Books Are Fun! Leprechaun in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osborne: Flex Edition

This flex class is for students who love to read the series and learn more while traveling through time. In this session, readers will explore the book in more detail with reading, deep dives into non-fiction topics, and classroom discussions. This class has been offered live for several years and the content has been adapted and modified for a flexible class.

To accommodate busier student schedules and different time zones, this course will be a “flex” class and there will be no scheduled live meetings. I am available via the classroom or email for questions. Students will not meet live in the class, but they will get to know me/each other through my video presentations and classroom discussions. 

This flex class will explore this book by exploring the location, wildlife, people/characters, plot and other important themes.  Students will watch videos and teacher presentations over the course of the class. I will upload videos for each chapter for you to watch. Supplemental work will include questions, photos, activities, maps, and fun facts. 

I will post videos in the classroom on Sunday evenings by 9 pm EST, and you will have a week to watch, respond to classroom topics, and ask questions. I will be available throughout the week to prompt questions and answer any questions. I will also post a question about our book that will kick start our weeks. Discussion or check-in questions will be posted on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 am EST.

Each week (Sundays at 9 pm):
Book: I will upload the designated chapters of the book in multiple versions. Students may watch the options based upon their reading level. Readings will be: 
A.	a video of reading aloud from the book to help with fluency,
B.	a video reading with the text on the screen to help with choral reading, 
C.	a video of the chapter pointing out weekly vocabulary and other topics,
D.    a video reading using the Fact Tracker.
E.	Requested readings are also welcomed with specific topics that a student needs to work on, such as pointing out nouns, proper nouns, action verbs, linking verbs, pronouns, and other grammar topics. I love getting specific requests from parents because it benefits the entire class. 

Students can upload or record themselves reading from their favorite chapter.

Weekly uploads will also include a topic for the week (i.e. Geography, Animals, People/Characters, Weather, etc.) dependent upon the book. Also, I will upload a snack idea, art idea, and/or craft idea each week for expanded learning opportunities.

Packets will include chapter questions, activities, vocabulary, and other activity sheets dependent upon the chapter readings. I will use the term “wacky words” for weekly vocabulary.

Optional: Jack’s Backpack – I use a “share-n-tell” and/or "snack-n-tell" each week for students to upload a video, picture, or discuss in the classroom of an item and/or snack. They can talk about their item and why they picked it. Objects/Food are great icebreakers. I will participate in this as well to create rapport with the students.

Pre-Class:
Each class section will begin on a Monday. During the pre-week, we will share a favorite things page, prepare for the book study, and answer any questions. This week will allow for you to plan, review the agenda, and borrow/purchase any books or optional supplies.

Week 1: Let’s Get Excited. Kicking off the Book!
Readings: Prologue/Chapter 1/Chapter 2/Chapter 3
Geography – Where are we going?
Weekly Packet – The Mission & Wacky Words
Crafty Idea, Cooking is Fun, and/or Wacky Math
Five Senses of Reading
Jack’s Backpack - Share-n-Tell/Snack-n-Tell
Classroom Check-In - (posted 2 times per week – Tuesday & Thursday)
Optional Video Fieldtrip Embedded YouTube Approved Link

Week 2: Let’s Explore & Learn!
Book. Class Readings: Chapter 4/Chapter 5/Chapter 6/Chapter 7
Wildlife or Flora of the region
Weekly Packet – Topics Specific to the Reading & Wacky Words
Crafty Idea, Cooking is Fun, and/or Wacky Math
Five Senses of Reading
Jack’s Backpack - Share-n-Tell/Snack-n-Tell
Classroom Check-In - (posted 2 times per week – Tuesday & Thursday)
Optional Video Fieldtrip Embedded YouTube Approved Link


Week 3: Let’s Celebrate!
Book. Class Readings: Chapter 8/Chapter 9, Chapter 10
The Plot
Weekly Packet – Sequence, Write-n-Roll, Fact or Fiction, Final Review
Crafty Idea, Cooking is Fun, and/or Wacky Math
Five Senses of Reading
Jack’s Backpack - Share-n-Tell/Snack-n-Tell
Classroom Check-In - (posted 2 times per week – Tuesday & Thursday)
Optional Video Fieldtrip Embedded YouTube Approved Link


Jack’s Backpack (Optional After Class Completion): Students can celebrate with their families. I suggest that families offer a Surprise Brag Bag to their child when they complete a book. The Brag Bag can have an item that ignited the child during the book. Suggestions for this book include: a stuffed animal, a coupon for a treat, notebook/pen, flashlight, next book for their reading club, a special snack or a STEM related activity. The Brag Bag surprise depends on the interests of your child. It will build confidence and encourage participation in future book studies.