In this class we will be using the book, "Because of Winn-Dixie," for discussion, learning new vocabulary, and discovering new characters and settings throughout the book.  Class is kept small to allow for discussion and comprehension assessment.  Occasionally, there will be an attachment worksheet 'assigned'.  It is not a 'required' assignment to be graded, but will be discussed in the next class.  At the end of each class we will have a game or easy activity. Students may choose to bring colored pencils or crayons, scissors, and glue.  In the end I send a certificate of completion.

Prior to first meeting:  complete reading chapters 1-5.  There will be an optional "pre-reading thoughts" writing sheet provided which is to get students thinking.  I'm anxious to hear everyone's thoughts in our first class together.  

Class 1:  Students will have completed reading chapters 1-5.  We will begin class with new vocabulary words, then move into discussion of chapters 1-5.  We discuss character profiles, setting, and plot/conflict.   We will also discover some sensory details that the author uses to help the reader dive deeper into the story.  We will end class with a quick game/craft that will assess comprehension.  I will attach vocabulary sheet and any activity sheets at the end of class.

Class 2:  Students will have completed reading chapters 6-10.  We will begin with new vocabulary words.  We will then begin our discussion analyzing any new characters and settings in these chapters.  I will attach vocabulary sheet and any activity sheets at the end of class.
 
Class 3:  Students will have completed reading chapters 11-15.  We begin class with discussing new vocabulary and discussion on some key story elements.  In this meeting we will see how the author compares characters. I will attach vocabulary sheet and any activity sheets at the end of class.

Class 4:  Students will have completed reading chapters 16-20  As always, we will begin with new vocabulary, then move into discussion.  We will do a "Making Connections" sheet together in class.  I will attach next week's vocabulary list, as well as an optional "reader response"  sheet to get perspective on how Winn-Dixie made a difference in the lives of the characters in the town of Naomi.  

Class 5: Students will have completed reading chapters 21-26.  We will begin our last class together with our last set of vocabulary words.  As this will be our last class together, we will have discussion about chapters 21-26.  I can include some short assessment type questions or if using for a grade, I can send home the short assessment to be completed and graded at home.  If we do not do an assessment together we will end with a game that will assess reading comprehension.  And I will send a certificate to each student upon completion.