Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s novel, Shiloh, is a captivating and impactful novel that engages readers and fosters a love for reading. Shiloh offers a rich tapestry of themes, character development, and ethical dilemmas that make it a fantastic choice for the classroom. Shiloh is a must-read and can benefit both their students’ academic growth and moral development.
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The Benefits of Using Shiloh in Your Classroom:
Contains Relatable Themes: Shiloh addresses timeless themes that resonate with young readers. The story revolves around the bond between a young boy named Marty and a mistreated dog named Shiloh. Themes of friendship, empathy, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right are woven into the narrative. These themes provide students with opportunities to explore their own values and ethics, making Shiloh an ideal text for fostering discussions about moral dilemmas.
Explores Character Development: Naylor’s novel offers well-crafted characters, each with their own flaws and virtues. Students can easily relate to Marty’s journey of self-discovery and his determination to protect Shiloh. The characters’ development throughout the story allows for in-depth character analysis, helping students understand how experiences can shape a person’s beliefs and actions.
Builds Vocabulary: Shiloh introduces students to a rich vocabulary that can expand their language skills. Naylor’s writing is both accessible and eloquent, making it a valuable resource for building students’ vocabulary and improving their reading comprehension. Teachers can incorporate vocabulary-building exercises and discussions related to the book’s language throughout the reading process.
Encourages Ethical Discussions: The moral dilemmas presented in Shiloh offer an excellent opportunity for ethical discussions in the classroom. Students can engage in thoughtful debates about topics such as animal rights, honesty, and the consequences of one’s actions. These discussions encourage critical thinking and help students develop their own moral compass.
Enhances Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Reading Shiloh can enhance students’ empathy and emotional intelligence. They will empathize with Shiloh’s plight and Marty’s internal struggle to do what’s right. This emotional connection to the characters promotes empathy and a deeper understanding of the emotions and perspectives of others, a crucial skill for building positive relationships.
Provides Real-World Relevance: Shiloh also offers a bridge to real-world issues. Students can explore topics like animal welfare, kindness, and the power of advocacy, connecting the fictional story to current events and global concerns. This real-world relevance can make literature more meaningful and engaging for students.
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s Shiloh is more than just a heartwarming tale of a boy and his dog, it’s a powerful tool to inspire young minds. By bringing this novel into the classroom, you can explore relatable themes, promote character development, enhance vocabulary, and engage students in ethical discussions. Shiloh also nurtures empathy, emotional intelligence, and real-world relevance while providing valuable assessment opportunities. Introduce your students to Marty and Shiloh’s world—a journey that will leave a lasting impact on their academic and moral growth.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Shiloh 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.
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!
Literature has a unique ability to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and instill timeless life lessons. Among the many exceptional novels available for young readers, Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls stands as a classic piece of American literature that continues to captivate hearts and minds. This beloved tale of a young boy and his loyal dogs in the Ozark Mountains not only entertains but also holds valuable lessons for students.
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The Benefits of Using Where the Red Fern Grows in the Classroom:
Fosters Empathy and Emotional Growth: Where the Red Fern Grows is a powerful story that delves into themes of friendship, determination, love, and loss. Through the experiences of the protagonist, Billy, and his two coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann, students are exposed to a range of emotions. By empathizing with the characters, students can develop a deeper understanding of their own feelings and those of others. This emotional connection helps cultivate empathy, an essential skill for building positive relationships and creating a more compassionate society.
Promotes Critical Thinking and Analysis: As students engage with the novel, they use critical thinking skills by analyzing characters, plot developments, and themes. Encouraging discussions and debates about the choices characters make, the consequences of those choices, and the underlying messages of the story fosters intellectual growth. Students can explore the motivations behind Billy’s actions, the impact of the setting on the plot, and the role of family dynamics in shaping his journey. These analytical exercises enhance students’ ability to think critically and make connections to real-world situations.
Encourages Cultural and Historical Exploration: Set in the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression, Where the Red Fern Grows offers a window into a specific time and place in American history. Exploring the historical context of the novel can provide students with insights into the challenges and lifestyles of the era. Teachers can guide discussions about how economic struggles, societal norms, and regional influences affect the characters’ lives and decisions. This historical exploration enriches students’ understanding of the past while encouraging them to consider its relevance to their lives today.
Strengthens Language Skills: The novel’s descriptive language and vivid imagery provide ample opportunities for language development. By examining Rawls’ use of figurative language, symbolism, and sensory details, students can enhance their vocabulary and descriptive writing skills. Encouraging students to write descriptive passages, create their own metaphors, or imagine alternative endings can ignite their creativity and boost their language proficiency.
Nurtures a Love for Reading: Where the Red Fern Grows has a timeless quality that resonates across generations. Its gripping plot and relatable characters have the potential to ignite a love for reading in even the most reluctant readers. The emotional journey of Billy and his dogs keeps students engaged and invested in the story, encouraging them to explore other literary works and discover the joy of reading for pleasure.
Incorporating “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls into the classroom can be a transformative experience for both teachers and students. Its ability to foster empathy, promote critical thinking, provide cultural insights, strengthen language skills, and cultivate a love for reading makes it a valuable addition to any curriculum. As educators, we have the privilege of guiding our students through this timeless tale, helping them develop not only academically but also emotionally and morally. Through the lessons learned from Billy and his loyal companions, students can navigate their own journeys with newfound wisdom and compassion.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany Where the Red Fern Grows 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 Where the Red Fern Grows
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 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!
Some of my most vivid childhood memories of school were the novel studies I read for various subjects. It was my favorite way to learn skills, history, and any topic! I love books, and being allowed to read an entire book from cover to cover as a school assignment put me in heaven! I am sure this is a major reason why, as a teacher, my passion is to create and teach novel studies! I love introducing new books to my class, and as a community, being immersed in the book together. I love it when a student pulls us off the schedule with a question or comment from something they read and leads the class into a lively discussion. That’s where the real memorable learning takes place, after all!
I create novel studies more than any other product line simply because I like to focus on what I love. I want to work with my passion! I often get questions from readers asking how I would set up novel studies in my classroom. I decided to write a small series explaining my methods. For the most part, my novel studies include comprehension questions, vocabulary/grammar skill work, extension activities, and assessments.
Today’s post, part 5, is the conclusion of the series dealing with the assessment aspect of using novel studies. You can read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 here.
Novel Studies Part 5: Assessment
Assessment of a novel study can be a tricky thing to handle. My main objective, in addition to hitting skills, is to hook the student on the enjoyment of reading a good book. Too much assessment can kill that joy, but we need some way to assess that the skills are met. It’s a delicate balance.
I often get questions from potential buyers asking if there are assessments after every chapter of my novel studies. I kind of cringe when I get these questions because I can only imagine the dread the students must have if they are tested after every chapter! Testing is not the only way to assess if a student has read and understood. In my experience, class discussions and the writing in the comprehension answers are more than sufficient evidence of learning and understanding by the student. It is imperative when using novel studies not to lose focus and kill the joy of reading for your students! Your goal is for them to voluntarily pick up another book to read when a novel study is over, not run as far as they can from books!
I understand that assessments are helpful and necessary, but they should be appropriate and not overwhelming. For many of my novel studies, I have split the book into logical sections and have an assessment after each section. For example, you’ll find my Wonder,Projekt 1065, and Tuck Everlastingnovel studies in this format.
For some, I only offer assessments after completion of the book for comprehension, vocabulary, and longer paragraph-writing essay questions. The end-of-the-novel comprehension quiz includes both a multiple-choice and a short answer format for differentiation. A multiple-choice quiz for vocabulary and a paragraph-writing assessment is included with each novel study. You can see an example of this from my Turtle in Paradise Novel Study.
All of my novel studies offer a Google Drive™ format, in addition to the printable format, shown above, to use with your students. This allows you to use novel studies in a 1:1 classroom, save paper, and easily engage students who are absent. The assessments are included as multiple-choice questions in a Google Forms™ format so that they are self-grading. Here’s an example page from the Google Drive™ format of my A Wrinkle in Time Novel Study.
The key, in my opinion, is not to overdo the testing. You need to be able to assess the students’ understanding of what they are reading, which can be done in many different ways that aren’t paper and pencil testing. Don’t kill the love the student is developing for the book you are reading!
I hope this series has been helpful to you in planning to use novels in your classroom. I promise you will not be sorry, you may just be the spark that takes your student on a lifetime love of reading!
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!
Incorporating “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls into the classroom can be a transformative experience for both teachers and students. Its ability to foster empathy, promote critical thinking, provide cultural insights, strengthen language skills, and cultivate a love for reading makes it a valuable addition to any curriculum. As educators, we have the privilege of guiding our students through this timeless tale, helping them develop not only academically but also emotionally and morally. Through the lessons learned from Billy and his loyal companions, students can navigate their own journeys with newfound wisdom and compassion.
Novel Studies Part 5: Assessment
I often get questions from potential buyers asking if there are assessments after every chapter of my novel studies. I kind of cringe when I get these questions because I can only imagine the dread the students must have if they are tested after every chapter! Testing is not the only way to assess if a student has read and understood. In my experience, class discussions and the writing in the comprehension answers are more than sufficient evidence of learning and understanding by the student. It is imperative when using novel studies not to lose focus and kill the joy of reading for your students! Your goal is for them to voluntarily pick up another book to read when a novel study is over, not run as far as they can from books!
