|
For U.S. schools, the most widely recognized observance is National Bullying Prevention Month, which is held every October. Schools across the country use the month for assemblies, classroom lessons, awareness campaigns, and kindness initiatives. [pacer.org], [centerfors...chools.org]
Key dates during the month include:
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) centers its anti-bullying efforts around the Week of Respect, a statewide observance required under New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act. The Week of Respect begins on the first Monday in October each year and requires public school districts to provide age-appropriate instruction focused on preventing harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB). [nj.gov], [njsba.org] Key NJDOE Bullying Prevention Activities 1. Week of Respect
2. National Bullying Prevention Month Alignment New Jersey's Week of Respect coincides with National Bullying Prevention Month, allowing schools to participate in both state and national awareness efforts. [nj.gov], [schoolhealthnj.org] 3. School Climate Improvement Programs NJDOE promotes:
4. Professional Development Webinars NJDOE has offered webinars for educators on topics such as:
Activities Commonly Used by NJ Schools Schools frequently celebrate Week of Respect through:
Why partner with Skel Club Skel Club code of behavior has a focus on kindness, inclusion, friendship, and SEL, our books would align exceptionally well with:
A Skel Club Week of Respect Toolkit with lesson plans, coloring pages, discussion guides, and a kindness pledge could be a strong resource for New Jersey schools during October. [nj.gov], [njsba.org] |
Print your own SkelClub.com Code of Behavior Bookmarkers
|
|
Welcome Educators, Librarians, and School Leaders!
Bringing Social-Emotional Learning, Character Development, and Joyful Reading Together Today's students need more than strong academic skills. They also need opportunities to develop empathy, kindness, resilience, teamwork, responsible decision-making, and leadership. These are the life skills that help children succeed both inside and outside the classroom. The Skel Club™ Series was created with these goals in mind. Through engaging stories, memorable characters, colorful adventures, and age-appropriate lessons, Skel and the Skeleton Crew help children explore important topics such as:
✅ Self-Awareness ✅ Self-Management ✅ Social Awareness ✅ Relationship Skills ✅ Responsible Decision-Making Why Teachers Love the Skel Club Series Unlike many children's books that simply entertain, every Skel Club adventure includes opportunities for:
Why Students Love the Skel Club Series Kids quickly connect with:
Perfect for:
More Than Books. A Complete Teaching Resource. The Skel Club Teacher Lesson Plans provide:
The Skel Club Mission At Skel Club, we believe every child has the potential to become a leader. Not just a leader in a classroom, but a leader in kindness, teamwork, empathy, responsibility, and positive citizenship. Our goal is simple: help children Learn. Grow. Lead. One story at a time. A Special Opportunity Schools and educators who incorporate the Skel Club series into their classrooms are not only helping their students develop important life skills, they are also supporting our mission to share books with children who may need them most through school and children's hospital partnerships. Join Skel and the Skeleton Crew on a journey of friendship, learning, leadership, and character development. Because the best stories don't just teach children how to read. They help teach children how to live. 🦴📚🍎 Explore the complete Skel Club Teacher Lesson Plan Series and classroom resources at: Skel Club Teacher Lesson Plans |
|
SEL stands for Social-Emotional Learning
but in the SkelClub we say it stands for Skel's Educational Leadership 🧠 What SEL Means (Simple Explanation) SEL is how students learn to:
📘 Full Definition (Professional / Educator Language) SEL is: The process through which students learn skills to manage emotions, build relationships, show empathy, and make responsible decisions. [casel.org] ✅ The 5 Core SEL Skills These are the nationally recognized competencies
🎯 Why SEL Matters (Especially for Your Skel Series) Schools use SEL because it helps students:
SEL teaches skills like:
👉 Every Skel book already aligns with SEL:
✅ That means you're not just selling books we are selling values 👉 You're offering a validated educational framework schools are actively prioritizing SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) helps students build the skills they need to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions—skills essential for success in school and life. |
|
The Skel Club Series Teacher Lesson Plan Guide (Books 1–8) Using Storytelling to Teach Positive Life Lessons Recommended Grade Levels
Time Frame
Skel Club Core Learning Goals (Across All Books) Students will:
|
| |||||||
| book_1_lesson.docx | |
| File Size: | 216 kb |
| File Type: | docx |
|
BOOK 1 LESSON
Skel’s Holiday Adventure Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question Why is it important that everyone feels included? Before Reading (5–7 min) Ask:
During Reading Students:
Discussion Questions
Activity My Favorite Holiday Drawing Students draw themselves celebrating a holiday and share differences. Skel Club Focus ✅ Inclusion ✅ Respect ✅ Positivity |
|
| ||||||||||||
|
BOOK 2 LESSON
Skel’s Valentine Heart Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question What does love really mean? Before Reading
During Reading Focus on:
Discussion Questions
Activity My Love List Students list or draw people/pets they care about. Skel Club Focus ✅ Kindness ✅ Empathy ✅ Encouragement |
|
| ||||||||||||
|
BOOK 3 LESSON
Skel’s Big Green Adventure Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question How do healthy choices help our bodies and minds? Before Reading
During Reading Highlight:
Discussion Questions
Activity Healthy Plate Match Sort healthy vs. “sometimes” foods or draw a meal. Skel Club Focus ✅ Health & nutrition ✅ Growth mindset ✅ Learning through fun |
|
| ||||||||||||
|
BOOK 4 LESSON
Skel’s Easter Egg Hunt Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question Is winning more important than helping each other? Before Reading
During Reading Observe:
Discussion Questions
Activity Team Challenge Small group color eggs. Skel Club Focus ✅ Teamwork ✅ Support ✅ Fair play |
|
| ||||||||||||
|
Book 5 Lesson Plan Skel’s Summer Garden Primary Life Lessons
Essential Question How does nature help us—and how can we help others? Before Reading (5–7 min) Ask:
During Reading Encourage students to:
Discussion Questions
Activity Options 1. Garden to Table Drawing Students draw:
2. Pollinator Match Game Match:
3. Giving Garden Project (Class Activity)
Skel Club Focus ✅ Environmental awareness ✅ Healthy habits ✅ Curiosity & discovery ✅ Giving & kindness ✅ Community impact CULMINATING ACTIVITY Be a Skel Club Member! Create a Skel Club Promise Poster Students agree to:
ASSESSMENT (Teacher-Friendly)
EXTENSIONS
WHY THIS WORKS ✔ Aligned with SEL best practices ✔ Literacy + life skills integration ✔ Engaging and non-preachy ✔ Flexible for educators ✔ Reinforces Skel Club values Teacher Lesson Plan Guide (Books 1–6) Using Storytelling to Teach Positive Life Lessons Recommended Grade Levels
Time Frame
Skel Club Core Learning Goals (Across All Books) Students will:
|
| |||||||
| book_6_lesson_plan.docx | |
| File Size: | 42 kb |
| File Type: | docx |
|
Skel Club™ Teacher Lesson Plan
Book 6 Skel’s American Celebration 🧑🏫 Lesson Plan: Teaching SkeL’s American Celebration 📘 Lesson Title “Freedom, Equality, and Working Together” ⏱ Duration
Students will:
📖 Materials
🪜 Lesson Structure🔹 1. Warm-Up (10 min) Discussion Questions:
🔹 2. Read-Aloud (15–20 min)
🔹 3. Guided Discussion (10–15 min)Focus Themes: 1. Equality
2. Teamwork
3. Diversity
🔹 4. Activity Options (Choose 1–2) 🎨 Activity A: Draw Freedom Students draw:
✏️ Activity B: Match the Heroes Use the book’s matching activity to connect:
🎭 Activity C: Mini Play Students act out:
🔹 5. Reflection (5–10 min) Exit Ticket: Complete one sentence:
🧠 DifferentiationFor Younger Learners (K–1)
|
|
| ||||||||||||
|
Skel Club™ Teacher Lesson Plan
Book # 7 - Skel Swings for the Fences 📘 Lesson Title: “Teamwork, Inclusion, and Good Sportsmanship” ⏱ Duration: 1–2 class periods (45 minutes each) 🎯 Learning Objectives Students will:
📖 Materials
🪜 Lesson Structure🔹 1. Warm-Up (10 min) Discussion Questions:
👉 Create a class word web: TEAMWORK = ? Possible responses:
🔹 2. Read-Aloud (15–20 min) Read Skel Swings for the Fences aloud. As you read, pause to discuss key moments:
And the team celebrating together. 🔹 3. Guided Discussion (10–15 min) 1. Inclusion "We need more than the Skeleton Crew for this sport. I have invited everyone, whether tall or short." 👉 Ask:
2. Teamwork Every character played a role on the team. Players covered different positions and helped one another succeed. 👉 Ask:
3. Perseverance The game lasted many innings, and both teams kept trying their best. [Skel Book...proof (1) | PDF] 👉 Ask:
4. Sportsmanship Even though one team lost, everyone shook hands and said, “Good game.” 👉 Ask:
🔹 4. Activity Options (Choose 1–2) ⚾ Activity A: Build a Baseball Team Students draw a baseball field and place players at different positions. Discuss:
🎨 Activity B: Design Your Team Jersey Students create their own baseball team logo and jersey. Include:
📝 Activity C: Good Sportsmanship Poster Students create posters showing:
🎭 Activity D: Act It Out Small groups reenact scenes:
Home run scene: 🔹 5. Reflection (5–10 min) Exit Ticket Complete one sentence:
🧠 Vocabulary Words
📚 Cross-Curricular Connections Language Arts Write: "My Favorite Team Sport and Why I Like It." Math Count:
Health & Physical EducationPractice:
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)Focus on:
👨👩👧 Family Connection Ask students to interview a family member:
✅ Assessment Students can demonstrate learning by:
⭐ Key Lesson from Book 7 Everyone has a place on the team. Success comes from teamwork, inclusion, effort, and treating others with respect. Winning is fun, but friendship and good sportsmanship are even more important. Based on the story's themes of teamwork, participation, and ending the game with mutual respect and celebration. |
|
Skel Club™ Teacher Lesson Plan
Book 8: Skel Goes to School Theme: Bullying Prevention, Courage, Kindness, Friendship, and Speaking Up This story follows Skel and the Skeleton Crew during the school year when Skelmer becomes the target of bullying by Dirk the Dingo. Through the support of friends, a caring teacher, and Officer Chris, students learn the importance of reporting bullying, helping others, and treating everyone with kindness and respect. SEL Focus CASEL Competencies ✅ Self-Awareness
Skel Club Code of Behavior Connection The story reinforces several Skel Club values: ✅ Kindness & Respect ✅ Teamwork & Support ✅ Positivity & Encouragement ✅ Inclusion & Diversity ✅ Fun & Growth These values help create safe and welcoming schools. Learning ObjectivesStudents will:
Vocabulary Word Definition Bullying Repeatedly hurting, teasing, or scaring someone Respect Treating others kindly Courage Being brave even when something is difficult Empathy Understanding how another person feels Friendship Caring for and supporting others Trust Knowing someone is safe and helpful Inclusion Making everyone feel welcome Apology Saying sorry and trying to make things right Before Reading Discussion Ask students:
During Reading Discussion When reading the story, pause and discuss key moments. School and Learning Skel and his friends return to school excited to learn. Questions:
Bullying Begins Dirk takes Skelmer's glasses and calls him names. Questions:
Friendship and Support Skel notices something is wrong and wants to help his friend. Skel even brings Skelmer a new pair of glasses. Questions:
Learning About Bullying Officer Chris visits the classroom and teaches students about bullying. Questions:
Speaking Up Officer Chris explains that students should tell a trusted adult if someone is being bullied. Questions:
After Reading DiscussionComprehension Questions
Critical Thinking
Classroom Activity #1 Trusted Adult Handprint Students trace their hand. On each finger write the name of a trusted adult:
Classroom Activity #2 Kindness ChainEach student writes one kind act on a paper strip. Examples:
Classroom Activity #3 Bullying or Conflict? Teacher reads age-appropriate scenarios. Students decide: ✅ Conflict ✅ Bullying Discuss the difference between occasional disagreements and repeated harmful behavior. Writing Activity Grades K-2 Complete the sentence: "I can be a good friend by ____________." Grades 3-4 Write a paragraph: "If I saw someone being bullied, I would..." Art Activity Create a Friendship Poster Students design a poster showing:
Role-Play Activity Students practice: Scenario 1 A classmate is sitting alone. Scenario 2 Someone is being teased. Scenario 3 A friend feels sad. Students discuss how they can respond respectfully and safely. Family Connection Ask students to talk with a family member about:
Character Education Connection Respect Treat others the way you want to be treated. Courage Speaking up when something is wrong takes bravery. Compassion Understanding that people may sometimes be struggling while still holding them accountable for their actions. Responsibility Finding a trusted adult when help is needed. Teacher Reflection Essential Question How can we help make school a safe and welcoming place for everyone? Big Idea Bullying hurts others, but kindness, courage, friendship, and trusted adults can make a difference. Skel's Educational Leadership (SEL) Students learn that true leaders:
The story demonstrates that problems can be solved through communication, support, accountability, and compassion, while reinforcing the Skel Club mission of teaching positive life lessons that children can carry throughout their lives. |
| |||||||
|
Skel Club Teacher Lesson Plan
Lily and Emma's Birthday Surprise A Skel Club Crossover Adventure Recommended Ages Pre-K through Grade 2 Reading Level Beginning Reader / Read-Aloud SEL Competencies
Story Summary In this magical crossover story, Lily and Emma discover a mysterious music box that opens a doorway between their world and the world of Skel and the Skeleton Crew. Together they celebrate birthdays, family memories, friendship, and the joy of being sisters. Through magic, imagination, and kindness, the characters learn that some of life's greatest gifts are the people we love and the memories we create together. Learning Objectives Students will:
Before Reading Discussion Questions
Vocabulary Words Word Definition Surprise Something unexpected Memory Something remembered from the past Celebrate To do something special for an important event Birthday The anniversary of someone's birth Magical Having special powers or wonder Adventure An exciting experience Sister A female sibling Friendship Caring about and helping others During Reading Questions Pages 1–4
Pages 5–8
Pages 9–15
Pages 16–23
Comprehension Questions Recall
Thinking Deeper
SEL Classroom Activity "My Favorite Family Memory"Materials:
Instructions: Students draw a picture of a favorite family memory. After drawing, students complete the sentence: "One memory that makes me smile is __________." Discussion:
Writing Activity Birthday Wish Letter Students write a short letter beginning with: Dear Skel, "If you came to my birthday party, I would like us to..." Encourage creativity and imagination. Art Activity Create a Birthday Cake Students design a birthday cake for:
Math Connection Using the story:
Character Education Focus Being a Good Sibling Ask students:
Create a class list titled: "Ways We Show Family Love." Creative Drama Activity Students act out:
Skel Club Values Connection Kindness & Respect Skel and Skelily celebrate Lily and Emma's special day with kindness. Teamwork & Support Lily and Emma work together and share experiences throughout the story. Positivity & Encouragement Every interaction focuses on friendship, celebration, and joy. Fun & Growth The story reminds children that growing older is something to celebrate. Discussion for Parents and Caregivers After reading, ask:
Extension Activity Create Your Own Magical Memory Book Students create a mini-book with pages titled:
Teacher Takeaway Lily and Emma's Birthday Surprise combines the warmth of the Lily stories with the positive messages of the Skel Club universe. Through birthdays, memories, family love, and imagination, students learn that the greatest gifts are often the relationships they share with others. The story provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce social-emotional learning, gratitude, family connections, and positive character development. Skel Club Theme: "The best adventures are the ones we share together." |
|
Professional, fully structured Educator Guide you can use for:
📘 The Adventures of Skel Series Educator Guide & Instructional Resource (Grades K–4) By John R. Fugazzie & Matthew Fugazzie ✅ Overview of the Series The Adventures of Skel series uses engaging storytelling, humor, and memorable characters to introduce young learners to essential life concepts, including:
🎯 Instructional Goals By using the Skel series, students will:
🧠 Standards Alignment (High-Level) ✅ ELA – Common Core (K–4)
✅ Cross-Curricular Alignment
🧩 Lesson Plan Framework (Teacher-Ready Template) ✅ Lesson Structure (30–45 minutes) 1. Objective
📖 Book-Specific Lesson Ideas 🎃 Skel’s Holiday AdventureFocus: Inclusion & Cultural Awareness Activity:
🍀 Skel’s Big Green AdventureFocus: Healthy Choices Activity:
🥚 Skel’s Easter Egg Hunt Focus: Teamwork Activity:
🇺🇸 Skel’s American Celebration Focus: Civics & History Activity:
🌸 Skel’s Summer Garden Focus: Science & Nature Activity:
🧠 SEL Competencies Reinforced Across the Series
🏫 Classroom & Program Use Cases ✅ Schools
✅ Children’s Hospitals
✅ Community Programs
📊 Assessment Ideas ✅ Informal
💡 Differentiation Strategies
⭐ Series Value Proposition The Adventures of Skel series provides educators with a flexible, engaging, and values-driven instructional resource that supports literacy, social-emotional learning, and cross-curricular integration—making it ideal for classrooms, libraries, and children’s wellness environments. |
|
1. Kindness and Respect — ✔️ Present
Book One includes themes of caring, understanding, and empathy even though they are not always explicit. Examples from the story:
2. Inclusion and Diversity — ✔️ Strongly Present This is one of the book’s core messages. Key example:
3. Fun and Growth — ✔️ Very Present The entire book is built around fun, adventure, creativity, and learning. Examples:
4. Teamwork and Support — ✔️ Present The Skeleton Crew comes together to help Skel fulfill his dream. Examples:
5. Positivity and Encouragement — ✔️ Present The book promotes optimism and confidence through adventure. Examples:
⭐ Summary Table for Book One Kindness & Respect✔️Skel’s inclusive, caring intention behind joining holidays Inclusion & Diversity✔️ Strongly Explicit message: “no matter how different we look…” Fun & Growth✔️Exploring holidays, learning, creativity Teamwork & Support✔️Skeleton Crew works together on holiday tasks Positivity & Encouragement✔️Dream‑chasing, uplifting tone, supportive narrative |
|
1. Kindness and Respect — Very Strongly Present
Book 2 is built around Valentine’s Day and the meaning of love, caring, and treating others kindly. Examples from the story:
2. Inclusion and Diversity — Clearly Present The story demonstrates welcoming new friends and expanding the group to include others. Examples:
3. Fun and Growth — Very Present The book is full of adventure, curiosity, and exploration. Examples:
4. Teamwork and Support — Core Element of the Story The Skeleton Crew does everything together, supporting one another throughout the adventure. Examples:
5. Positivity and Encouragement — Strongly Present Characters consistently uplift and encourage one another. Examples:
Book 2 is about love, friendship, and connection. |
|
1. Kindness and Respect — Strongly Present
Throughout the story, Skelily and Skeljes speak kindly to Skel, guide him gently, and show empathy as he learns about healthy eating and new traditions. Examples from the book:
2. Inclusion and Diversity — Very Present The book celebrates differing cultural traditions (Irish heritage, St. Patrick’s Day, shared foods) and welcomes new characters from different backgrounds. Examples:
3. Fun and Growth — Central to the Story This book is full of learning moments wrapped in fun: trying new foods, dancing after tasting fruit, playing with Skelleo, visiting a juice bar, celebrating a holiday. Examples:
4. Teamwork and Support — Clearly Present Characters help and support each other throughout the adventure. Examples:
5. Positivity and Encouragement — Strong PresenceNearly every lesson is delivered with encouragement and positive reinforcement. Examples:
6. Health and Nutrition — The Primary Theme of Book 3 This is the most emphasized Code of Behavior in the entire story. Examples:
✨ Or an activity page that reinforces these values. |
|
Skel Book 4 – Skel Club Goals Coverage ReviewBook Focus: Easter Egg Hunt, teamwork, inclusion, learning through play
✅ 1. Teamwork – “Support one another so everyone can succeed.”STATUS: STRONGLY COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
“Forget about the bet—this idea is much better. From now on, you can all work together!” ✅ This is one of the clearest teamwork lessons in the entire Skel series. ✅ 2. Inclusion – “Everyone matters and belongs.”STATUS: FULLY COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
“Each basket had eggs that were pink, green, and red. It didn’t matter who came out ahead.” ✅ The story clearly reinforces belonging, fairness, and shared celebration. ✅ 3. helping Others – “We do better when we help, not compete.”STATUS: VERY STRONGLY COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
✅ 4. Learning Through Fun – “You should have fun while learning new things.”STATUS: EXCELLENTLY COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
✅ This goal is baked into both the structure and pacing of the book. ✅ 5. Creativity – “Use your imagination and strengths.” STATUS: COVERED How the book demonstrates this goal:
✅ 6. Fair Play & Emotional Awareness STATUS: COVERED (Implicitly) How the book demonstrates this goal:
✅ Skel Club Goals Summary MatrixSkel Club GoalCovered in Book 4?Strength Teamwork✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Inclusion✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐½ helping Others✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Learning Through Fun✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Creativity✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fair Play / Empathy✅ Yes⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📌 Overall Assessment Skel Book 4 is an excellent embodiment of Skel Club’s core goals, especially:
|
Print your own SkelClub.com Code of Behavior Bookmarkers Skel loves Halloween, but now he wants to celebrate every holiday ! Skel is a happy skeleton who can’t wait to celebrate Halloween each year. But he dreams of getting to take part in the festivities for every holiday. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July—there’s so much fun to be had! Skel has a plan for the Skeleton Crew to join in on the celebrations together. Skel and the Skeleton Crew enjoy spreading messages of positivity and good values. Children can laugh and read along with their adventures while learning important messages for growing up. Bring home Skel’s Holiday Adventure and let your kids get a jump start on reaching for the stars! This book is ideal for young kids between ages 4 and 8. It will draw them in with the fun characters and teach them about friendship, kindness, respect, inclusiveness, and positivity. Skel's Holiday Adventure makes the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions. |
|
Lily's Big Sister Surprise Paperback
Large Print, July 7, 2025 by John R. Fugazzie (Author), Matthew Fugazzie (Contributor) A Big Surprise Brings Even Bigger Joy! Lily is a young girl whose life is already full of love and adventure. But one sunny morning, everything changes with Mommy and Daddy’s special announcement: Lily is going to be a big sister! Follow Lily as she prepares for her important new role. With help from her loving family, Lily discovers that being a big sister isn’t just about sharing toys—it’s about sharing your heart. A tender, charming story about the joy that a new sibling can bring. It’s perfect for growing families ready to celebrate a new arrival! Buy on Amazon amzn.to/4lhheGr |
|
Lily And Emma's Birthday Surprise
by Matthew Fugazzie (Author), John R. Fugazzie (Author) Format: Paperback See all formats and editions Lily and Emma are about to have a big surprise... While Lily and Emma played together, something magical happened: Skel and Skelily came out of their book to celebrate two very special girls. Join Lily, Emma, Skel, and Skelily as they have a surprise birthday adventure. There is no better gift than having a wonderful sister! Buy on Amazon now |