One of my favorite children’s authors is Louis Sachar. I love his quirky sense of humor, and even more, I love sharing this humor with my students and giggling right along with them! I have many “inside jokes” with my students where the humor brings us together as a community. I am a big advocate for humor in children’s literature because it draws out those reluctant readers and shows them how truly enjoyable reading can be. Often this spark gets these students exploring other forms of literature and leads them on a journey of a lifelong love of reading. One of my favorite Louis Sachar books is Sideways Stories From Wayside School. Even though I have read this book, and the two sequels, more times than I can count, I still get a chuckle each and every time. The Wayside School series is great for a class read-aloud or to use as a novel study.
Sideways Stories is told from the point of view of Louis the Yard Teacher, which Louis Sachar based on himself. He spent a college semester working as an aid in an elementary school and spent some of that time as “Louis the Yard Teacher”. Sachar also based most of his characters from the book on students he worked with during that time. Sideways Stories was Louis Sachar’s first book, published in 1978, but it took several years to gain widespread popularity.
Wayside School was an architectural mistake. It was mistakenly built 30 stories tall with only one classroom per story. The story revolves around the class on the 30th story. The book begins by telling us the story of the teacher on the 30th story, Mrs. Gorf. Mrs. Gorf has a special talent that leads to her demise and is replaced by Mrs. Jewls in chapter 2. Mrs. Jewls is a sweet but somewhat naive teacher, which leads to big laughs. A lot of humor comes from Mrs. Jewls’ seeming lack of common sense. The other teacher discussed in the last chapter is Louis the Yard Teacher. All the rest of the chapters (there are 30, of course!) detail a student. Each student is unique in some ironic, humorous way.
I have used this book in several different ways in my classroom. First, I have used it as a read-aloud to spark a sense of community. Reading, discussing, and laughing together brings a class together. I can read this at the beginning of the year and still have kids quoting it or bringing up a joke at the end of the year. I have yet to find a child who did not thoroughly enjoy this book.
Reasons to Use the Wayside School Series for Novel Studies
Engaging storytelling: The Wayside School series is full of humor and unique storytelling that keeps students engaged and entertained.
Relevant themes: The books explore themes such as friendship, perseverance, and individuality that are relatable to students and promote important life lessons.
Easy-to-follow narrative: The books are written in a simple and straightforward style, making them accessible to students of all reading levels.
Diverse characters: The series features a diverse cast of characters, offering students the opportunity to see themselves and others represented in literature.
Cross-curricular connections: The Wayside School series can be used to connect with other subjects, such as history, mathematics, and social studies, making it a versatile tool for teachers.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Sideways Stories from Wayside School
Whether you use these books for the whole class, small group, or individual instruction, you will find your students laughing and truly enjoying reading. Even if you don’t use these units in your class, include them in a class library for your students to read or read as a class read-aloud. Whatever you do, make sure your students have access to these books! They are so much fun and open up the reading world for those reluctant readers!
You can purchase this novel study bundle which contains both a printable and a Google Drive™ format at the following location:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
In the world of literature, certain books possess a unique power to inspire, enlighten, and transform the lives of readers. R.J. Palacio’s novel, Wonder, is one such literary gem that has captured the hearts of both young and old since its publication. Of all the curriculum materials I create, novel studies are my favorite, but creating my Wonder Novel Study has been my all-time favorite! The opportunities for building a community and empathy among students are so rich in this novel.
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Auggie’s struggles are written on his face. You go into the book knowing you are reading about a kid facing challenges. The surprising thing with this book is you realize that the other “normal” characters who seem to have it all on the outside, are beautiful, rich, smart, etc, all are struggling as well. This book really takes to heart the quote, “Be Kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
As teachers, we constantly seek innovative ways to engage our students and instill important life lessons. Using Wonder in the classroom can create an unforgettable and enriching learning experience for both educators and students.
Benefits of Using Wonder in Your Classroom:
Builds Empathy and Understanding: At the core of Wonderlies the story of Auggie Pullman, a young boy with facial differences who navigates his way through the challenges of attending a mainstream school for the first time. By following Auggie’s journey, students are immersed in a world that encourages empathy and understanding toward those who may appear different. The novel ignites meaningful discussions about acceptance, kindness, and the importance of looking beyond external appearances to see the true essence of a person. These discussions promote a compassionate and inclusive classroom environment, fostering a stronger sense of community among students.
Explore Character Development: Wonder introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique perspective and background. As students explore the lives of Auggie, Via, Jack Will, and others, they witness profound character development and growth throughout the story. These well-rounded and relatable characters offer valuable life lessons, encouraging students to reflect on their own actions, emotions, and personal growth. By analyzing the characters’ choices and transformations, students can gain insights into their own values and aspirations.
Addresses Bullying and Social Issues: Bullying is an unfortunate reality that many students face, making it a critical topic to address in the classroom. Wonder sensitively portrays the impact of bullying, not just on the victim but also on those who perpetrate it. Teachers can use this novel as a springboard for discussing bullying, its consequences, and strategies to create a bully-free environment. By fostering open conversations, educators can empower students to stand up against bullying and promote a culture of respect and empathy.
Encourages Literary Exploration: R.J. Palacio’s writing style in Wonder is accessible and engaging, making it an ideal choice for students of varying reading levels. Teachers can use the novel to explore literary devices, such as point of view, character development, and symbolism, further enhancing students’ analytical skills. Additionally, Wonder provides an excellent opportunity for cross-curricular connections, integrating English language arts with art, social studies, and even science, enabling a more holistic learning experience.
Promotes Critical Thinking: The narrative structure of Wonder is divided into multiple perspectives, allowing readers to witness the same events from different viewpoints. This unique storytelling technique encourages critical thinking as students analyze the characters’ thoughts, motives, and actions. By examining the various perspectives, students develop a more nuanced understanding of complex situations and are motivated to think critically about the world around them.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a captivating novel that not only captivates the hearts of readers but also serves as a powerful educational tool in the classroom. Through its portrayal of empathy, character development, social issues, and literary exploration, this novel offers numerous benefits for teachers and students alike. By using Wonder as part of the curriculum, educators can foster a positive and empathetic classroom environment while nurturing the intellectual and emotional growth of their students.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Wonder for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
I loved how R.J. Palacio subtly adds the character of Daisy, the dog, as the only soul who does not “see” Auggie’s facial abnormalities. Through Daisy’s interactions, Ms. Palacio shows the unconditional love that animals provide. This prompted me to add a non-fiction activity to the unit involving therapy dogs and animal-assisted therapy. This activity is included in the complete novel study, but you can also download it for free here:
As you can tell, I loved this book. It is one of the best books I have read, and I feel it would serve well in any 4-6th-grade classroom. However, I do have one minor complaint. In the book, Auggie also deals with hearing loss, and one chapter describes his experience in getting fitted for a hearing aid for the first time. I live with hearing loss and have worn hearing aids for several years, and now have a cochlear implant in one ear. In some ways, Ms. Palacio was spot on describing Auggie’s feelings about wearing hearing aids around his friends and how he may be perceived. However, Ms. Palacio was quite a ways off the mark when she described the experience of getting hearing aids and how they work. A common misperception is that wearing hearing aids is like wearing glasses, which is how Ms.Palacio describes the experience. In reality, it is nothing like that. After reading this chapter, I felt so strongly about the misinformation that I had to add my own supplement to the unit explaining what it is REALLY like to wear hearing aids and have hearing loss in our modern world. I hope this supplement is helpful to your students. This resource is included in the Wonder Novel Study and is also offered as a stand-alone item here:
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
As educators, we’re constantly seeking captivating and meaningful ways to engage our students and instill a love for reading. One novel that will hook your readers is The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate. This heartwarming novel is a sequel to the beloved The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Bob which tells the story of three unlikely friends, a gorilla, an elephant, and a stray dog.
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The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate is a literary treasure that holds immense potential for enriching your classroom experience.
The Benefits of Using The One and Only Ruby in Your Classroom:
Encourages Empathy and Compassion: At the core of The One and Only Ruby, lies a powerful message about empathy and compassion. The story tells the story of Ruby, a young elephant, through her thrilling and heartbreaking journey from living wild in Africa to a wildlife sanctuary park in America. Throughout the narrative, students witness Ruby’s growth as she encounters various challenges and learns the importance of empathy towards other creatures. This beautifully crafted tale provides an excellent opportunity to open discussions on compassion, kindness, and the significance of caring for all living beings.
Themes of Friendship, Facing our Fears, Belonging, and Growing Up: Incorporating The One and Only Ruby into your curriculum will expose students to the significant themes of friendship and belonging. As Ruby narrates her adventure, she encounters new friends and discovers the true meaning of finding one’s place in the world. These themes can encourage valuable classroom discussions on the importance of friendship, inclusion, and accepting others despite their differences. Students will be able to relate these themes to their own lives, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Stimulates Critical Thinking: Katherine Applegate’s writing is known for its ability to captivate readers with compelling storytelling and multifaceted characters. As students delve into The One and Only Ruby, they will be challenged to analyze complex character motivations, predict plot developments, and engage in critical thinking. Encouraging students to discuss their interpretations and make connections to their own experiences will promote intellectual growth and encourage independent thought.
Promotes Environmental Awareness: The novel subtly incorporates environmental themes, prompting students to consider the impact of human actions on the natural world. By exploring Ruby’s interactions with different animal species and witnessing the consequences of human activities, students will develop a greater understanding of environmental issues and the importance of conservation. The One and Only Ruby can serve as a springboard for projects and activities centered around promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.
Enhances Language and Literacy Skills: Utilizing The One and Only Ruby in the classroom presents an opportunity to enhance language and literacy skills. The novel’s accessible language and engaging plot make it an ideal choice for read-aloud sessions, independent reading, or literature circles. Students can be encouraged to write book reviews, engage in creative writing exercises, or even take on the role of budding authors, crafting their sequels or alternative endings to the story.
Just as The One and Only Ivan and Bob have been favorite books to use in the classroom, The One and Only Rubywill be an excellent option to use as a novel study as well.
Try a free sample of the novel study for The One and Only Ruby
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
The One and Only Ruby offers a wealth of benefits for your students. By incorporating Ruby’s heartfelt journey into your curriculum, you open the doors to captivating discussions, creative projects, and a love for reading that will stay with your students for years to come. So, let the magic of The One and Only Ruby unfold in your classroom, and watch as your students embark on an unforgettable literary adventure.
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe is a novel that has stood the test of time, captivating the hearts and minds of young readers for generations. Bunnicula is a great novel to use in early fall to get your students into the spooky mood of Halloween.
Bunnicula blends humor, mystery, and unforgettable characters, and offers teachers a unique and engaging way to enrich their classroom experience. So, grab your garlic and wooden stakes (just in case), and let’s dive into the world of this fang-tastic literary classic!
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The Benefits of Using Bunnicula in Your Classroom:
Contains a Captivating Storyline: Bunnicula introduces students to the Monroe family and their lovable pets, Harold the dog and Chester the cat. When the family brings home a new pet rabbit named Bunnicula, Chester becomes convinced that this peculiar bunny is a vampire. This humorous and suspenseful premise sets the stage for a thrilling adventure that will keep students eagerly turning the pages. The story’s unique blend of mystery and humor makes it an excellent choice for engaging young readers and sparking their imaginations.
Encourages Critical Thinking: As students delve into the pages of Bunnicula, they’ll encounter a range of complex characters and situations that invite critical thinking. They can analyze Chester’s paranoia, Harold’s loyalty, and Bunnicula’s mysterious behavior, all while drawing conclusions and making predictions about the story’s outcome. Teachers can use these elements to stimulate classroom discussions, promote inference-making, and encourage students to think critically about character motivations and plot development.
Vocabulary Enrichment: The novel’s rich and varied vocabulary provides an excellent opportunity for vocabulary enrichment. Teachers can introduce students to new words and concepts, helping them expand their language skills. Vocabulary activities like word walls, context clues, and vocabulary journals can enhance students’ ability to understand and use unfamiliar words, fostering better communication skills.
Promotes Literacy Skills:Bunnicula serves as a gateway to developing essential literacy skills. Students can practice reading comprehension through discussions about the plot, characters, and themes. Additionally, the book can be used as a springboard for writing activities, such as book reports, character analyses, and creative writing assignments, allowing students to strengthen their writing skills while connecting with the text on a deeper level.
Opportunities for Multidisciplinary Learning: Teachers can integrate Bunnicula into various subject areas, creating a multidisciplinary learning experience. For instance, science lessons can explore nocturnal animals and vampire bat behaviors, while social studies can delve into superstitions and folklore. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches students’ understanding of the book but also enhances their overall education.
Fosters a Love of Reading: Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of using Bunnicula in the classroom is its potential to ignite a lifelong love of reading. When students become engrossed in a story and connect with the characters, they are more likely to view reading as an enjoyable pastime rather than a chore. This enthusiasm for reading can have a lasting impact on their academic success and personal development.
Incorporating Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe into your classroom curriculum is a choice that promises to bring excitement, critical thinking, vocabulary enrichment, and a love of reading to your students. This timeless novel offers educators a wonderful way to engage young minds, spark their imaginations, and create an enriching learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. So, sink your teeth into this classic tale and watch your students become enchanted by the world of Bunnicula.
I offer a complete novel study for Bunnicula which is great for whole-class novel study, a small book group study, individual novel study, or whole-class read-aloud. I guarantee your students will love it and it’s the perfect complement to any classroom in the fall!
Try a free sample of the novel study for Bunnicula
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
In today’s diverse and ever-changing world, fostering empathy, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating differences are more important than ever. Literature is a powerful tool that can help achieve these goals, and one book that stands out in this regard is El Deafo by Cece Bell. This graphic novel has the potential to be a valuable addition to any classroom curriculum, offering a unique perspective on disability, friendship, and acceptance.
A while back, I partook in a discussion on Facebook about the factuality of the novel Wonder. I love the book Wonder and feel it has a solid place in the classroom, but how the author addresses hearing loss is concerning. I addressed this in my novel study by adding a non-fiction article to help portray the real side of hearing loss so that students reading the novel understand the mistakes made by the author.
While discussing my feelings on Facebook, another person asked if I had read the novel El Deafo by Cece Bell. She was curious about how real and factual it is to a person who walks in the shoes of hearing loss, such as me. She said her students overwhelmingly love the Newbery Honor-winning graphic novel. I immediately ordered the novel to read and am so happy I did!
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I have been living with hearing loss for over 25 years. It is a daily struggle to communicate with my family and the world. I have lost many things due to my hearing loss, including my teaching career. El Deafo is the autobiographical story of Cece Bell’s struggles with hearing loss told in a graphic novel format that is a perfect way to get the true feelings across. The book highlights how Cece embraces these struggles and turns them into a superpower! Even though Cece is in elementary school in the book, and I am well beyond that age, I found myself shaking my head in agreement and relating to Cece like I never have before in any other story I have read. It’s like so many of the things she was saying I have said or felt so many times!
The message that volume does not equal better hearing was strong in this book, and it is a message that the hearing world really fails to understand yet really needs to! Talking louder, talking slower, talking more pronounced DOES NOT HELP! It makes it much more difficult for those like Cece and myself who rely on lip-reading to understand. If the only message that you take away from this story is NOT to turn up the volume for those with hearing loss, the world will be a better place! That’s not the only message, as there were so many I could relate to, including isolation, feelings of shame, embarrassment, avoidance of situations, putting up with things and people only due to fear, and on and on. Cece embraces her differences and turns them into a superpower that draws people to her. I just loved everything about this book. You don’t have to have hearing loss to relate to and love this book, in fact, it is better for those with no hearing loss to read so they can better understand.
Benefits of Using El Deafo in Your Classroom:
Promotes Disability Awareness and Understanding: El Deafo is a heartfelt and engaging memoir that chronicles the author’s own experiences growing up with a hearing impairment. By introducing students to Cece Bell’s personal journey, teachers can help them gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with a disability. This can lead to more compassionate and empathetic students who are better equipped to interact with people of all abilities.
Encourages Empathy: One of the most powerful aspects of El Deafo is its ability to evoke empathy in readers. Cece’s struggles and triumphs are relatable to many, regardless of their own experiences. By exploring the challenges faced by the protagonist, students can develop a greater sense of empathy towards those who may have different life experiences, fostering a more inclusive and understanding classroom environment.
Celebrates Differences: In El Deafo, Cece Bell uses her superhero alter ego, “El Deafo,” to navigate the complexities of her hearing impairment. This unique perspective not only celebrates diversity but also highlights the importance of embracing one’s differences. By discussing the book in class, teachers can promote self-acceptance and encourage students to appreciate the qualities that make each individual unique.
Enhances Literacy Skills:El Deafo is a graphic novel, which makes it an excellent choice for promoting literacy skills, especially for reluctant readers. The combination of text and illustrations helps students engage with the story on multiple levels, improving their comprehension and critical thinking skills. Teachers can use the book to teach literary devices, character development, and narrative structure.
Fosters Classroom Discussions: Using El Deafo as a classroom resource can spark meaningful discussions about a wide range of topics, including friendship, communication, resilience, and bullying. These discussions can encourage students to express their thoughts and opinions, promoting a more open and inclusive learning environment.
Supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Social and emotional learning is a crucial aspect of education, and El Deafo can be a valuable tool for addressing SEL competencies. Through the story, students can explore themes such as self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills. Teachers can create activities and discussions that align with SEL goals, helping students develop essential life skills.
El Deafo is a powerful and impactful novel that offers a unique perspective on the experiences of the hearing-loss community. Its accessible format, relevant themes, and emotional connection make it an ideal choice for a novel study in the classroom.
El Deafo by Cece Bell is a powerful and engaging graphic novel that has the potential to enrich the classroom experience in numerous ways. By using this book as part of their curriculum, teachers can promote disability awareness, encourage empathy, celebrate differences, enhance literacy skills, foster meaningful discussions, and support social and emotional learning. Ultimately, El Deafo can help create a more inclusive, empathetic, and understanding classroom environment, preparing students to be compassionate and open-minded individuals in an increasingly diverse world.
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
