American Girl Reading Club: Felicity Merriman!
Join me for this 8-week, revolutionary course as we learn all about the American Revolution with the American Girl doll, Felicity Merriman! We will read her book, discuss her time period, and engage in hands-on learning.
Jackie Shaw
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(260)
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. We will be reading one Felicity book a week, and there will be a light amount of work to go along with that to reflect their comprehension (journaling, vocabulary, etc). There will also be a project to show the student's growing understanding of Felicity and her time period that will be due at the last class.Class Experience
US Grade 1 - 4
Do you have a child with a passion for independence and adventure? If so, this class may be for you! During our 8 weeks together, we will be doing a deep dive into the American Girl doll, Felicity Merriman, a spunky colonist from 1774. Every week, we will have a discussion about Felicity's story and time period, and we will engage in activities that reflect Felicity's experiences. We will be covering all six of Felicity's original books during this class, so students can expect to read one book a week once the class begins (no reading is needed prior to the class). This is a multidisciplinary class that explores reading strategies, historical knowledge, vocabulary integration, read aloud, geography, journaling, crafts, and more! Here is a sample of what to expect during a class: WEEK 1: An Introduction to Felicity's World -Introduce ourselves - Book Walk-- exploring the book we're about to read and why we're excited to read it. -Overview of Felicity's story, exploring Williamsburg and the Revolutionary War -- Theme to Explore: "Independence" -Vocabulary Words: apprentice, coax, nudge -Homework: Read "Meet Felicity", work on vocabulary, and journal about "independence". Bring supplies to make the shop sign next class! WEEK 2: Discussing "Meet Felicity" -- Quick discussion about our opinions on the book -- Main focus of class discussion: "Independence". -- Activity: Making a sign for a colonial shop like Mr. Merriman's! --Theme to Explore for Book 2: Loyalty --Vocabulary: breeches, restless, uncivilized -- Homework: Read "Felicity Learns a Lesson". work on vocabulary, and journal about "loyalty". Bring supplies to make the quill and ink to next class! WEEK 3: Discussing "Felicity Learns a Lesson" -- Quick discussion about our opinions of the book. -- Share our journals. Main focus of class discussion: "Loyalty". -- Activity: Making a quill and ink -- Theme to Explore for Book 3: Values --Vocabulary Words: Flickering, apothecary, glorious -- Homework: Read "Felicity's Surprise" and work on your vocabulary and journal. WEEK 4: Discussing "Felicity's Surprise" -- Quick discussion about our opinions of the book -- Main focus of class discussion: "Values". Discuss journals --Activity: Comparing a colonial Christmas to a modern one. -- Theme to Explore for Book 4: Trustworthiness --Vocabulary: prim, warble, mustering --Homework: Reading "Happy Birthday, Felicity", working on vocabulary and journal, bringing paper and art supplies to next class. WEEK 5: Discussing "Happy Birthday, Felicity" -- Quick discussion about our opinions of the book -- Main focus of class discussion: "Values". --Activity: Figurative Language Drawing -- Theme to Explore for Book 5: Courage --Vocabulary: Militia, Scoundrel, Bedchamber --Homework: Reading "Felicity Saves the Day", working on vocabulary and journal, bringing supplies to make raspberry flummery to next class! WEEK 6: Discussing "Felicity Saves the Day" -- Quick discussion about our opinions of the book --Main focus of the class discussion: Courage. Share our journals. -- Activity: Making raspberry flummery -- Theme to Explore for Book 6: "Faithfulness" --Vocabulary: skittish, colt, trot --Homework: Read "Changes for Felicity" and work on journal. WEEK 7: "Changes for Felicity" --Quick discussion about our thoughts on the book --Discussion topic: "Faithfulness". Share journals. --Activity: What Changes Felicity? --Homework: Final project presentation for next class! WEEK 8: Project Party! In this class, we will share out our final projects and discuss our lasting impressions of the book. This class is inclusive, which means students of all abilities are welcome. If you student needs any accommodations please let me know and we will work together to ensure that they have the best possible class experience. I am excited to discuss independence and spiritedness with your child! They will learn all about grit, resilience, loyalty, and faithfulness through taking this class and exploring Felicity's story.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Topics of war and death (Felicity's grandfather passes away) will be covered in an age-appropriate manner. Both topics will be covered only as it pertains to the novel study.
Supply List
Copies of all six of Felicity's original books. Listening to audio versions of the novels is absolutely fine as well! For the shop sign: It can be as simple as paper and art supplies. If you'd like to get more creative, you can try wood and paint! For the Quill Pen and Berry Ink: Goose Quill or any other good-sized feather, about 10 inches long; a small knife or scissors; cutting board; straight pin; 5-in square piece of felt; writing paper; measuring cups and spoons; 1 cup of ripe berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries are all good choices!); strainer; small jar with lid; spoon; vinegar; salt; red or blue food coloring For the Raspberry Flummery: 3 cups of raspberries (or any berry you'd like!); ¾ cups of cold water; 1 cup of sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons of cornstarch; Colander; measuring spoons; Measuring cups; 3-quart saucepan with lid; Wooden spoon; Small bowl ; Fork; 6 small dishes
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2020
4.9
260reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
This is my 14th year as a secondary English teacher, and my favorite units of all are interdisciplinary ones where I can combine many of my passions into one rich learning experience! Personally, I have been an avid American Girl doll collector since I was a child, and have read through the series and have done the activities with my own six year-old. I would love to share this excitement for American Girls, reading, history, and culture with your children, too!Reviews
Live Group Class
$90
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Completed by 35 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-10
3-8 learners per class
