You think you can stump the tooth fairy?

THINK AGAIN!

As a child, Ms. Sheri was always moving, because her dad was a veterinarian in the U.S. Army. (That made Ms. Sheri a "military brat," a term she did NOT appreciate as she considered herself a very polite child!)

Still, all that moving from state to state, including Texas, Oklahoma, Utah, New Mexico, and Hawaii, gave Ms.
Sheri the chance to prove one thing:

THERE IS NO PLACE THE TOOTH FAIRY CANNOT FIND YOU!

But Ms. Sheri also learned that the tooth fairy has her limits.

When Ms. Sheri had her wisdom teeth pulled at age 20, she promptly put them under her pillow. Imagine her dismay when the tooth fairy REFUSED to take them!

Note: the following suggested presentations can be adapted to fit into classroom curriculum. Teachers may choose to include a craft activity, based on time constraints and classroom budget.

Click Here for Teacher's Guide

All About the Tooth Fairy

*A reading of You Think it's Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?

You think it's easy being the tooth fairy? Think again—of stormy nights, dangerous pets, pearly whites hidden in pajama pockets or wrapped in dirty tissues, to say nothing of all those thousands of teeth falling out all over the world every single day. The tooth fairy's nights are long and hard. But she's up for it. She never misses a tooth. How does she do it? For the first time ever, she reveals everything right here!

Basic suggested activity component:
Preschool (4 years old and up): Singing of "toothy" songs and sharing of toothy knock-knock jokes, Group game activity ("Tooth Fill" game*), Taking the Tooth Fairy's Do/Don't Pledge; Independent worksheet activity (coloring of Tooth Fairy picture)

*"Tooth Fill" game involves children covering a tooth-covered board with miniature marshmallows, based on their rolls of dice. Best used in small groups of 2-4 children. Reinforces counting, patience, good sportsmanship.


*Add on: All About Teeth

A discussion of healthy tooth/gum care, hands-on demonstration.

Unlike some animals, humans grow only two sets of teeth. The first set appears when we're babies, the second forms when we're five to 12 years old. These 32 "adult" teeth will last us a lifetime—if we keep them in good shape with daily brushings and flossings. Discussion of foods that are good for our teeth, those that are really bad—and how cavities form. Can also include an "experiment" that demonstrates the destructive effects of plaque.

*Add on: The ABCs of Creating a Picture Book

Understanding the picture book process. Appropriate for older elementary school grades as well as middle school and high school students.

How does a picture book get published, anyway? Students will learn how Ms. Sheri came up with the idea for her tooth fairy book, and how she interacted with her editor, publisher, and illustrator. Ms. Sheri will discuss the basics of picture books (formatting, page counts, importance of language, illustratable action on every page, etc.), before walking students through the development of their own picture books in class. This option best with at least two half days (one a delayed follow up visit) so that students have time to develop and storyboard their books before having them critiqued by Ms. Sheri during a group exercise. Ms. Sheri can also be available for virtual visits/online chats during this process.

REMINDER! When's the best time to schedule author visits about the tooth fairy? Throughout the school year, of course! But keep in mind that February is National Children's Dental Health Month! And February 28 is National Tooth Fairy Day!