagez.com 2010 - 2023
Fluency / Book Filter
Search by Grade Level
Search by Reading Level
Search by Theme

Reset

Let’s Book Your 30-Minute Clarity Call
Select a day and time that works for you.
[ssa_booking type=clarity-call]

Resource Downloading disabled

Your ability to download resources is currently disabled. Please contact us at support@bookpagez.com

Oops!  It looks Like You're Getting Carried Away. 

When you joined BookPagez, you agreed to follow our Terms of Use. Based on your download activty, it looks like you've gotten carried away.

You are allowed to download resources to use in your classroom for the duration of your subscription. You are not allowed to bulk download resources. In other words, it's against the rules to download all (or most) of the resources. That's stealing, and it's not nice.

Please check your email for a message from us. Reply to the email and let us know what's going on so we can reactivate your account.
In order to continue, please indicate that you agree with the terms above

Get instant access to this resource plus thousands more when you join today.

  • Teach with the best books
  • Always have access to new resources (published every month!)
  • Get full access to Digital Classroom
  • Finally have time to "fit it all in" with super efficient lesson plans
  • Enjoy fast planning tools and stay organized with your personal file cabinet and dashboard
Save 50% for a Limited Time
Get Started
Already a member? Login here.