Introducing novels to young readers requires selecting a book that not only captures students’ imagination but also sparks their interest in reading. One such captivating novel is Dinosaurs Before Dark, the first book in the beloved Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne.
The Magic Treehouse series is one of the best-selling chapter book series of all time for a reason. The books are a wonderful entry into the chapter book genre and there is a book for nearly every topic of interest. Dinosaurs Before Dark is the first book in the series and introduces the reader to the Magic Treehouse and the adventure of the lives of Jack and Annie. It is a great book to use in your classroom or homeschool for a whole class novel study, small book groups, or individual book studies.
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Why teachers should consider Dinosaurs Before Dark as a gateway to the world of novels:
Captivating Storyline: Dinosaurs Before Dark takes young readers on an extraordinary journey as siblings Jack and Annie stumble upon a mysterious tree house filled with books that transport them to different time periods. In this installment, they are whisked away to the Mesozoic Era, where they encounter dinosaurs and experience the wonders of this prehistoric world. The thrilling and imaginative storyline instantly grabs the attention of students, encouraging them to delve deeper into the novel.
Engaging and Accessible Language: Mary Pope Osborne’s writing style in the Magic Tree House series is both engaging and accessible for young readers. The vocabulary is carefully chosen to suit the target age group, allowing students to comprehend the story without feeling overwhelmed. As they navigate the pages of Dinosaurs Before Dark, students will discover the joy of reading independently, building their confidence as they progress through the chapters.
Blends Fiction and Non-fiction: Dinosaurs Before Dark seamlessly blends elements of fiction and non-fiction, providing an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary learning. The novel sparks students’ curiosity about dinosaurs, encouraging them to explore more about these fascinating creatures. Teachers can capitalize on this interest by incorporating science lessons that delve into paleontology, the study of dinosaurs, and the prehistoric era, enriching students’ knowledge across multiple subjects.
Introduction to Historical Fiction: Historical fiction allows young readers to experience different time periods, cultures, and places through the lens of compelling narratives. Dinosaurs Before Dark serves as an excellent introduction to this genre by transporting students to a time long gone. By engaging with historical fiction early on, students develop an appreciation for history and recognize the impact it has on the present. Teachers can further expand on this concept by exploring other historical periods through additional novels.
Promotes Imagination and Creativity: The Magic Tree House series, including Dinosaurs Before Dark, sparks the imagination of young readers. As Jack and Annie embark on their adventures, students are encouraged to envision themselves in their shoes, fostering creativity and a sense of wonder. The novel’s vivid descriptions of the prehistoric world inspire students to create their own stories, drawings, or even theatrical performances related to the Mesozoic Era.
Encourages Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Throughout the novel, Jack and Annie encounter numerous obstacles, requiring them to think critically and problem-solve their way through. Teachers can use these challenges as opportunities to engage students in discussions about decision-making, ethics, and the consequences of actions. These life lessons can empower students to face their own challenges with confidence and resilience.
Cultivates a Love for Series Reading: The Magic Tree House series, with over 60 books and counting, offers an exciting prospect for students to continue their reading journey beyond Dinosaurs Before Dark. By introducing this novel as the first in a series, teachers can create a sense of anticipation and eagerness to read more about Jack and Annie’s adventures. This approach cultivates a habit of series reading, encouraging students to explore other genres and authors in the future.
Embraces Diversity and Inclusivity: Mary Pope Osborne thoughtfully weaves themes of diversity and inclusivity throughout the Magic Tree House series. By incorporating characters from various backgrounds, the books encourage empathy and understanding among students. The diverse representation in Dinosaurs Before Dark opens up discussions about cultural differences and the importance of respecting others, promoting a sense of unity in the classroom.
The introduction of novels sets the foundation for a lifelong journey of reading, cultivating a love for books, and nurturing critical thinking skills. Your students will be drawn into the nail-biting adventure with Jack and Annie. The novel’s perfect blend of fantasy and history, endearing characters, and exciting adventures captivate young minds, fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and empathy. By taking students on a magical journey through time, Dinosaurs Before Dark leaves an indelible mark, setting the stage for a lifelong appreciation of literature and exploration.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Dinosaurs Before Dark 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 Dinosaurs Before Dark
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 the ever-evolving landscape of education, engaging students in the magic of literature is an ongoing challenge. As educators, we want to ignite the love for reading within young minds, and finding the perfect books to introduce novels can be a daunting task. One series that stands out in captivating the imagination of young readers—Is the Jigsaw Jones series.
James Preller’s, Jigsaw Jones series is a great introduction to chapter books for the younger grades. With its captivating stories, relatable characters, and interactive elements, Jigsaw Jones offers a compelling gateway for young readers into the vast realm of novels.
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Why Teachers Should Embrace Jigsaw Jones Books to Introduce Novels to Students:
Written With Relatable and Endearing Characters: The Jigsaw Jones series, written by James Preller, revolves around an intelligent and curious young detective named Jigsaw Jones and his partner, Mila Yeh. Through their thrilling adventures, students are introduced to relatable characters who exhibit qualities like curiosity, problem-solving, teamwork, and empathy. The lovable characters act as an inspiration for students, encouraging them to develop these essential traits.
Contains Engaging and Accessible Storylines: The Jigsaw Jones books offer captivating storylines that instantly captivate the attention of young readers. The mysteries are carefully crafted with age-appropriate complexity, providing an ideal platform for introducing students to the world of novels. Each book is designed to be self-contained, making it easy for teachers to introduce them individually or as a series, catering to the needs of diverse classrooms.
Enhances Critical Thinking Skills: The Jigsaw Jones books are not just about entertaining stories; they also promote critical thinking skills in students. Throughout the series, readers are encouraged to observe details, analyze clues, and draw logical conclusions alongside Jigsaw Jones. By actively participating in the detective work, students develop essential problem-solving abilities and engage in critical thinking processes, thereby nurturing their cognitive development.
Promotes Cooperative Learning: One unique aspect of the Jigsaw Jones books is the emphasis on teamwork. Jigsaw and Mila form a dynamic duo, demonstrating the power of collaboration and friendship. Teachers can leverage this theme to foster a sense of community and cooperation within the classroom. By assigning students different roles or characters, teachers can encourage group discussions, allowing students to share their thoughts, collaborate on theories, and work together towards solving the mysteries presented in the books.
Includes Diverse Themes and Relatable Topics: The Jigsaw Jones series tackles a range of relatable themes, including friendship, family, perseverance, and problem-solving. By exploring these topics, students can connect with the characters on a deeper level, enabling them to see themselves within the narratives. This relatability promotes empathy and understanding, facilitating meaningful discussions and encouraging students to explore their own experiences and emotions.
Bridge to Other Novels: Introducing Jigsaw Jones books to students serves as a bridge to more extensive and complex novels. By first immersing themselves in the world of Jigsaw Jones, students become accustomed to the format, language, and structure of novels. The Jigsaw Jones books are age-appropriate, making them an ideal stepping stone for students transitioning from shorter stories to more substantial works. Teachers can leverage the students’ familiarity with Jigsaw Jones and gradually introduce them to other novels, expanding their literary horizons and encouraging a lifelong love for reading.
Incorporating the Jigsaw Jones book series into the classroom provides teachers with a powerful tool to engage young readers and introduce them to the world of novels. The relatable characters, intriguing storylines, collaborative learning opportunities, and seamless transition to other novels make Jigsaw Jones an excellent choice for teachers looking to instill a love for reading in their students. By tapping into their natural curiosity and encouraging critical thinking skills, the Jigsaw Jones books inspire students to explore further literary adventures. The Jigsaw Jones series has over 30 books to choose from. The Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards is a great hook to get your kids started down the road of addiction to chapter-book reading. So, unleash the detective within your students, and embark on a journey into the captivating world of Jigsaw Jones.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards 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 Jigsaw Jones and the Case of the Stolen Baseball Cards
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!
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.
I’m Shelley from The Teaching Bank. I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 6th grades.
My goal is to provide lessons and units for K-12 that are practical and ready to teach with minimal prep needed.
