In today’s diverse and interconnected world, it is essential for educators to foster empathy, understanding, and global awareness among their students. One powerful tool for achieving this goal is literature. Refugee by Alan Gratz is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that not only captivates young readers but also provides a unique opportunity for teachers to explore important themes like empathy, resilience, and the refugee experience.
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It is crucial for educators to foster empathy, promote global awareness, and instill a deep understanding of history in their students. Alan Gratz meets these needs with Refugee.
Benefits of Using Refugee in Your Classroom
Contains Timely and Relevant Themes: In today’s global context, issues related to refugees and immigration are more relevant than ever. Refugee weaves together the stories of three young refugees from different time periods and backgrounds, highlighting the universal nature of the refugee experience. This novel allows students to explore the contemporary relevance of these themes and fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees in the world today and in the past.
Fosters Empathy and Perspective-Taking: One of the key benefits of using Refugee in the classroom is its ability to foster empathy. Through the stories of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, students are transported into the lives of young refugees and can relate to their struggles, fears, and hopes. This empathy-building experience encourages students to develop a greater appreciation for diversity and a stronger sense of social responsibility.
Provides Cross-Curricular Opportunities: Teachers can use Refugee as a versatile tool for cross-curricular learning. It can be integrated into various subjects, such as social studies, history, language arts, and geography. By incorporating the novel into different parts of the curriculum, students can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the refugee experience and its historical and geographical contexts.
Sparks Critical Thinking and Discussion:Refugee‘s compelling narrative is an excellent catalyst for class discussions and critical thinking. Teachers can use Refugee to engage students in conversations about topics like immigration policies, human rights, and the power of storytelling. This, in turn, encourages students to develop their analytical skills and the ability to express their ideas and opinions. These discussions empower students to engage with the world and become informed, active citizens who can contribute to positive change.
Offers Diverse and Relatable Characters: Alan Gratz skillfully creates well-developed characters whom readers can connect with. By following the journey of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, students of various backgrounds can find characters with whom they can identify. This diversity allows students to see the common humanity that transcends cultural, ethnic, and geographical differences.
Implements a Multidimensional Learning Experience: One of the outstanding benefits of Refugee is that it provides students with a multidimensional learning experience. The novel weaves together the stories of three young refugees from different time periods and locations: Josef in 1930s Nazi Germany, Isabel in 1994 Cuba, and Mahmoud in 2015 Syria. By following these characters on their perilous journeys to find safety, students gain an appreciation of the universal themes of displacement, resilience, and the quest for freedom.
Addresses Critical Historical Events: Using Refugee in the classroom allows teachers to connect literature with history. The novel introduces students to significant historical events such as World War II, the Cuban Revolution, and the Syrian Civil War. By examining these events through the eyes of young protagonists, students can develop a more personal and relatable connection to history, making the lessons more memorable and impactful.
Enhances Reading and Writing Skills: As a work of historical fiction, Refugee challenges students to analyze and evaluate historical context while honing their reading and writing skills. Students can engage in activities such as character analysis, thematic exploration, and creative writing, which strengthen their critical thinking and communication abilities.
Refugee by Alan Gratz is an exceptional novel that provides a unique opportunity for teachers to foster empathy, understanding, and critical thinking among their students. By exploring timely and relevant themes, encouraging perspective-taking, and offering cross-curricular opportunities, this novel serves as a valuable educational tool. Its diverse and relatable characters, along with the abundance of complementary resources, make Refugee an ideal choice for teachers looking to inspire their students and create a more inclusive and compassionate world. Introduce Refugee into your classroom and embark on a journey of empathy and learning with your students.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Refugee, which includes informational WebQuests to learn more about the Sturmabteilung (SA), Kristallnacht, Hitler’s Youth, the MS St. Louis, Fidel Castro and Cuba, and the Syrian Civil War 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 Refugee
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 a teacher, you may be looking for ways to engage your students and encourage critical thinking skills. One way to achieve this is by incorporating novels into your classroom curriculum. The Last Battle, written by C.S. Lewis, the last novel in the Chronicles of Narnia series, is an excellent choice for teachers looking to inspire their students.
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Explore the benefits of using The Last Battle in your classroom:
Historical Context: The Last Battle is set during the World War II era and provides insight into the political and cultural climate of the time. This historical context can be used to provide a deeper understanding of the events and attitudes of the time, helping students to make connections between historical events and their contemporary significance.
Character Development: The Last Battle features well-developed characters that students can easily relate to. The protagonist, a young girl named Jill Pole, is faced with difficult choices and must navigate complex moral and ethical dilemmas. This allows students to explore important themes such as courage, loyalty, and personal responsibility.
Multiculturalism: The Last Battle explores the diversity of cultures and the importance of respecting different beliefs and practices. This can be used to promote a multicultural perspective in the classroom and foster an appreciation for different cultures and traditions.
Literary Analysis: The Last Battle is a well-written novel that can be used to teach literary analysis. Students can explore the use of literary devices such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and character development. This can help them to develop their analytical skills and prepare them for higher-level literary analysis in the future.
Imagination and Creativity: The Last Battle is a work of fiction that sparks the imagination and encourages creativity. Students can engage in creative writing activities, such as writing alternate endings or creating their own characters, to further develop their creativity.
The Last Battle is an excellent choice for teachers looking to engage their students and promote critical thinking skills. By exploring the historical context, character development, multiculturalism, literary analysis, and imagination and creativity, students can gain a deeper understanding of the novel and the world around them. Incorporating The Last Battle into your classroom curriculum can help to create a dynamic learning environment and prepare students for success in their future academic pursuits.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Number the Stars 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.
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 Chronicles of Narnia, a classic series of seven fantasy novels written by C.S. Lewis, has been beloved by readers of all ages for over half a century. The Silver Chair, the sixth book in the series, is a thrilling and engaging tale that offers numerous benefits for teachers looking to incorporate it into their classroom curriculum.
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Benefits of using The Silver Chair in Your Classroom:
Stimulates Imagination and Creativity: The Silver Chair is a captivating story that is full of magic, mystery, and adventure. It is set in the imaginary land of Narnia, where talking animals, mythical creatures, and enchanting landscapes abound. The book stimulates students’ imagination and creativity, encouraging them to think outside the box and explore new ideas. Reading The Silver Chair can also help students develop their visual imagination by painting vivid pictures in their minds.
Enhances Reading and Language Skills: The Silver Chairis written in a language that is accessible to young readers, but it also introduces them to more advanced vocabulary and sentence structures. By reading the book, students can improve their reading and language skills, expand their vocabulary, and develop their comprehension abilities. They will also learn how to analyze and interpret the author’s use of language and style, helping them become more effective readers and writers.
Fosters Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:The Silver Chairfeatures complex characters, intricate plotlines, and ethical dilemmas that challenge students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The book offers numerous opportunities for students to reflect on the actions of the characters and analyze the consequences of their choices. It also provides a platform for discussing important topics such as loyalty, responsibility, and integrity, helping students develop their moral reasoning skills.
Teaches Cultural Literacy and Historical Context: The Chronicles of Narnia were written in the mid-twentieth century, and they reflect the cultural and historical context of that time. Reading The Silver Chaircan provide students with insight into the social, cultural, and political values of that era. It can also help them understand the literary and cultural traditions that influenced Lewis’s writing, and how those traditions have continued to shape the fantasy genre.
Builds Empathy and Social Skills:The Silver Chair is a book that is rich in character development and relationships. It features a diverse cast of characters who struggle with complex emotions and interpersonal dynamics. Reading the book can help students develop empathy and social skills by encouraging them to relate to the characters and understand their perspectives. It can also provide a platform for discussing important topics such as friendship, diversity, and conflict resolution.
The Silver Chair is an excellent book to include in your classroom curriculum. It offers numerous benefits for students, including stimulating their imagination, enhancing their reading and language skills, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving, teaching cultural literacy and historical context, and building empathy and social skills. By incorporating The Silver Chair into your classroom, you can provide your students with a fun and engaging way to learn important skills and concepts that will serve them well throughout their lives.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany The Silver Chair 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.
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!
The Chronicles of Narnia series, written by C.S. Lewis, is a classic in the world of literature. The series has been widely acclaimed for its vivid imagery, unique characters, and compelling storyline. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, which is the fifth book in the series, is no exception.
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Benefits of Using The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in Your Classroom:
Enhances creativity and imagination:The Voyage of the Dawn Treader takes readers on an unforgettable journey to the magical land of Narnia. The vivid descriptions of the world and the characters allow students to use their imagination and creativity to visualize the world in their own unique way. This can help foster a love of reading and creativity in students, which can be valuable skills for future success.
Develops critical thinking and analysis skills:The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is full of complex themes and ideas that require critical thinking and analysis to fully understand. By discussing these themes in the classroom, students can develop their analytical skills and learn how to think critically about the world around them. This can be especially useful for developing problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities.
Provides a unique perspective on moral and ethical issues: One of the core themes of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the idea of moral and ethical behavior. The characters in the novel are faced with difficult choices and moral dilemmas, which can provide a unique perspective on these issues for students. By discussing these themes in the classroom, students can learn how to make ethical decisions and understand the consequences of their actions.
Encourages empathy and understanding: The characters in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader come from diverse backgrounds and have different experiences. By reading about these characters, students can develop empathy and understanding for people who are different from themselves. This can help foster a sense of community and inclusivity in the classroom, which can be beneficial for all students.
Provides a gateway to other literary works:The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is just one book in a larger series of novels. By introducing students to this novel, teachers can encourage students to read other books in the series or other literary works by C.S. Lewis. This can help develop a love of reading and literature in students, which can have a positive impact on their academic and personal lives.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is an excellent novel to use in the classroom. It provides a unique perspective on moral and ethical issues, encourages creativity and imagination, and helps develop critical thinking and analysis skills. By using this novel in the classroom, teachers can help foster a love of reading and literature in their students and provide valuable skills for future success.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 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.
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!
