Novel Unit - Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Teacher Guide Grades K-1

Teacher Guides


Teacher guides provide the framework for the novel, including any background information necessary to prepare students for the text. Discussion questions help you delve into the novel's plot, conflict, theme, and character motivations/interactions. Plus, they're designed to elicit student thought, discussion, and participation!


Time-saving, inspiring lesson plans provide a comprehensive novel unit—created by teachers for teachers. The legwork is done for you. The chapter-by-chapter guides incorporate research-based, higher-order reading, writing, and thinking activities.



  • 32+ pages

  • Summary

  • "About the Author"

  • Character list

  • Background information

  • Initiating activities

  • Vocabulary activities (Gr.1–8)

  • Discussion questions and answers

  • Graphic organizers

  • Writing ideas

  • Literary analysis

  • Post-reading discussion questions

  • Cross-curriculum extension activities

  • Assessment Scoring rubric


See also Student Packet #

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel #1526 Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne were a great team. They dug canals for big boats, they cut through mountains so trains could pass through, and other big construction tasks. But, steam shovels are being replaced by more modern machinery. Mike Mulligan refused to allow his beloved steam shovel to be relegated to the junk heap. Desperate for work, Mike promises to dig the cellar of Popperville's new town hall in just one day--or go without pay. All the townsfolk gather to watch Mike and Mary Anne in their race against the sun. They win, but in his haste, Mike forgets a very important detail.
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