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AGuide for Using
Stone Fox
in the Classroom
Based on the novel written by
John Reynolds Gardiner
This guide written by Pat Angell, Peg Isakson,

Jeannine Myers, Donna Shay
Teacher Created Resources, Inc.

6421 Industry Way
Westminster, CA 92683
www.teachercreated.com
1996 Teacher Created Resources, Inc.
Reprinted, 2005
Made in U.S.A.
ISBN-1-55734-567-8
Edited by
Judith Brewer
Illustrated by
Jose L. Tapia
Cover Art by
Norm Merritt
The classroom teacher may reproduce copies of materials in this book for classroom use only. The
reproduction of any part for an entire school or school system is strictly prohibited. No part of this publication
may be transmitted, stored, or recorded in any form without written permission from the publisher.
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Sample Lesson Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Before the Book (Pre-reading Activities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Book Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Vocabulary Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Vocabulary Activity Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Discussion Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
SECTION 1 (Chapters 12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Quiz Time
Hands-On ProjectSomethings Cooking
Cooperative Learning ActivityRoaming Wyoming
Curriculum ConnectionWilly Web
Into Your LifeGrandfathers Portrait
Quiz Time
Hands-On ProjectDiscussion Cubes
Cooperative Learning ActivityCreative Starts with Art
Curriculum ConnectionOn Your Mark . . . Get Set . . .
Into Your LifeWillys Schedule
Quiz Time
Hands-On ProjectLets Enter the Race
Cooperative Learning ActivityCharacter Comparison
Curriculum ConnectionGrowing Potatoes
Into Your LifeTaxing Questions
Quiz Time
Hands-On ProjectPuppets and Pantomime
Cooperative Learning ActivityWyoming Animal Report
Curriculum ConnectionGenre
Into Your LifeSpuds la Carte
SECTION 5 (Chapters 910) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Quiz Time
Hands-On ProjectLandmarks and Topography
Cooperative Learning ActivityThinking Clouds
Curriculum ConnectionGo, Searchlight, Go!
Into Your LifeYour Life . . . Your List
After the Book (Post-reading Activities)
Any Questions? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Book Report Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Culminating Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Unit Test Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Annotated Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
#567Literature Unit
Introduction
A good book can touch our lives like a good friend. Within its pages are words and characters that can
inspire us to achieve our highest ideals. We can turn to it for companionship, recreation, comfort, and
guidance. It can also give us a cherished story to hold in our hearts forever.
In Literature Units, great care has been taken to select books that are sure to become good friends.
Teachers who use this literature unit will find the following features to supplement their own valuable
ideas.
A Sample Lesson Plan
Pre-reading Activities
A Biographical Sketch and Picture of the Author
A Book Summary
Vocabulary Lists
Vocabulary Activity Ideas
Lessons grouped for study with each section
including:
quizzes
hands-on projects
cooperative learning activities
cross-curriculum connections
extensions into the readers life
Post-reading Activities
Book Report Ideas
Culminating Activities
Three Different Options for Unit Tests
A Bibliography
An Answer Key
We are confident that this unit will be a valuable
addition to your planning, and we hope that as you
use our ideas, your students will increase the circle
of friends they have in books!
#567Literature Unit
Sample Lesson Plan

Each of the lessons below can take from one to several days to complete.
LESSON 1
Introduce and complete some or all of the prereading activities. (page 5)
Read About the Author with your students.
(page 6)
Introduce the vocabulary list for Section 1.
(page 8)
LESSON 5
Read chapters 7 and 8. Place vocabulary words
in context and discuss their meanings.
Choose a vocabulary activity. (page 9)
Organize discussion groups with the questions
for Section 4. (page 11)
Create hand or stick puppets of the characters.
(page 28)
Complete the Wyoming Animal Report.
(page 29)
Learn about genre. (pages 30)
Explore your Spuds la Carte. (page 31)
Administer the Section 4 quiz. (page 27)
(page 8)
LESSON 2
Read chapters 1 and 2. As you read, place the
vocabulary words in the context of the story and
discuss their meanings.
Make twice-baked potatoes. (page 13)
Research Wyoming with a map. (page 14)
Create Willy Webs. (page 15)
Illustrate Grandfathers Portrait. (page 16)
(page 8)
LESSON 6
Create a landmarks mural of the race course.
(page 33)
Discuss thoughts and create Thinking Clouds.
(page 34)
Write about Searchlights qualities. (page 35)
Create lists for characters and you. (page 36)
LESSON 3
Make Discussion Cubes. (page 18)
for Section 2 (page 10) or the questions on the
discussion cubes.
Create a story mobile or group collage.
(page 19)
Create racing team practice charts and bar
graphs. (page 20)
Write a daily schedule for little Willy. (page 21)
(page 8)
LESSON 7
Discuss any questions your students may have
about the story. (page 37)
Assign book reports. (page 38)
Begin work on culminating activities.
(pages 3942)
LESSON 4
for Section 3. (pages 10 and 11)
Create T-shirts and hats for the race. (page 23)
Use a Venn diagram to compare characters.
(page 24)
#567Literature Unit
Learn about growing potatoes. (page 25)

Study taxes. (page 26)
(page 8)
LESSON 8
Administer unit tests, 1, 2, and/or 3.
(pages 43, 44, 45)
Discuss the test answers and possibilities.
Discuss the students enjoyment of the book.
Provide a list of related reading for your
students. (page 46)
4
Pre-reading Activities
Stone Fox
Before the Book

Your students will be eager to read Stone Fox after they spend some time discussing what they know
about having dogs as pets, dogsled races, and attempts by children to earn extra money. Basic prereading strategies will activate their prior knowledge and set the scene for the story to follow. A
personal connection with parts of a story will enhance students comprehension and enjoyment of
literature.
The following pre-reading activities may work well with your class.
1. Discuss with students any experiences they may have had with dogs as pets in their families. Ask
if there was anything special in the dog/child relationship that was heartwarming.
2. Conduct a brainstorming session on dogsled races. Ask students to suggest any words that come
to mind when you present the words dogsled race. Accept any words that are offered and
cluster them on the chalkboard as they are given. Keep these words on chart paper for later use.
3. Investigate the possibility of dogsled races in your state or in other states where they would
possibly be held.
4. Have students share what they know about growing potatoes as a farm crop. Ask the following
questions:
What states might grow potatoes as a crop?
What kind of growing conditions would be necessary?
5. Use a map to show the state of Wyoming, where Stone Fox takes place. Discuss the feasibility of
potato farming and dogsled racing in the state.
6. Define a legend. Ask students if they have heard any legends about dogs in their families or
found any in other readings.
7. Discuss the title Stone Fox.
Make predictions about the use
of the words. Ask for
interpretations of the title.
8. Preview the book by reading
the front and back covers, the
title page, and the dedication.
Make predictions about the
content.
9. Preview all the illustrations
throughout the story. Generate
group questions for each
illustration.
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
About the Author

John Reynolds Gardiner was born on
December 6, 1944, in Los Angeles,
California. His parents were both educators
and wanted very much for him to be a good
student. At the time, though, he rebelled
and refused to read. The more his mother
insisted he read, the more he refused. She
did read aloud to him, though, sometimes
against his wishes. He would pretend to be
asleep, but as soon as he became engrossed
in the story, he wouldnt want her to stop.
He didnt read his first novel by himself
until he was nineteen years old!
Even though he was a nonreader as a child
and proclaimed himself very poor at
spelling and grammar, his stories showed he
had a lively imagination and humor.
Sometimes his teachers didnt believe he
had written them by himself. When he was
in high school, one of his teachers told him
he would not make it through college
English, but he proved that teacher wrong.
Mr. Gardiner graduated from the University of
California in Los Angeles with a Masters
John Reynolds Gardiner at the age of 11.
Degree in Engineering. He has traveled widely,
living and working in Europe, Central America, and Idaho, where he first heard the legend that is the
basis for Stone Fox. He now works as an engineer in California, predicting the temperature of
satellites, and does his writing on his lunch break. He gives seminars on writing and marketing
childrens books at colleges and universities and has adapted stories for childrens television programs.
He is also an inventor for Num Num Novelty Company. Mr. Gardiner and his wife have three
daughters and live in Huntington Beach, California.
Stone Fox is his first published work. It has won several awards, has been translated into three foreign
languages, and has been made into a 1987 NBC television movie. Other books he has written are Top
Secret, General Butterfingers, and The Last Secret.
Mr. Gardiner thinks it is very important to encourage beginning writers, even if they are not good at
spelling and grammar, and he says, Thank you, Mom, for not giving up on me, for your rebel son is
now a reader, a writer, and a lover of books.
(Sources used: Fourth Book of Junior Authors and Something About the Author: Volume 64)
#567Literature Unit
Book Summary
Stone Fox
Stone Fox
by John Reynolds Gardiner
(Crowell, 1980)
(Canada and UK, Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.; AUS, Harper Collins)
Little Willy lived with his grandfather on a small potato farm in Wyoming. One morning Grandfather
would not get out of bed. Usually Grandfather was the first one up and had breakfast made before
little Willy stirred, so Willy was worried. He took his dog, Searchlight, and went down the road to get
Doc Smith. She examined Grandfather but could find nothing wrong with him. Im sorry child, she
said, but it appears that your grandfather just doesnt want to live anymore.
Little Willy was determined to make Grandfather want to live again. The potato crop was ready for
harvest, and Willy managed to do it alone by hitching Searchlight to the plow. But the tax man was a
bigger problem. He said the taxes hadnt been paid for ten years, and they owed about five hundred
dollars. Either Grandfather had to pay the taxes or the farm would be sold. Willy decided to save the
farmthe only question was how? Then he heard about the National Dogsled Races with a cash
prize of five hundred dollars. He used his college savings account for the entrance fee, and he and
Searchlight began practicing for the race.
Stone Fox, the legendary winner of past races, arrived in town and also entered the race. The Native
American had five beautiful Samoyeds, a fearsome reputation, and was every bit as intent on winning
the prize money as little Willy.
There was a great deal of excitement on the day of the race. Would little Willy win the race and save
the farm and his grandfather? Would Stone Fox or one of the other entrants win? An unexpected turn
of events during the race stunned the whole town and created a moving conclusion to the story.
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Vocabulary Lists
The vocabulary words listed below correspond to each section of Stone Fox, as outlined in the table of
contents. Ideas for vocabulary activities are found on page 9 of this book.
explanation
Section 1
Section 2
(Chapters 12)
credit
(Chapters 34)
official
irrigation
crisp
harmonica
situation
directly
palomino
harness
plow
proceeded
acre
strongbox
examination
surrounded
mature
code
harvest
determined
mended
concerned
bushel
gully
taxes
authority
exhausted
sturdy
legal
derringer
enabled
lunged
Section 3
varied
(Chapters 56)
homeland
ricocheting
Section 4
constructed
Samoyed
reservation
tilted
entrance fee
bobbled
awesome
amateurs
represented
tribe
moccasins
stunned
contestants
legends
lightly
clutching
(Chapters 78)
embarrassed
clenched
jagged
deserted
rooting
city slickers
swollen
treacherous
tension
abrupt halt
massive
abreast
Section 5
(Chapters 910)
#567Literature Unit
attempted
challenger
regained
glimpse
inching
suffering
forged
disqualified
effortlessly
Stone Fox
Vocabulary Activity Ideas

The vocabulary suggested by students in the pre-reading activities and the vocabulary selected from
Stone Fox (page 8 of this book) will form a student-teacher list of vocabulary words to enhance
comprehension of the story. Interesting vocabulary activities will help students integrate those words
into their everyday language. The ideas below will help your students learn and use those words.
Have students choose one word that is new to them from the Stone Fox vocabulary list. The word
chosen should be a noun: a person, place, or thing. The student creates a Concept Definition
Word Map (or CD Map) by following the procedure below to create a graphic organizer.
Write the new word in a circle centered on a page. Working outward, use spokes to connect the
new-word circle to other circles or boxes with these labels on them: Category (What is it?),
Properties (What is it like?), Comparisons (What is similar to this word?), Descriptions (What are
some examples?), and Opposites (What is opposite to the new word?). Next, fill in the boxes
with answers to the questions.
Have students choose one of the new words from the vocabulary lists presented. Create a
Concept Circle by making a circle on a blank page with a protractor or by tracing around a
round object. Divide the circle into four pie-shaped sections. Put the new word on a line drawn
at the top of the circle. Think of three other words that mean almost the same as your top word.
Put them in the sections of your circle. Think of one word that is not the same, but might be very
close to the meaning. Put it in the fourth section. Ask your classmates to identify the word that
does not go with the others! Here is an example: new word = inspected, four words in circle =
examined, scrutinized, perused, glanced. The word that does not go with the others is glanced.
This activity invites dictionary or thesaurus work and stimulates vocabulary conversations among
students.
Have each student choose three words from the vocabulary lists and create a Word Sort. For
each word chosen, think of four additional words that would fit in the same category. Example:
the key word is palomino, and the four other words are bay, paint, sorrel, black (all colors of
horses). Mix up the 12 additional words. Ask a friend to sort the 12 words under the three key
words.
Have students create Alphables by listing the words in alphabetical order and dividing them into
syllables.
Copy selected sentences or paragraphs from Stone Fox, leaving out important vocabulary words
and creating a Concept Cloze activity. Have a group brainstorming session to suggest a variety
of words to fill in the blanks, using context clues. Present the authors choice of word.
Keep a Word Wall in your room. When students find a new vocabulary word in their reading,
have them write the new word, its definition, and a sentence using the word on an index card or
sentence strip. Staple it to a bulletin board set aside for this purpose.
Ask your students to create an Illustrated Dictionary of the vocabulary words. This could be an
individual or group activity. Have students write the vocabulary words and draw a simple picture
showing what each word means.
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Discussion Guide
The following questions are not meant to be part of a read and answer the question style of teaching.
Rather, they should be used for group discussions and sharing of responses in literature circles that
explore the story. Dialogue is an effective method for teaching and learning about literature by guiding
the process of interpreting or understanding what we read. In contrast, writing out answers to
questions becomes more of a check on accuracy and a product of comprehension.
A synopsis of each section and group discussion starters follow.
Chapters 1 and 2
Synopsis:
The setting is a potato farm in Wyoming. Little Willy, Grandfather, and Willys dog, Searchlight, work
hard on this farm. Willy, in his free time, races Searchlight around the town with a dogsled.
Grandfather becomes ill.
Discussion:
What do you think it would be like to live with a grandparent?
Think about what it would be like to live on a potato farm. What might some of your
responsibilities or chores be?
What words describe Willy? Grandfather? Searchlight?
How do you think Willy and Grandfather work together as a family? Why?
Chapters 3 and 4
Synopsis:
A tax collector arrives and tells Willy that Grandfather owes 10 years worth of back taxes amounting to
$500. Either Grandfather pays the taxes or the farm will be sold.
Discussion:
What responsibilities on the farm will Willy take over? What responsibilities do you have with
your family?
What do you think it would be like not to have enough money to pay your bills?
What do you think it would be like to lose your home because your parents couldnt pay their
taxes?
Think about what Willy must feel when he discovers Grandfather didnt pay the taxes.
Chapters 5 and 6
Synopsis:
Willy is determined to save the farm but doesnt have enough money. Then Willy hears about the
National Dogsled Race and decides to enter the race, hoping to win the prize money. To enter the race,
Willy uses his education money for the fee. Searchlight and Willy practice racing. Stone Fox, the
legendary winner of past races, arrives in town and enters the race. The Indian drives five beautiful
Samoyeds and holds a fearsome reputation.
#567Literature Unit
10
Stone Fox
Discussion Guide
(cont.)
Chapters 5 and 6 (cont.)

Discussion:
Lots of people gave Willy advice. What advice is given? Do you think it is good advice?
How do you think the townspeople feel about Willy?
What makes Willy feel ten feet tall when he steps out of the City Hall building?
What would your feelings be if you met a legendary competitor?
Chapters 7 and 8
Synopsis:
While Willy is returning home from running an errand the night before the race, he hears dogs barking
in an old barn. Willy discovers Stone Foxs Samoyeds. Stone Fox sees Willy with his dogs and hits
him in the face. Neither Willy nor Searchlight sleep that night.
The day of the race arrives and although Willys eye is swollen shut, he still feels like a winner. Willy
gives Stone Fox a friendly greeting despite the night before. Excitement builds in anticipation of the
race. The race begins.
Discussion:
What words would you use to describe Stone Fox?

Why do you think Stone Fox hit Willy?
Even though Willy is injured, he still is sure he will win the race.
How do you think Grandfather is feeling on the day of the race?
Chapters 9 and 10
Synopsis:
Willy surges ahead while Stone Fox remains last. At the home stretch, however, Stone Fox matches
Willys speed, and the two racers rush toward the finish line. Searchlight forges ahead, but just short of
the finish line, she dies. Stone Fox stops racing, checks Searchlight, and then, after considering his
next move, he draws a line in the snow, pulls out his rifle, and threatens to shoot anyone who crosses
the finish line. He looks at Willy, who then carries Searchlight over the finish line to win the race.
Discussion:
What things happen in the race that make Willy gain and then lose speed?
When tragedy happens, people express their feelings in different ways. How are you feeling
about Searchlights death?
What might Grandfather and Willy talk about after the race?
Name some clues that tell you Stone Fox has some very deep feelings even though his speech and
facial expressions do not show them.
11
#567Literature Unit
Section 1: Chapters 12
Stone Fox
Quiz Time
1. On the back of this paper, write a one-paragraph summary of the major events in
chapters one and two. Then complete the rest of the questions on this page.
2. Grandfather loves to play tricks on little Willy. What is the trick that makes Grandfather
laugh until he cries?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Why does little Willy find his plate in the chicken coop one morning?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. What does little Willy say to Doc Smith that causes her to believe that something is
seriously wrong with Grandfather?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. Why do you think Grandfathers beard is full of tears as he lies in bed?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. What does Doc Smith believe is wrong with Grandfather?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
7. Little Willy and Grandfather work out a way to communicate with each other without
Grandfather talking. How do they do that?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
8. How do little Willy and Searchlight manage to harvest the crop of potatoes?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
9. Tell about Searchlights intelligence in one well-written sentence.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
10. On the back of this paper, tell about your predictions regarding Grandfathers illness, Doc
Smiths recommendations, and little Willys determination to keep the family together.
#567Literature Unit
12
Stone Fox
Somethings Cooking
Little Willy and Grandfather live on a potato farm. Each year when they have a good potato
crop, they sell potatoes to the people in the community. There are many ways to fix potatoes.
A popular recipe is Twice-baked Potatoes. The following is a version of this recipe.
Twice-baked Potatoes
Ingredients:
potatoes (For each potato cooked you will need the following amounts of
cheese, onions, and sour cream.)
1/2 slice of cheese
1/8 cup (31 mL) chopped or minced onions
1/4 cup (63 mL) sour cream
Equipment:
aluminum foil
oven (or coals, if using a campfire)
knife
bowl
wooden spoon
measuring cup
Directions:
1. Scrub potatoes until skins are clean and wrap each potato in a piece of
aluminum foil.
2. Put the wrapped potato in campfire coals or in a kitchen oven for
approximately one hour at 350 Fahrenheit (180 Celsius).
3. Remove the potatoes from the heat. Let them cool for 15 minutes.
4. Cut the potatoes lengthwise and scoop out the pulp or softened potato, into
a bowl. Save the skins.
5. Add the appropriate amounts of sour cream and onions (see above) to the
potatoes and mix the ingredients.
6. Put some of the mixture into each of the potato skins.
7. Top each potato with half a slice of cheese and heat the potatoes for 15
minutes to melt the cheese.
Extension:
Find other potato recipes and make a potato cookbook. Make your cookbook in
the shape of a potato. Think about how Grandfather and little Willy might have
fixed potatoes to eat. Discuss whether or not each recipe you have found could
be one that little Willy and Grandfather would fix. Why or why not?
13
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Roaming Wyoming
Stone Fox takes place in the small town of Jackson in the state of Wyoming. The word
Wyoming came from changes made to a Delaware Indian word for upon the great plain. It
helps you understand the characters and their actions in a story if you know more than the
book tells you about where the story takes place.
Activity 1Getting to Know Wyoming

In a classroom discussion group, think of all the things you already know about
Wyoming. Make a chart and list the things you believe are true about Wyoming.
Next, think of the things you would like to know about Wyoming and make a list of the
questions.
List the resources you could use to find answers to your questions.
Wyoming
ow
Things I Want to Kn
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Facts I Know
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Resources:
Activity 2Map Skills

Research to find the shape of Wyoming, its bordering states, and the mountain ranges
located in and around Wyoming.
Complete the following tasks and report your findings to the class.
1. Use a map to find Jackson, Wyoming, where the story of Stone Fox takes place.
Locate the Wind River Reservation where the Shoshone and Arapaho North
American Indian tribes lived together after the Shoshone were forced to leave Utah.
Stone Fox belonged to the Shoshone tribe and might have lived there.
2. Plan the route across Wyoming that you think Stone Fox might have taken to get
from the reservation to Jackson for the National Dogsled Race. Write your
directions as if you were telling Stone Fox what route to take. Use mountain
ranges, rivers, compass directions (N, S, E, W) and estimated mileage in your
directions.
#567Literature Unit
14
Stone Fox
Willy Web
Think of words that describe Willy and his actions in the story section(s) that you have read.
On this page, the first two boxes are filled in with persistent and hardworking. They are
words that tell something about Willy. Look in the story to find the phrases or sentences that
the author uses to show, or tell more about, how Willy was persistent or hardworking. Put
those page numbers or phrases on the lines under persistent and hardworking. Now think
of four more descriptive words to fill in the boxes and then find the pages and phrases where
the author told more to help you understand the description.
Willy
persistent
hardworking
15
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Grandfathers Portrait
Find clues and hints in the story
as to what Grandfather looked
like before he got sick. In the
frame on the right, illustrate
Grandfather as a younger man.
Biographical Sketch:
Write two or three paragraphs
about Grandfather when he was
healthy. Once again, there are
many clues in the story about
what Grandfather was like, even
when he was younger. Use your
knowledge of the times in which
he lived and your imagination to
describe Grandfather.
Remember, Grandfather was a
different kind of person before the
tax problem came up.
Think of a grandparent or an
older friend or neighbor you
know. In the frame on the left,
illustrate that person.
Biographical Sketch:
Write two or three paragraphs
about this person as you know
him or her. Include some ideas
about how Grandfather and your
person are alike and/or how they
are different.
#567Literature Unit
16
Stone Fox
Quiz Time
chapters 3 and 4. Then complete the rest of the questions on this page.
2. What is Grandfathers advice about asking questions?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. How does little Willy get ready for winter?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. Why has Grandfather put some money away in a savings account?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. After school little Willy and Searchlight go into the town of Jackson to run errands. Tell
about the race they run each day at 6:00.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. Who is waiting for little Willy when he arrives home?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
7. How does Grandfather respond to the visitors?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
8. Characterize Clifford Snyder in one well-written sentence.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
9. What is the message that Clifford Snyder leaves with Grandfather and little Willy?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
10. On the back of this paper, write about your feelings regarding the predicament that little
Willy is in now.
17
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Discussion Cubes
Think of six questions about the story that you have read so far. Remember to ask different
kinds of questions; for example, a think and search question can be answered by thinking
about different parts of the story and putting information together.
Make a discussion cube from the pattern below. Cut out the cube on the solid lines only.
Write one question on each side of the box. Carefully fold the dashed lines. With cellophane
tape, secure the tabs in the cube so it will resemble a closed box.
In a literature discussion group, take turns gently rolling the cubes and responding to the
questions that appear on top.
#567Literature Unit
18
Stone Fox
Creative Starts with Art

Create a Story Mobile
In a cooperative learning group, begin collecting artifacts, illustrations, or printed material that
have a connection with Stone Fox. Share your collections in your group and decide if you
have artifacts that would create one of the following:
individual thematic mobiles (i.e., potato farming or Wyoming or story elements)
one large mobile that would depict all of the story by the end of the unit
Use a clothes hanger for the thematic mobile or several clothes hangers wired together for a
complete story mobile. Arrange and secure the artifacts with string or wire so they hang in
balance.
Create a Group Collage

In your cooperative learning group, collect, arrange, and glue a collection of magazine or
newspaper clippings and pictures that would have a connection with Stone Fox.
Begin the arrangement in one corner of a large piece of paper. As you continue to read the
story, collect additional pieces and add to your collage in sequence around the paper.
Your group will need to come to an agreement for the sequence and arrangement of pieces.
19
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
On Your Mark . . . Get Set . . .

To prepare for an upcoming dogsled race, several teams practice routinely. On the average,
each dogsled team practices five miles per day. Suppose each team practiced three days.
Their times for each practice run are recorded on the chart below.
Interpret the Data

Use the information in this chart to answer the questions below.
Day
Sled 1
Sled 2
Sled 3
Sled 4
35 min.
40 min.
39 min.
34 min.
30 min.
44 min.
37 min.
39 min.
38 min.
31 min.
30 min.
30 min.
1. What is each teams average time?___________________________________________

2. Who has the highest average? ______________________________________________
3. What was the lowest average? ______________________________________________
4. How many dogsled teams average the same time? ______________________________
5. If the real race is 45 miles long, on the average how long will it take the teams to finish
the race? _______________________________________________________________
Extension:
1. The median is halfway between two points. What is the median time for the sleds on
each day?
Day 1_____________ Day 2_____________ Day 3_____________
2. The mode is the value occurring most frequently in a set of data. What is the mode for
all of the sleds, including all of the days?_____________
Create a Bar Graph

In the story Stone Fox, five beautiful Samoyeds form the sled team for the legendary Indian,
Stone Fox. People like different breeds of dogs for different reasons. Follow these guidelines
to create your own graph of peoples favorites.
Make a list of several favorite breeds of dogs.
Survey your classmates to see which breed of dog is the most popular.
Display your findings in a bar graph. Then express the results in fraction sentences.
(Example: Three-fourths of the people I asked said that a Samoyed is their favorite
breed.)
#567Literature Unit
20
Stone Fox
Willys Schedule
Most children and adults have certain things they need to do almost every day. Think about
your daily schedule. Think of a typical school day and the things you usually do.
Now choose a school day from Stone Fox, a day after Grandfather got sick. On the lines
below, taking clues from Willys experiences in the book, list the times of day and the activities
that you think make up Willys usual schedule for a full day.
Willys Day
Example:
Time
Activity
6:30 A.M.
Get out of bed and make a fire.
6:45 A.M.
Fix oatmeal mush.
When you have finished, share your schedule for Willy in a literature discussion group. Share
your insights and understandings about the schedule and the responsibilities you discover
that Willy probably has.
Time
Activity
21
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Quiz Time
chapters 5 and 6. Then complete the questions on the rest of the page.
2. What is meant by the statement Where theres a will, theres a way?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. Mr. Foster at the bank advises Willy to sell the farm. Why do you think he gives that
advice?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. Tell about the idea Willy gets to make some money after he visits Lesters General Store.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. Do you believe that Grandfather would agree with what Willy is trying to do?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. How does Willy pay for his entrance fee for the race?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
7. Willy feels strong and good until he sees something at the end of the street. Describe
what he sees.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
8. Why doesnt Stone Fox speak to anyone?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
9. What is Stone Foxs dream for his people?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
10. On the back of this paper, explain what you would do now if you were little Willy.
#567Literature Unit
22
Stone Fox
Lets Enter the Race

Imagine that the dogsled races are coming to your town! Everyone who enters will receive a
T-shirt and a hat for participating in this great race. Design a dogsled race T-shirt, using the
pattern below. Create a hat out of construction paper for each person who pays the entrance
fee.
23
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Character Comparison
In the story, Stone Fox, little Willy and Stone Fox seem to have some common attributes. In a
cooperative learning group, brainstorm some ways that the two characters are alike and some
ways that they are different. Record your findings on the Venn diagram below.
In the intersecting center of the circles, write the things both characters have in common. In
the outer parts of the circles, write some things that make them different.
Little Willy
Stone Fox
Both
Extension:
Create a Venn diagram comparing yourself to little Willy, or compare little Willy to someone
you know.
#567Literature Unit
24
Stone Fox
Growing Potatoes
But the potatoes barely bring in enough money to live on, explained little Willy. We went
broke last year.
Little Willy is concerned that growing potatoes will not provide enough income for Grandfather
to pay his taxes and get out of debt. How hard is it to grow potatoes and have a successful
crop?
Think about what you already know or would predict about growing potatoes. Put an X in
front of your choices below.
1. Potatoes grow
4. Potatoes are grown
(a) on bushes.
(b) underground.
(c) on trees.
(a) only in the United States and

Canada.
(b) only in South America.
(c) in almost all the countries of the
world.
2. Potatoes need
(a) flat ground to grow on.
(b) little holes or depressions to grow in.
(c) a mound of dirt around each plant.
5. A piece of potato tastes

(a) sweet.
(b) bitter.
(c) bland. (very little flavor)
3. New potato plants come from

(a) little seeds in packages.
(b) a special piece of another potato.
(c) a leaf cutting from a grown plant.
6. How many kinds of potatoes would

you predict there are?
(a) two
(b) five
(c) fourteen
(d) thirty
There are many resources for finding out about potatoes. Some places are libraries, state
potato grower organizations, and interviews with farmers or gardeners. Use your resources
to find the answers to your predictions above and to learn the growing stages of a potato.
In the boxes below, draw the five stages of a potato plant.
planting
the new
plant begins
the young
plant
rhizomes &
tubers
ready for
harvest
Now go back to your predictions about growing potatoes. Would you change any of your
answers now that you have used your resources? If so, use a colored pen to circle your new
answers.
25
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Taxing Questions
Grandfather is about to lose his farm because for each of the past ten years, he
has not paid his taxes. To understand this story better, we need to know more
about taxes.
What are taxes? A tax is a charge on a persons income or property made by the
government to collect revenue, or dollars. The revenue is used by the government
to provide services to the population and to the communities. Grandfather was
required by the state of Wyoming to pay taxes on his property each year.
Activities:
1. Invite a tax accountant to come to your class. Develop a set of questions to
ask before the accountant arrives.
2. After you understand more about taxes, discuss these questions:
Why do you think Grandfather had not paid his taxes?
Why would the tax man want the farm?
What would he do with the farm after he got it?
3. Perhaps you can help Grandfather and little Willy figure out how to pay those
back taxes. Solve the problems below.
(A) If Grandfather owes $500.00 in taxes and little Willy has $50.00 in his
bank account, how much money does little Willy need to win after he pays
$50.00 to enter the race?
(B) If Grandfather owes $500.00 in taxes for a period of ten years and taxes
have remained the same for ten years, how much are Grandfathers taxes
each year?
(C) If Grandfather gives little Willy $20.00 each year for college and Willy
already has $50.00 in the bank, how many years will it take little Willy to
save for college if his tuition is $310.00?
(D) If Grandfathers income was $1,000.00 last year and taxes were the yearly
amount you figured in problem (B), what is the percentage of tax that
Grandfather must pay?
#567Literature Unit
26
Stone Fox
Quiz Time
1. On the back of this paper, write a one-paragraph summary of the major events that
happened in chapters 7 and 8. Then complete the questions on the rest of this page.
2. Why does little Willy go to town the evening before the race?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. What important understanding takes place between Stone Fox and little Willy?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. Why do little Willy and Searchlight have an uncomfortable night before the race?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. What are the thoughts running through little Willys mind on the morning of the race as
he rides into town?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. What surprises Willy when he gets to town?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
7. Little Willy notices that Stone Foxs eyes seem to lack the sparkle that little Willy had
seen the night before. Explain any reasons you might think of for this change.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
8. Explain why the people of the town seem so tense.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
9. How does the race begin? At what time?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
10. On the back of this paper, write a paragraph or two as if you are giving a news
broadcast live, on the scene, at the beginning of the race. Describe the setting and
sounds.
27
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Puppets and Pantomime

Puppets
There are many ways to make puppets show action from a story.
Sack puppets are usually made from standard lunch sacks,
with a face and hair pasted on the bottom flap of a flattened
sack. Your hand is inserted from the upside-down sack
bottom, and holes are often cut in the sides of the sack for
thumb and little finger extensions. Puppet head movement is
made by moving the sacks flap in a flapping motion.
Stick puppets are easy to make with an eight-inch (20 cm)
tall picture of your characters. Sketch the character you have
chosen, cut it out, and paste it onto a piece of tagboard. Cut
around the tagboard again and tape the character onto a
ruler or similar piece of wood.
Papier-mach puppets are made with strips of newspaper
and wallpaper paste molded over a small balloon for the face
and head. The neck is often molded over a short piece of
tissue roll that is suspended on a soda bottle and then
molded onto the balloon. Clothing is added after the molded
head and neck are dry and painted.
Once you have created puppets of Grandfather, little Willy, Stone Fox, Searchlight, and any
other characters, you are ready to stage a show.
Remember that puppets must show what they have to communicate without any words from
their mouths. They must nod or wag their heads, wave their arms, or otherwise show their
feelings by actions. Before you present a puppet show of any scenes from Stone Fox,
practice some pantomime, or body actions, of your own.
Pantomime
Act out these scenarios and ask your friends to identify what you are doing:
washing your hands
smelling a flower
walking a tightrope or beam
calling someone on the telephone
testing some very hot water
painting a picture
Now, remember how actions need to be done in large movements to convey communication
on the stage. Move your puppet in large pantomime movements as you develop a scene.
Extension:
Your puppet(s) may be the right size to add to the Story Mobile you made after reading
Chapters 3 and 4. (See page 19 for mobile directions.)
#567Literature Unit
28
Stone Fox
Wyoming Animal Report

In Stone Fox, dogs play an important part in the story. There are many animals found in the
wilds of Wyoming. A partial list includes deer, caribou, moose, wolves, and elk. With your
partner, consult an encyclopedia, a book about a specific animal, magazine articles, or other
resource books and research a Wyoming animal of your choice. Use this form below to help
you organize your material.
Animal Report
Type of animal ___________________________________________________________
Size ___________________________________________________________________
Height _________________________________________________________________
Length _________________________________________________________________
Weight _________________________________________________________________
Describe its habitat and range. ______________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe its enemies. _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe any characteristics of its defense. ____________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Describe its most interesting feature. _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
List your resources. _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Draw a picture of the animal in its natural environment. Attach it to your report.
29
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Genre
We use the word genre when we refer to a type, or a kind of writing. Here are some things to
look for in different genres:
Fairy Tale: a folk story about real life problems, but involving imaginary characters and
magical events
Fantasy: a highly fanciful story about characters, places, and events that, while
sometimes believable, do not exist
Legend: a traditional, historical tale of a people, handed down first by word of mouth,
later in written form
Tall Tale: a story about impossible or exaggerated happenings related in a matter-of-fact
and often humorous way
Activities
Based on the definitions above, in what genre do you believe Stone Fox would fit?
__________________________________________________________________________
Why did you choose that? _____________________________________________________
Fill in each of the boxes of this story plot chart. (The first story is completed as an example.)
When you have finished, you will have identified the main points of Stone Fox. These points
create the problems and solutions in the story.
Who
Wanted
But
So
Three Billy
Goats Gruff
to cross the bridge
the troll wanted

to eat them
they tricked
the troll
Grandfather
Little Willy
Stone Fox
#567Literature Unit
30
Stone Fox
Spuds la Carte
Potatoes come in many forms and in many products.
Take a note pad and pencil with you and visit the aisles in
a grocery store. Record all the potato products you can
find (chips, soup, French fries, etc.) Staple your list to the
left edge of this page. How many potato products did you
find?
Interesting Information
The potato is solid, yet it is 80% water. The potato is not a root but a tuber that stores food
for the green leaves above ground. Its plant relatives are the tomato, pepper, eggplant,
petunia, and tobacco plants.
Potatoes are low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals. They store extra glucose as starch,
which gives us carbohydrates, essential nutrients for our bodies.
Russia produces the most potatoes, and China is the worlds second largest potato grower.
The average American eats 131.4 pounds (59.13 kg) of potatoes a year.
Name the different kinds of potatoes that you like to eat. Using the average amount of 131.4
pounds (59.13 kg), estimate how many pounds of each kind of potato you might eat per year.
(For example: If you eat mashed potatoes and French fried potatoes, and you eat mashed
just as often as French fried, you could estimate that you would eat 65.7 pounds, or 29.57 kg
of each kind.)
List: Kinds of potatoes I eat
Estimated lbs. (kg) per year
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
31
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Quiz Time
1. On the back of this paper, write a one-paragraph summary of the major events that
happened in chapters 9 and 10. Then complete the questions on the rest of this page.
2. Describe how Willy and Stone Fox each start off in the big race.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
3. What shortcut can Willy take in the race course that no one else dares to take?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. How many miles long is the race?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
From what point to what point is this in your daily travels?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. What does Willy notice when he races past his house?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
6. Searchlight notices something as they approach town that makes her give a last great
effort. What do you think that is?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
7. What happens to Searchlight as they approach the finish line?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
8. How does Stone Fox stop the race?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
9. What do little Willy and Stone Fox have in common that helps Stone Fox be sympathetic
toward Willy and Grandfather?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
10. On the back of this paper, write your own extension of this story, telling what you think
will happen in the following year and before the next years taxes are due.
#567Literature Unit
32
Stone Fox
Landmarks and Topography

The setting for Stone Fox has beautiful mountains, a lake, woods, houses, and town buildings.
Think of the course that little Willy and the other racers ran and the landmarks that were
along the way.
In cooperative learning groups, create a mural of the story setting on a large sheet of butcher
paper. Illustrate the mountains, lake, woods, houses, and town buildings that were mentioned
in the story.
Use your knowledge of the race mileage and the miles per inch for your mural to recreate the
race course. Be sure to include a key to your map to show miles (km) per inch. Use the
space below to plan your mural.
Working together, place the landmarks and the race course on the mural. Again, be sure to
include a key to your map.
33
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Thinking Clouds
Stone Fox and little Willy have many thoughts as they learn about each other, about
themselves and their values, and about life. Imagine that you are Stone Fox or little Willy.
What would you be thinking while the events were taking place? Discuss your ideas with a
literature group. Then write your predicted thoughts for Stone Fox and for little Willy inside
the clouds. Be sure to follow the ideas as listed:
What they learn about each other. . .
What they learn

about life. . .
What they learn about themselves. . .
#567Literature Unit
34
Stone Fox
Go, Searchlight, Go!

Searchlight is a very intelligent dog. Look through the story and list behaviors that show you
she is smart. Write them here.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Can Searchlight solve problems? Search the story for behaviors that show she can. Write
your ideas on the lines below.
The Problem
Searchlights Solution
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Extension:
Read and share a story with your class about a devoted, smart, or unusual dog.
Imagine that the dog you choose to read about dies. Write an obituary for the dog.
35
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Your Life. . . Your List

You can learn something about a character or a persons life if you read the lists they make
for themselves.
Imagine that you are Grandfather, little Willy, or Stone Fox. Using the story, make lists for
each character and one for yourself.
Grandfather
shopping in town
Little Willy
Stone Fox
shopping in town
You
shopping in town
shopping in town
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
things to do
things to do
things to do
things to do
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
wish list
wish list
wish list
wish list
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
What did you learn about each character? What did you learn about yourself? Write your
ideas on the back of this paper.
#567Literature Unit
36
After the Book
Stone Fox
Any Questions?
When you finished reading Stone Fox, did you have some questions that were left
unanswered? Write them here.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Work in groups or by yourself to prepare possible answers for the questions you asked above
or those printed below. When you finish, share your ideas with the class.
Do any of the other dogsled racers cross the line that Stone Fox draws in the snow?
What do the people who are watching the race do when Willy picks up Searchlight?
What does little Willy do after all of the commotion settles down?
How does little Willy tell Grandfather about the race?
What is Grandfathers reaction after he is told the news about the race and about
Searchlight?
Does Stone Fox help little Willy bury Searchlight?
How does Clifford Snyder act when he hears the news?
How do the children at school act when Willy comes to school?
Does Grandfathers state of mind and health improve?
Does Grandfather get to keep the potato farm?
Do you think Stone Fox will come to Jackson again?
What will have to happen in future years so little Willy and Grandfather can stay on the
farm?
Do you think Willy will get another dog?
Will little Willy go to college one day?
37
#567Literature Unit
After the Book
Stone Fox
Book Report Ideas

There are numerous ways to report on a book once you have read it. After you have finished
reading Stone Fox, choose one method of reporting on the book that interests you. It may be
a way your teacher suggests, an idea of your own, or one of the ways mentioned below.
Character Biography
Choose a character from Stone Fox. Using the text and your own imagination, write a short
biography for the character. Tell where the character was born, what happened in his or her
life, who influenced that life, and what will happen to the character in the future.
Adjective Scramble
Skim the entire story of Stone Fox. Choose adjectives that describe the characters, the
setting, or the events. Add more adjectives of your own that describe your thoughts and
feelings as you read the story. Now sort the adjectives in a way that makes sense to you.
(Example: adjectives that describe positive, negative, or neutral feelings)
News Report
Write a news article for the local paper in Jackson, Wyoming, telling of the National Dogsled
Race, the entrants, the events, and the winner. Remember to focus on who, what, where,
when, and why. This should be written in expository style, focusing on the facts.
Write a Poem
Feelings are often expressed in poetry form. Write a ballad about a character in Stone Fox or
a poem about the dogsled race. A ballad is a poem in verse, often put to music. A rap is a
poem with a strong beat, often told with a fast rhythm. You might want to try creating a rap
about the dogsled race.
Advice Column
Choose a character from Stone Fox. Write an advice column to that character. Think about
what questions or problems might be bothering that character and how you could best help
the character solve the problem.
TV Review
Think about the story of Stone Fox as a movie. Sometimes a movie based on a book
changes the scenery, characters, or some of the events. Would you keep this story the same,
or would you change parts of it? Write a critical review, explaining what you would keep or
change and why.
Daily Log
If Grandfather, little Willy, or Stone Fox kept diaries of their daily events and feelings, what
would they write? Choose one character and write a daily entry for two weeks before and
after the dogsled race.
#567Literature Unit
38
Stone Fox
Stars
You are a STAR because you have studied this book in depth. Your ideas are unique. Give
yourself a star and credit for what you have learned!
Complete the following statements with your own reactions to Stone Fox.
Before I read Stone Fox, I ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Some of the things I learned are_________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Because I have read and studied Stone Fox, I might want to learn more about ____________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
My favorite characters were_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
My favorite scene(s) were ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
My reactions to what happened at the end of the story were ___________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
I would recommend this book to others because ____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
39
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Share the Story Book Talk
Now that you have finished Stone Fox, tell three people you know all about
the story in a book talk style.
Who will you tell?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Here is the format to help you give a book talk. Do not tell the whole story all
over again. A book talk gives just enough information so other people will
want to read the story and discover what else happened.
Who? Who are the main characters in Stone Fox?

Where? Where does the story take place?
When? During what time of the year do the story events
occur? What part of the century is this?
What? What were some of the events in the story?
Often a good story has one big problem that must be solved. This big
problem is often the central plot of the story. On the lines below, tell the
central plot of the story in just one sentence. Use this idea for your book talk.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
You could end your book talk with the following sentence:
The biggest problem in this story is that _________________________,
and I hope youll read the story to find out how the problem is solved.
#567Literature Unit
40
Stone Fox
More Ideas
Design a three dimensional (3-D) model of a dogsled race
course. Use homemade clay, papier-mch, and glossy paper
to show hills, trees, lakes, and obstacles.
Create a map for a dogsled race, with details of miles to be

covered, checkpoints for stopping places or timing checks,
obstacles, viewing stands, and the finish line. Create a key to
the map, showing the distance scale and the icons you have
used.
Write a newspaper advertisement, encouraging people to enter

the dogsled race. Show a brief sketch of the race itinerary, the
application form to enter the race, and a listing of prizes to be
earned.
Design ribbons, medals, or certificates to give to the participants

in a dogsled race. Besides the grand prize, there may be other
awards for beauty, grace, generosity, helpfulness, stamina,
enthusiasm, etc. Be creative with the variety of awards that
might be possible with a dogsled race.
Using the pictures from the book Stone Fox for a model, create
a sled that would be suitable for dogsled racing. Use folded,
creased, curled, or pasted paper to create your dogsled.
41
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Quiet on the Set

Create a skit from one important scene in Stone Fox. For example, a scene might be when
the tax collector arrives at the farm. A scene has a definite beginning, middle, and an end,
like a little story taken out of a big story. In your skit show how your characters would develop
actions and what the characters might say to each other. Use the organizer below to help
you.
Create-a-scene Organizer
Event
Setting
Characters
Costumes
Scenery
Props
Checklist for extras, as needed:

Video Camera
Tape Recorder
Sound Effects
Lighting
#567Literature Unit
42
Unit Test: Option 1
Stone Fox
Unit Test
Matching: Write the letter next to the name it matches.
______ 1. Jackson
A. the mayors last name
______ 2. Williams
B. an apprentice potato farmer
______ 3. Clifford Snyder
C. a woman doctors last name
______ 4. Smith
D. a potato farmer
______ 5. Grandfather
E. a town near the Tetons
______ 6. Smiley
F. a woman teachers last name
______ 7. Stone Fox
G. a Shoshone tribe member
______ 8. Willy
H. the tax collector
True or False: Write true or false next to each statement below. On the back of this test
paper, explain why each false answer is false.
________ 1. Grandfather has no way to communicate when he is in bed.
________ 2. Doc Smith wants someone else to take care of Grandfather.
________ 3. Searchlight seems to understand people.
________ 4. Willy uses his college money to harvest the potatoes.
________ 5. Willy goes to school on the school bus.
________ 6. Grandfather knows about the past taxes being overdue.
________ 7. Only nine sleds enter the dogsled race.
________ 8. Everyone in town wants Willy to enter the race.
________ 9. Willy gets a black eye by bumping his head on something.
________ 10. Searchlight is always ahead of the Samoyeds as she runs.
Short Answers:
1. What kind of a relationship do Grandfather and Willy have? _______________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. What causes Grandfather to go to bed and not talk? _____________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
43
#567Literature Unit
Unit Test: Option 2
Stone Fox
Response
Explain what is happening and the meaning of each of these quotations from Stone Fox.
Chapter 1:
It happens when a person gives up. Gives up on life. For whatever reason.
Starts up here in the mind first; then it spreads to the body. Its a real sickness,
all right. And theres no cure except in the persons own mind.
Chapter 2:
And Searchlight seemed to know what was going on, for she would lick
Grandfathers hand every time he made a sign.
Chapter 3:
If your teacher dont knowyou ask me. If I dont knowyou ask the library. If
the library dont know then youve really got yourself a good question!
Chapter 4:
Grandfathers eyes were wide open and fixed on the ceiling. He looked much
older and much more tired than he had this morning.
Chapter 5:
Little Willy had the will. Now all he had to do was find the way.
Chapter 6:
You must be funning, boy. The mayor laughed twice and blotted his neck.
Chapter 7:
Little Willy backed over to the barn door, still holding his eye. Im sorry we both
cant win, he said.
Chapter 8:
Yes, sir, he remembered Grandfather saying. There are some things in this
world worth dying for.
Chapter 9:
Grandfather was better. Tears of joy rolled down little Willys smiling face.
Everything was going to be all right. And then Stone Fox made his move.
Chapter 10: With the heel of his moccasin Stone Fox drew a long line in the snow. Then he
walked back over to his sled and pulled out his rifle.
#567Literature Unit
44
Unit Test: Option 3
Stone Fox
Conversations
Work together to write and perform the conversation and actions that might have occurred in
each of the following situations.
Grandfather dressed as a scarecrow in the garden and Willy took a long time to catch
on. (2 people)
Little Willy and Searchlight discovered that Grandfather wouldnt get up in the morning.
(3 people)
Doc Smith visits and gives advice to little Willy and Searchlight. (3 people)
Grandfather and little Willy develop their signals for Grandfather to communicate.
(2 people)
Searchlight shows little Willy that she will help with the potato harvest. (2 people)
Clifford Snyder visits the farm and tells Grandfather, little Willy, and Searchlight what will
happen to the farm if they dont pay the taxes. (4 people)
Little Willy visits with Doc Smith and shares the news about the past due taxes. (2
people)
Little Willy visits with Mr. Foster at the bank about getting money for taxes. (2 people)
Little Willy visits Lester at the General Store, discovering the poster. (2 people)
Little Willy and Searchlight stop to visit the Samoyeds in the barn, and Stone Fox comes
in. (3 people)
Work in pairs to write spontaneous conversations by passing a shared piece of paper
between you and your partner. One of you take the role of either Willy or Stone Fox. The
other person initiates the conversation with comments such as the following:
Willy, I cant understand how you could manage to harvest all those potatoes alone.
(Pass the paper, and your partnerplaying the role of Willyanswers you, then passes
the paper back to you for your additional comments or questions.)
Stone Fox, I wonder why. . .
Willy, I thought something would happen when you. . .
Willy, I know the feeling of _____________ because. . .
Stone Fox, I think you should be proud because. . .
Willy, Im sorry about. . .
45
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Annotated Bibliography
Dogsled Racing
Flanders, Noel K. The Joy of Running Sled Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide. (Alpine Publications, 1989),
108 pages. This book gives advice on selecting, training, and caring for sled dogs and equipment.
Crisman, Ruth. Racing the Iditarod Trail. (Macmillan, 1993), 72 pages. This book highlights the
history and origins of the Iditarod.
ODell, Scott. Black Star, Bright Dawn. (Houghton Mifflin, 1988), 134 pages. Bright Dawn must face
the challenge of the Iditarod dogsled race alone when her father is injured.
Paulsen, Gary. Dogteam. (Delacorte, 1993), 32 pages. This picture book portrays the excitement, the
danger, and the beauty of a night run.
Paulsen, Gary. Woodsong. (Bradbury Press, 1990), 132 pages. For a rugged outdoor man and his
family, life in northern Minnesota is an adventure involving wolves, deer, and sled dogs. Paulsen
includes an account of the authors first Iditarod, a dogsled race across Alaska.
Seibert, Patricia. Mush!: Across Alaska in the Worlds Longest Sled-Dog Race. (Milbrook Press, 1992),
32 pages. Seibert describes the annual Iditarod dogsled race in Alaska and the sled dogs that compete
in it.
Stories About Dogs

Davidson, Margaret. Five True Dog Stories. (Scholastic, 1977), 46 pages. These are true stories about
five real dogs.
Lewis, J. Patrick. One Dog Day. (Macmillan, 1993), 64 pages. A pet collie is entered in a coon dog
contest.
Standiford, Natalie. The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto. (Random House [Step into
Reading], 1989), 48 pages. Balto, a sled dog, saved Nome, Alaska, in 1925 from a diphtheria epidemic
by delivering medicine through a raging snowstorm.
Wels, Bryon G. Animal Heroes: Stories of Courageous Family Pets and Animals of the Wild.
(Macmillan, 1979), 145 pages.
Stories About Courage and Determination

Arnosky, Jim. Gray Boy. (Lothrop, 1991), 82 pages. A young boy must cope with a tragic, terrible
truth about his beloved pet dog, Gray Boy, a last gift to him from his late father.
Cleary, Beverly. Strider. (Morrow, 1991), 179 pages. In a series of diary entries, Leigh tells how he
comes to terms with his parents divorce, acquires joint custody of an abandoned dog, and joins the
track team at school.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. Shiloh. (Atheneum, 1991), 144 pages. When he finds a lost beagle in the
hills behind his West Virginia home, Marty tries to hide it from his family and the dogs real owner, a
mean-spirited man known to shoot deer out of season and to mistreat his dogs.
Whelan, Gloria. Silver. (Random House [Stepping Stone], 1988), 58 pages. Even though her puppy is
the runt of the litter from her fathers prize sled-racing dog, ten-year-old Rachel plans to train him to
become a champion racer and determines to track him down when he mysteriously disappears.
#567Literature Unit
46
Stone Fox
Answer Key
Page 12
1. Accept appropriate responses.
2. Grandfather dresses up as the
scarecrow out in the garden.
3. Willy is late getting up in the morning,
and Grandfather had warned him that if
he was late for breakfast, he would
have to eat with the chickens.
4. He tells her that Grandfather has gone
to bed without playing the harmonica.
5. He is very sad when he hears Willy talk
about the enjoyable things they did
together.
6. She says that Grandfather does not
want to live anymore.
7. Grandfather gives hand and finger
signals for yes, no, hunger, and water.
8. Searchlight wears a harness and pulls
the plow to dig up the plants. Then
Willy picks up the potatoes.
9. Searchlight is a very smart dog who
can understand how to help Willy and
Grandfather.
10. Accept appropriate responses about
Grandfathers sickness and who should
take care of him.
Page 17
1. Accept any appropriate responses.
2. If your teacher dont knowyou ask
me. If I dont knowyou ask the
library. If the library dont knowthen
youve really got yourself a good
question!
3. He chops wood and buys enough food
for winter.
4. He has saved money for Willys college
education.
5. When the church clock strikes 6:00,
Searchlight and Willy run from town to
home as fast as they can.
6. The tax collector, Clifford Snyder, is
7.
8.
9.
10.
waiting.
Grandfather doesnt move his hand or even his
fingers.
The description should include something
about Clifford Snyder being mean, a bully,
demanding, or arrogant.
If Grandfather doesnt pay the $500 in back
taxes, the state will take the farm.
Accept any appropriate response regarding
Willys predicament.
Page 20
1. Sled 134.3, Sled 238.3, Sled 335.3,
Sled 434.3
2. Sled 2
3. 34.3
4. 2
5. 333 minutes (Add the times in day 1; divide by
4 to get the average time for 5 miles. Multiply
by 9 to get the average time for 45 miles).
Extension: (1) 37, 37.5, 32.25 (2) 30
Page 22
1. Accept any appropriate response.
2. When you want to do something badly
enough, you should try to figure out a way to
do it.
3. He thinks the money from selling the farm will
pay the taxes and then the state will not take it.
4. Willy sees a poster advertising the National
Dogsled Race with prize money of $500.
6. He uses his college savings from the bank.
7. He sees a very large man with five beautiful
white Samoyeds.
8. He is angry because of the way his tribe has
been treated.
9. He wants to earn enough money from his
racing so he can buy back land for his
Shoshone tribe.
47
#567Literature Unit
Stone Fox
Answer Key
9. The race begins at 10:00 when the mayor
fires his pistol.
10. Accept any appropriate response that is
written in a news broadcast style of
writing.
Page 25
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
underground
need a mound of dirt around each plant
a special piece of another potato
in almost all the countries of the world
Answers will vary. The teacher may want
to give each student a piece of raw potato
to try.
6. 30
Page 32
2. Willy and Searchlight start with a lurch, far
ahead of the others. Stone Fox starts off
slowly and is last.
3. Willy and Searchlight run across the frozen
lake instead of following a turn around it.
4. It is ten miles. Answers will vary.
5. He sees Grandfather sitting up in bed and
looking out of the window.
6. It is a building that looks like
Grandfathers farmhouse.
7. She tries to run as fast as she can, and she
dies of heart failure.
8. Stone Fox draws a line across the snow
with his boot, takes his rifle out of his sled,
and fires a shot in the air to stop the other
racers.
9. They both have the feeling of losing their
land to the government.
Page 26
1. Questions will vary.
2. A. He did not have a crop that was large
enough or good enough or the price for
potatoes was very low.
B. It is state law that a farm, land, or a
house can be sold to pay for the back taxes
that are owed.
C. He would sell it at an auction and pay
the taxes
3. A. $550; $50 to put back into savings and
$500 to pay taxes
B. $50.00
C. 13 years
D. 5%
Page 27
2. He goes to get some medicine for
Grandfather.
3. Stone Fox learns that Willy needs to win
the race money to save his Grandfathers
land, and he learns how determined Willy
is.
4. Willys eye is hurting him, and when he is
restless, Searchlight is restless, too.
5. Willy thinks about the beautiful country
that he lives in and how Grandfather loves
it.
6. There are people all over town, ready to
watch the race.
#567Literature Unit
Page 43
Matching
1. E
2. F
3. H
4. C
5. D
6. A
7. G
8. B
48
True or False
1. F
2. T
3. T
4. F
5. F
6. T
7. T
8. F
9. F
10. F

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Sample Lesson Plan

Learn about growing potatoes. (page 25)

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Before the Book

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About the Author

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Vocabulary Activity Ideas

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Chapters 5 and 6 (cont.)

What words would you use to describe Stone Fox?

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Activity 1Getting to Know Wyoming

Activity 2Map Skills

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Creative Starts with Art

Create a Group Collage

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On Your Mark . . . Get Set . . .

Interpret the Data

1. What is each teams average time?___________________________________________

Create a Bar Graph

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Get out of bed and make a fire.

Fix oatmeal mush.

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Lets Enter the Race

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4. Potatoes are grown

(a) only in the United States and

5. A piece of potato tastes

3. New potato plants come from

6. How many kinds of potatoes would

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Puppets and Pantomime

walking a tightrope or beam

calling someone on the telephone

testing some very hot water