Strider by Beverly Cleary is a captivating novel that will engage your students and spark meaningful discussions in your classroom. This timeless classic, the sequel to the award-winning Dear Mr. Henshaw, captivates readers with its rich themes and relatable characters making it an excellent choice for educators.
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Benefits of Using Strider in Your Classroom:
Relatable Themes: Strider delves into themes that resonate with students of all ages. From friendship and self-discovery to dealing with challenges and finding one’s voice, the novel offers a wealth of topics for meaningful classroom discussions. Students can relate to the protagonist’s journey and learn valuable life lessons along the way.
Character Development: The characters in Strider are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making them perfect for character analysis and discussions about growth and change. Students can explore how the protagonist evolves throughout the story and what drives their actions, fostering critical thinking and empathy.
Literary Analysis Opportunities: Beverly Cleary’s writing style in Striderprovides ample opportunities for literary analysis. From narrative techniques to symbolism and imagery, students can delve deep into the text and uncover layers of meaning, enhancing their analytical and interpretive skills.
Relevance to Curriculum Standards: Strider aligns with various curriculum standards, including those related to language arts, character education, and social-emotional learning. Teachers can seamlessly integrate the novel into their lesson plans to meet educational objectives while engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities.
Encourages a Love for Reading: One of the most significant benefits of using Strider in the classroom is its ability to instill a love for reading in students. The captivating story, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes can inspire a lifelong passion for literature and storytelling.
Strider by Beverly Cleary is a valuable addition to any classroom library. Its relatable themes, well-developed characters, literary merits, alignment with curriculum standards, and ability to foster a love for reading make it a must-read for students of all ages. By incorporating Strider into your classroom, you can ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and create memorable learning experiences for your students.
I offer complete novel studies to accompany Strider for use in the classroom or homeschool. Each 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 Dear Mr. Henshaw
You can purchase the novel study for Strider at the following locations:
I offer the novel study for Dear Mr. Henshaw and the sequel, Strider bundled together at a 20% 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 Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis is a great novel for teachers to use in their classrooms. This classic book has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers of all ages.
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Why teachers should use The Horse and His Boy in their classrooms and how it can benefit students.
Introduces Students to Classic Literature: The Horse and His Boy is a classic piece of literature as book three of the Chronicles of Narnia series. The Chronicles of Narnia series has been beloved by readers for decades. Introducing students to classic literature like The Horse and His Boy can help them develop an appreciation for the art of writing and storytelling. This novel also provides a glimpse into a different era and allows students to explore different cultures and ways of thinking.
Teaches Literary Elements: The Horse and His Boy is a great book for teachers to use to teach literary elements such as plot, setting, and character development. The story follows a young boy named Shasta and his talking horse as they journey through the land of Narnia. The book has a clear plot with a beginning, middle, and end. The setting of Narnia is described in vivid detail, which can help students visualize the story. The characters in the book are well-developed, and students can analyze their motives and actions.
Engages Students with Adventure: The Horse and His Boy is an adventure story that will captivate students’ imaginations. The book is full of action, with Shasta and his horse facing many obstacles and challenges on their journey. This book can help students develop critical thinking skills as they analyze how the characters overcome these obstacles. The story also has a moral lesson about perseverance and courage, which can be a great discussion point in the classroom.
Improves Reading and Comprehension Skills: The Horse and His Boy is written at a level that is accessible to most students. This book can help improve reading and comprehension skills as students read and analyze the story. The book can also be used as a tool to teach vocabulary and grammar. Teachers can assign reading assignments and comprehension questions to help students better understand the story and develop their analytical skills.
Promotes Discussion and Critical Thinking: The Horse and His Boy is a great book to use in group discussions. The book has many themes that can be discussed, such as the importance of loyalty, the consequences of deceit, and the value of perseverance. Teachers can use the story as a tool to promote critical thinking and encourage students to share their opinions and ideas.
Try a free sample of the novel study for The Horse and His Boy
The Horse and His Boy is a classic piece of literature that should be used in classrooms. The book can help students develop an appreciation for literature, teach literary elements, engage students with adventure, improve reading and comprehension skills, and promote discussion and critical thinking. Teachers can use this book to promote a love of reading in their students.
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 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!
