May 18, 2001

Dear Room 34 Student,

You have traveled with your family to California. And guess where you are staying? That’s right—room 215 of the Mountain View Inn! You and Ralph have become very good friends, and since he is now a mouse of great responsibility, he has asked if he can move out with you to see the world. After vacationing with you, Ralph will be living in your home. But, also being a very independent and proud mouse, Ralph will need his own home within your home. A cage would never do! So you will get to build a new house for Ralph, using materials you find at home. Get building!

You will also need to persuade Ralph to move in with you. You will need to write a letter to Ralph, letting him know why your house would be a great place for him to live. Why will he like your bedroom? Why will he like the house you have built for him? Why will he like your family? What makes Rockford a good place for him to live? You will share your letter with your classmates when you share Ralph’s new house.

Your project is due Tuesday, May 29, but you may bring both your house and your letter to school as soon as they are done. I can hardly wait to see what you create!

Love,

Mrs. Davis (and Ralph)

Homework: A New House for Ralph

Due: Tuesday, May 29

We have finished reading Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle together, and guess what? Ralph has decided to move to Rockford with your child!

Your child’s homework is to build a house for Ralph, using any materials readily available in your home. The finished house should be no smaller than 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches tall and no larger than 22 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall. The house may or may not include a garage for the motorcycle. It may or may not be furnished. It should provide shelter and protection from predators for this very private mouse. While your child can receive help from you, he or she should be the primary builder. Finished houses can be brought in at any time, but will be due by Tuesday, May 29.

Your child also needs to write a letter to persuade Ralph to move to Rockford with him/her. Why will Ralph like living in your child’s bedroom? Why will Ralph like your family? Why is Rockford a good place for a young mouse to live? Your child will orally present this writing to the class. This is also due on or before Tuesday, May 29.

Happy building and persuading!

Darlene Davis