Out of My Heart Novel Study – FREE Day 1 Sample

Bring Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Heart into your classroom with this FREE Day 1 novel study sample! Designed to support engaging ELA instruction, this resource gives teachers and homeschool families a preview of ready-to-use activities that build reading comprehension, vocabulary, close reading, and critical-thinking skills.

In Out of My Heart, Melody Brooks is ready for new adventures. After years of facing challenges related to her cerebral palsy, Melody attends a summer camp designed for kids with disabilities, where she has opportunities to make friends, try new activities, and discover more about herself. This inspiring story explores independence, friendship, inclusion, perseverance, and the importance of seeing people for who they truly are.

You can purchase the complete novel study HERE.

What's Included in This FREE Novel Study Sample?

This free Day 1 sample lets you preview the format and types of activities included in the novel study.

• Day 1 Teacher Lesson Plans – Clear, organized plans to help you guide students through the first day of the novel study.
• Day 1 Student Activities – Engaging activities that encourage students to think critically about the text.
• Reading Comprehension Practice – Questions that help students demonstrate understanding and support their answers with text evidence.
• Vocabulary Practice – Activities to strengthen vocabulary skills and understanding of words in context.
• Day 1 Google File – Includes a digital version of the Day 1 sample for Google-compatible classroom use.
• Ready-to-Use, No-Prep Materials – Practical resources that make lesson preparation easier.

This free sample gives you a preview of the novel study’s format and activities before you explore the complete unit.

Explore the Complete Out of My Heart Novel Study

The complete Out of My Heart novel study provides structured activities to help students follow Melody’s journey, analyze characters, and explore the story’s meaningful themes.

Activities may include:

• Reading comprehension questions and text-based responses
• Vocabulary development and word analysis
• Character analysis and making inferences
• Close reading and critical-thinking activities
• Written responses and literary analysis
• Exploration of friendship, independence, inclusion, and perseverance
• Discussion of disability awareness, accessibility, and belonging

See the complete product’s table of contents for a detailed list of included resources and activities.

Who Is This Free Sample For?

This FREE Day 1 sample is designed for teachers and homeschool families working with upper-elementary and middle-grade readers.

It’s a useful starting point for:

• Whole-class novel studies
• Small-group instruction and literature circles
• Homeschool literature and language arts lessons
• Reading comprehension and vocabulary practice
• Discussions about disability awareness, inclusion, and friendship
• Building critical-thinking and written-response skills

Download Your FREE Day 1 Sample

Preview the Out of My Heart novel study and discover a practical way to help students engage with a story about friendship, independence, and finding a place to belong.

Please note: This download includes the free Day 1 sample only, not the complete novel study.

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