Bookwyrm Book Club- Mousecapades!
Experience the adventurous lives of mice with "Poppy," "The Tale of Despereaux," and "Word of Mouse." In this exciting book club/literature course for ages 9-11, explore stories of courage, resilience, and the power of words.
What's included
8 live meetings
7 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students are expected to read the assigned chapters using sticky note annotations to be prepared for each weekly meeting.Progress Report
A requested progress report for a student in the Mousecapades BookWyrm Club details the student's understanding and application of character development through the "What's in the Head, Heart, Hands, and Heels (Achilles)" framework, highlighting their ability to identify key elements in "Poppy," "The Tale of Despereaux," and "Word of Mouse." It also provides insights into their participation in class discussions, the quality of their sticky note annotations, and their overall engagement and enthusiasm for the reading material.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
Beginner Level
What will be taught The Mousecapades BookWyrm Club is designed to immerse students in the adventurous worlds of "Poppy," "The Tale of Despereaux," and "Word of Mouse." Students will learn to analyze characters through the "What's in the Head, Heart, Hands, and Heels (Achilles)" framework. They will develop skills in literary analysis, critical thinking, and expressive communication through reading, discussion, and creative projects. What topics will you cover? Introduction to "What's in the Head, Heart, Hands, and Heels (Achilles)" Detailed exploration of "Poppy," "The Tale of Despereaux," and "Word of Mouse" Key elements of each story, such as character development, plot structure, themes, and literary devices Comparison and contrast of the three books Responding to literature with personal reflections and critical analysis How is your class structured? The class is divided into eight Zoom meetings, each focusing on specific segments of the books and structured as follows: Introduction and overview of books, plus annotation techniques "Poppy" (First half) "Poppy" (Second half) "The Tale of Despereaux" (First half) "The Tale of Despereaux" (Second half) "Word of Mouse" (First half) "Word of Mouse" (Second half) Comparison of all three books and final discussion Each class will start with a brief recap of the previous session, followed by a guided discussion of the assigned reading, and end with an introduction to the next assignment. How will you teach? My teaching approach is interactive and student-centered, focusing on engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities. Teaching methods include: Lectures: Brief overviews to introduce new concepts and provide context. Slides: Visual aids to highlight key points and keep the sessions organized. Discussions: Interactive discussions where students share their thoughts and insights. Sticky Note Annotations: Students will use sticky notes to mark key points in their books, which we will discuss in class. What's your teaching style? My teaching style is dynamic and supportive, encouraging active participation and fostering a love for reading. I aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and asking questions. I balance structure with flexibility, allowing for spontaneous discussions and deep dives into topics of interest. How much will learners get to interact with you? Students will have ample opportunities to interact with me and their peers throughout the course. Specific interaction points include: Lectures: Short lectures will be interspersed with discussions to keep students engaged. Slides: Visual aids will be used to enhance understanding and provide structure. Group Discussions: Each session will feature discussions where students can share their thoughts, questions, and sticky note annotations. Q&A Sessions: Dedicated time for students to ask questions and receive personalized feedback. Conclusion The Mousecapades BookWyrm Club offers an exciting and educational journey through the stories of brave and clever mice. By the end of the course, students will have developed a deeper understanding of character analysis, improved literary analysis skills, and an appreciation for diverse narratives. They will also build confidence in expressing their ideas and participating in thoughtful discussions with their peers.
Learning Goals
Students will develop a deep understanding of character analysis through the "What's in the Head, Heart, Hands, and Heels (Achilles) of the Main Character" framework.
Students will enhance their critical thinking and literary analysis skills by exploring themes, plot structures, and literary devices in the selected books.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Starting the Adventure
Learning Targets:
Students will understand how to annotate texts using sticky note codes.
Students will get an overview of "Poppy," "The Tale of Despereaux," and "Word of Mouse."
Agenda:
Introduction to annotation and sticky note codes.
Overview of each book's and preview covers.
Activity on identifying "Head, Heart, Hands, and Heels" elements.
Homework: Read the first half of "Poppy" independently and annotate.
Common Core Standards: RL.4.1, RL.4.2
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Poppy's Journey: Head and Heart
Learning Targets:
Students will analyze Poppy's thoughts and feelings (Head and Heart).
Students will identify key themes and conflicts in "Poppy."
Agenda:
Discussion of homework annotations focusing on Poppy's "Head and Heart."
Group activity on the conflicts faced by Poppy.
Exploration of how Poppy's emotions influence her actions.
Homework: Read the second half of "Poppy" independently and annotate.
Common Core Standards: RL.4.3
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Poppy's Decisions: Hands and Heels
Learning Targets:
Students will explore Poppy's actions and challenges (Hands and Heels).
Students will discuss the resolution and lessons learned in "Poppy."
Agenda:
Review and discussion of annotations focusing on Poppy's "Hands and Heels."
Activity on the resolution and its impact on the characters.
Synthesis of key lessons from "Poppy."
Homework: Read the first half of "The Tale of Despereaux" independently and annotate.
Common Core Standards: RL.4.3
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Into the Darkness: Despereaux’s Head and Heart
Learning Targets:
Students will examine Despereaux's thoughts and motivations (Head and Heart).
Students will identify major themes in the first half of "The Tale of Despereaux."
Agenda:
Introduction to "The Tale of Despereaux" and initial thoughts.
Discussion of Despereaux's inner thoughts and emotions.
Activity on identifying themes of bravery and honor.
Homework: Read the second half of "The Tale of Despereaux" independently and annotate.
Common Core Standards: RL.4.1, RL.4.3
55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Our BookWyrm club is a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where all students feel valued and supported with positive reinforcement and engaging content.
Parental Guidance
In the Mousecapades BookWyrm Club, the following content may be upsetting or scary to some learners:
"Poppy" by Avi: The presence of dangerous predators, such as owls, and the theme of loss and bravery may be unsettling for some students.
"The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo: Themes of darkness, imprisonment, and violence, including scenes of danger and threats to the characters, might be distressing.
"Word of Mouse" by James Patterson: Some scenes depicting experiments on animals and the idea of a mouse escaping captivity may be troubling for sensitive learners.
Extra safety precautions include preparing students for potentially upsetting content by discussing these elements beforehand, encouraging open communication about their feelings, and ensuring a supportive environment where they can express any discomfort or concerns.
Pre-Requisites
Students should be able to read and engage in discussion.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University at Montgomery
With thirty years of classroom experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge in teaching and engaging young readers. I've utilized the "Whole Novels: A Student Centered Approach" by Ariel Sacks, allowing students to read entire novels independently before engaging in class discussions and analysis. This method fosters a deeper connection with the text and promotes critical thinking and literary appreciation, which I also implement in my online courses.
Additionally, I have extensive training in teaching sensitive and challenging topics with care and respect. I've attended numerous workshops and seminars focused on best practices for addressing complex themes, ensuring these subjects are handled with the sensitivity and understanding they require. My approach emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment where students can explore and discuss these topics thoughtfully, providing the necessary context and emotional support to engage with the material meaningfully. This expertise is particularly valuable in the Mousecapades BookWyrm Club, where we navigate themes of loss, bravery, resilience, and the complexities of character development.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $160 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-11
8-9 learners per class