Therapy animals are increasingly recognized for their immense contribution to healing and learning across all age groups. Click here to explore recent news stories showcasing the remarkable impact these animals bring into our lives.
I adore animals and have had several pets over time. When my son turned three, we started worrying about his speech development. He wasn’t very vocal, but he had a knack for communicating his needs through other means. His non-verbal cues reminded me of the rabbit in the Frosty the Snowman special—he found different ways to express himself and didn’t feel the urge to speak. Around that period, we introduced a new golden retriever puppy named Katy. To Katy, Sam seemed like another playful puppy. As Katy grew, she could get a bit rowdy with Sam, occasionally causing him to tumble over.
Naturally, we dedicated time to training Katy, and she became a certified graduate of the Canine Good Citizenship program. However, a crucial aspect was teaching Sam to assertively use commands like sit, off, and down. Sam swiftly grasped that vocalizing served a significant purpose, and he began using his voice more frequently—not just with Katy but with everyone around. Many mornings, I’d wake up to find Sam beside Katy’s bed, engaged in animated conversations, sharing his adventures, hopes, and dreams. It was truly heartwarming to witness.
Katy was incredibly patient and adored everyone she met! We believed she had the perfect temperament to become a therapy dog, so we started training her with that goal in mind. Sadly, the program we were involved in discontinued their classes. Later on, Katy faced a series of knee surgeries to address joint problems in both legs and battled osteosarcoma, ultimately leading to the amputation of one of her front legs. As a result, her dream of becoming a therapy dog never came to fruition.
At home, Katy offered us endless unconditional love and her own form of “therapy.” One of her greatest joys was curling up with us and listening to stories! She patiently listened through the entire Harry Potter series not just once, but twice!
The impact of a pet’s love and care on the mental well-being of those around them is truly remarkable. They work wonders! I’m a strong advocate for expanding the presence of reading dogs in schools.
Within my Wonder Novel Study, I developed an informational reading activity centered around therapy dogs. I provide it as a free download in my store, separate from the novel study. It’s a fantastic resource to delve into the significance and advantages of therapy animals. This activity serves as a wonderful tribute to all the animal heroes in our lives, especially fitting for National Therapy Animal Day!
Sadly, Katy’s osteosarcoma resurfaced, spreading to her lungs and spine. Regrettably, we had to say goodbye to relieve her from pain. Katy held a special place in our family, becoming an integral part of my children’s childhood. Her absence leaves a profound void, and she will always be cherished and dearly missed.
Katy 1/24/08-2/5/19
In honor of Katy, and all the wonderful therapy animals out there, Happy National Therapy Animal Day!
In 2010, Sharon Draper brought Melody to life in Out of My Mind. Melody is a young girl whose mind is full of curiosity and vast amounts of information but Cerebral Palsy makes it difficult for her to participate and communicate with her classmates and peers. Out of My Mind helps the reader look at disabilities and accessibility differently. Sharon M. Draper followed up with pre-teen Melody looking for the independence and experiences that all girls her age strive for in the inspiring tale of Out of My Heart. Draper is back with part three in Melody’s journey, with Out of My Dreams, this time taking her across the ocean to London!
As educators, one of our most important responsibilities is to introduce our students to literature that not only captivates their imaginations but also challenges their thinking and sparks meaningful conversations. Sharon M. Draper’s novel Out of My Dreams is an outstanding choice for upper elementary and middle school classrooms, offering a rich narrative that touches on key themes of identity, perseverance, and the power of dreams.
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Benefits of Using Out of My Dreams in Your Classroom:
Engaging Storyline with Relatable Characters: Out of My Dreams follows the journey of a young girl named Melody, who faces the challenges of living with a disability. Draper’s writing brings Melody’s world to life, with vibrant characters and a story that is both mindful and hopeful. Melody’s perseverance and determination in the face of adversity will resonate deeply with students, helping them connect to the story on a personal level.
For students who may be dealing with their own personal struggles, Melody’s story provides a powerful sense of empathy and understanding. As a teacher, you can use the novel to spark discussions about empathy, resilience, and the importance of never giving up on one’s dreams—no matter the obstacles in the way.
Promotes Diversity and Inclusivity: Sharon M. Draper is known for her ability to tell stories that highlight diverse experiences. In Out of My Dreams, readers are introduced to a protagonist who has cerebral palsy, giving students an opportunity to explore the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. This opens up discussions about the importance of inclusivity, the challenges people with disabilities face, and how society’s perceptions of disability are often shaped by stereotypes.
In a world where diversity and inclusivity are central topics, Out of My Dreams provides an excellent opportunity to discuss and challenge societal views about ability, difference, and the importance of seeing beyond the surface.
Themes of Overcoming Adversity: Melody’s story is not just one of struggle; it is a story of triumph. Throughout the novel, Melody learns to embrace her abilities, take pride in who she is, and push through physical, mental, and emotional barriers. This can be an incredibly valuable lesson for students, especially those who may be facing their own personal challenges.
The theme of perseverance and overcoming adversity is universal and can inspire students to confront their own obstacles with determination. Whether students are struggling with self-esteem, schoolwork, or personal circumstances, Melody’s journey shows that the power of self-belief can be transformative.
Rich Opportunities for Critical Thinking and Discussion: Sharon M. Draper has a unique ability to blend real-world issues into her novels, encouraging students to think critically and engage in meaningful discussions. In Out of My Dreams, students will be prompted to think about the importance of self-advocacy, the role of family and support systems in our lives, and the societal pressures that affect how we view ourselves and others.
In addition to these themes, the novel’s narrative structure and use of symbolism offer great opportunities for literary analysis. Teachers can guide students through discussions about character development, symbolism, and the author’s use of language, while also encouraging students to make personal connections with the text.
Inspiring Writing Prompts and Creative Assignments: Teachers can incorporate Out of My Dreams into various aspects of their curriculum, from reading comprehension exercises to creative writing prompts. For instance, students could be asked to write about a time when they overcame a challenge, much like Melody does in the story. Or they could explore how dreams and goals play a role in their own lives, much like Melody’s pursuit of her dream of dancing.
Creative assignments based on the novel—such as writing from Melody’s perspective or developing a new scene that addresses a key theme—will help students engage deeply with the material and explore their own creativity.
Cross-Curricular Connections: Out of My Dreams lends itself well to integration with other subjects. For instance, the science of disabilities and the social and emotional aspects of living with a disability can be explored in science or health classes. The novel also offers connections to history and social studies, particularly in discussions about societal attitudes toward disabilities and diversity.
By linking the novel to other subjects, you can create a more comprehensive learning experience for your students that promotes interdisciplinary thinking and deeper understanding.
Promotes Empathy and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The emotional depth of Out of My Dreams makes it an excellent resource for social-emotional learning (SEL). The novel provides opportunities to discuss important aspects of SEL such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship skills.
Melody’s interactions with her family, friends, and the larger community provide a platform to discuss themes of kindness, respect, and understanding. Teachers can facilitate discussions about how we treat others who are different from us and the importance of building inclusive, supportive communities.
Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Dreams is more than just a novel—it’s a tool for teaching empathy, resilience, and the importance of inclusivity. Through its rich characters, relevant themes, and opportunities for critical thinking, it offers countless benefits for classroom use. Whether used to spark discussion, inspire writing, or create interdisciplinary connections, this novel will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your students. By including Out of My Dreams in your curriculum, you’re not only introducing your students to an unforgettable story—you’re helping them develop the tools they need to face the world with courage and compassion.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Out of My Dreams, which includes informational reading activities about Cerebral Palsy and London 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.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Out of My Heart
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
You can also buy Out of My Mind, Out of My Heart, and Out of My Dreams bundled together at a discount!
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!
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for decades. It is a perfect choice for teachers looking for a book that can both entertain and educate their students. The novel provides a rich source of material that can be used to explore a variety of themes, including friendship, loyalty, betrayal, good versus evil, and the power of imagination.
In addition to its rich thematic content, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is also an excellent tool for teaching literary analysis. The novel contains many elements of narrative structure, including foreshadowing, symbolism, and themes that recur throughout the story. By studying these elements, students can gain a deeper understanding of how literature works and how to analyze it.
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The benefits of using The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in your classroom:
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has stood the test of time: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was first published in 1950 and has been a favorite among children and adults for over 70 years. The fact that it has remained popular for so long speaks volumes about its quality and relevance. By using a novel that has stood the test of time, teachers can be sure that their students will enjoy it and that it will be a valuable addition to their curriculum.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe incorporate important themes: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe explores important themes such as good vs. evil, redemption, sacrifice, and loyalty. These themes are relevant to students of all ages and can spark important conversations about the world around them.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe can improve reading comprehension: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is written in a way that is accessible to students of all reading levels. By using this novel in the classroom, teachers can improve their student’s reading comprehension and help them develop critical thinking skills.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe can inspire creativity: The world of Narnia is a rich and imaginative one that can inspire creativity and encourage students to think outside the box. By using this novel in the classroom, teachers can foster a love of creativity and encourage their students to explore their own imaginations.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe can encourage empathy: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe encourages empathy through the characters’ experiences, students can learn to understand different perspectives and develop compassion for others.
Try a free sample of the novel study for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is an excellent novel that can be used to teach a variety of themes and literary elements. So go ahead and pick up a copy of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe today – your students will thank you for it!
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!
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C.S. Lewis’s beloved series, “The Chronicles of Narnia,” includes “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” often mistakenly assumed to be the first book, when in fact, it’s the second installment. The true opener is “The Magician’s Nephew,” followed by #3 “The Horse and His Boy,” #4 “Prince Caspian,” #5 “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” #6 “The Silver Chair,” and concluding with “The Last Battle.”
Within Narnia’s enchanting realm, brimming with magic, mythical creatures, and talking animals, each book centers on children and their pivotal roles in shaping Narnia’s history. These children are magically transported from the real world to Narnia, collaborating with the Narnian lion, Aslan, in safeguarding the land from malevolent forces.
C.S. Lewis artfully intertwines his childhood experiences during World War II and theological insights throughout the series. While a subtle Christian undertone runs through the narrative, it’s not overt, rendering the books suitable for Christian and public educational settings. The foundational theme of the eternal struggle between good and evil offers a compelling narrative ripe for analysis and interpretation across diverse audiences.
Try a free sample of the novel study for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Movies, including some high-budget releases by Disney, have been brought to life based on select books from the series. There’s buzz circulating that Netflix plans to develop a streaming series covering the entire Chronicles of Narnia collection.
For decades, enthusiasts of the fantasy genre have been captivated by the Chronicles of Narnia. Often serving as a gateway, these books ignite a passion for the genre, leading readers to explore more mature works like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. J.K. Rowling, renowned for the Harry Potter series, has acknowledged the profound impact the Chronicles had on her as a child, shaping her imaginative world and influencing her writing. Expect your students to join the ranks of countless others who have fallen in love with Narnia’s enchanting realm over the past seven decades.
I provide comprehensive novel studies tailored for each book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, designed for classroom or homeschool use. Each unit offers both printable and Google Drive™ formats, accommodating traditional and paperless classroom settings, including compatibility with Google Classroom. The structure of these units mirrors the format demonstrated in the video for The Magician’s Nephew.
You can purchase these novel studies 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!
While having your students physically present offers the best means to gauge their comprehension of a subject and identify the necessity for tailored instruction, circumstances may arise where this isn’t feasible. Increasingly, students equipped with laptops and various devices are transforming traditional “free” snow days into E-Learning days. This shift aims to prevent extending the school year by leveraging technology for remote learning when in-person classes are impractical.
Periodic closures of schools due to natural disasters have been evident in various regions. For instance, in Nebraska, schools grappled with flooding issues both, in the spring and fall, resulting in chaotic interruptions to regular schedules. Additionally, student absences can range from short-term illnesses to prolonged health issues, leading to extended periods away from the classroom.
Furthermore, homeschooling communities often utilize e-learning within their cooperative groups or classes. The diverse array of reasons preventing direct in-person interaction with students underscores the significance of technology. It enables educators to virtually engage with their students during such challenging times, bridging the physical gap through digital platforms.
In my role as a curriculum writer, I prioritize flexibility by integrating numerous choices and options into my educational materials. Having been a teacher myself, I understand the constant influx of various challenges and unforeseen circumstances that a standard textbook isn’t equipped to handle. My educational philosophy revolves around the idea that a student ideally engages with the material using all their senses, transforming learning into solid knowledge. Therefore, all my resources feature a hands-on component—printable and tactile—encouraging collaborative engagement between students and teachers.
Recognizing the limitations of this ideal scenario, I’ve supplemented almost all my products with a Google Drive format, providing educators with alternative options. The Google Drive version encompasses the same content areas but allows for a paperless approach, utilizing Google Drive tools like Slides and Forms.
My portfolio predominantly includes a blend of printable and Google format materials, ranging from novel studies, social studies, to financial literacy resources. Additionally, I offer ELA and Math centers that are interactive on Google Drive while still being available in printable formats. Each download includes complete printable content and instructions on accessing and integrating the Google format files into your Google Drive, facilitating ease of use for educators.
After clicking on the provided link, your file will be visible in your Google Drive account under the name “Copy of File Name.” You can conveniently modify this title to your preference by clicking on the name box. Subsequently, you can assign these files to your students through Google Classroom.
How to use Novel Studies in an E-Learning Format?
In utilizing novel studies, your students will require a copy of the novel to accompany either the printable or Google Drive format provided. With the book in hand, they can seamlessly navigate through the study, engaging with comprehension questions, vocabulary activities, and extended writing tasks on Google Slides, mirroring the functionality available in the printable version. Teachers can track their progress through Google Classroom and I recommend conducting check-ins with small groups via platforms like Google Talk (or Google Hangouts/Google Chat) or Zoom. These sessions allow for discussions about the material read, ensuring comprehension and encouraging deeper exploration of the novel. It’s akin to the class discussions held in person, bridging the gap using technology.
All my novel studies feature assessments that can be completed through Google Forms. The multiple-choice assessments for comprehension and vocabulary are self-grading, significantly reducing grading time for teachers. However, the writing assessments, being more open-ended, cannot be self-graded. Typically consisting of one to two questions per assessment, these tasks can be submitted via Google Classroom for review and grading by the teacher.
How to use Social Studies and Financial Literacy Activities in an E-Learning Format?
My social studies and financial literacy resources are structured similarly to the novel studies in Google format, but they don’t require any specific books or textbooks. These materials feature Webquest links that offer learning content and include slideshow presentations in all social studies resources to facilitate students’ understanding and completion of activities.
Just like with the novel studies, Google Slides serve as the platform for both the presentations and activity completion. Additionally, in certain financial literacy activities such as the Escape Room exercises, Google Forms are integrated to delve deeper into the content alongside the use of Google Slides.
How to use ELA and Math Centers in an E-Learning Format?
The interactive ELA and Math Centers are designed to be completed using Google Slides. Students engage with the components to practice various skills, and teachers can oversee their progress through Google Classroom.
What can I do if my student doesn’t have access to equipment or the internet?
Many of us assume ready access to computers, laptops, and internet connectivity at home, yet some students lack this accessibility. In public schools, it’s our responsibility to ensure equity among our students. If your school lacks one-to-one capability or if a student doesn’t have home internet access, all my materials are provided in printable formats within the same product download. These activities are identical, just presented on paper rather than on a computer. You can distribute these packets to students for home use. To stay connected, consider communicating via phone calls, Facetime, or Skype for those with access via a parent’s cell phone. The content remains the same, only the format differs.
Technology offers various avenues to engage with students. While I advocate for a multisensory approach to learning—incorporating reading, writing, manipulation, and discussion—I recognize that there are instances where this isn’t feasible. In such cases, I hope my materials offer diverse options for utilization during e-learning scenarios.
Explore these free samples offered in my store, featuring both printable and Google Drive™ formats. They provide an opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the functionalities of these resources.
Sample from my Wonder Novel Study
Sample Social Studies Activity
In this post titled “Tips for Using Google Drive in Your Classroom,” you’ll discover helpful suggestions on customizing Google Drive products to suit your specific requirements more effortlessly.
Therapy animals are increasingly recognized for their immense contribution to healing and learning across all age groups. Click here to explore recent news stories showcasing the remarkable impact these animals bring into our lives.
Naturally, we dedicated time to training Katy, and she became a certified graduate of the Canine Good Citizenship program. However, a crucial aspect was teaching Sam to assertively use commands like sit, off, and down. Sam swiftly grasped that vocalizing served a significant purpose, and he began using his voice more frequently—not just with Katy but with everyone around. Many mornings, I’d wake up to find Sam beside Katy’s bed, engaged in animated conversations, sharing his adventures, hopes, and dreams. It was truly heartwarming to witness.
At home, Katy offered us endless unconditional love and her own form of “therapy.” One of her greatest joys was curling up with us and listening to stories! She patiently listened through the entire Harry Potter series not just once, but twice!
