Building Book Club in Minecraft - Magic Tree House - Afternoon in the Amazon

Class Experience
Class Experience
**Students are required to have a copy of Magic Tree House - Amazon in the Afternoon.  They will be reading this book during the club.  It is available in both paperback, and audiobook formats for those who are struggling with reading.****

During this course we will be going the Amazon Rainforest with Jack and Annie.  Will Morgan be with them too?  Each class, students will be assigned a certain number of chapters to read.  We will meet up to discuss the material and work on a themed build during each class.  Students will need to read the first three chapters prior to our first meeting.  During class we will discuss Jack and Annie's trip to the Amazon rainforest and work on some fun building challenges centering around our Rainforest discussions.

Class 1 - Prior to class Read chapters 1 - 3.  We will discuss Chapters 1-3 and what the definition of a rainforest is.  We will be starting our storyboard building reports.   Students will be asked to read chapters 4-6 for the next class.  
Class 2  - We will discuss the events of chapters 4-6.  While working on our themed storyboard, we will discuss the flora of the rainforest   Students will be asked to read chapters 7-8 for next class.
Class 3 - We will discuss the events of chapters 7-8.  While working on our themed storyboard, we will discussing the animals of the rainforest. I will ask students to finish reading the book, chapters 9 & 10.
Class 4 - We will discuss the events of chapters 9-10.  While finish our storyboards together and show off our work.  We will discuss how we can work to save the rainforest and why they are so important to maintain this natural resource.

During class, students will also be able to build in their own Minecraft game.  They can choose to play in whatever game platform that they are comfortable with.  I want them to use a version they have already been using and know well.  Trying to learn new game controls can lead to frustration and that means no fun and learning can take place.  

We do offer a Java whitelisted Minecraft Server or a Bedrock Edition server students are welcome to join during class.  Students will have continued access to a whitelisted Java game server if they would like to play continue to play on there.  A whitelisted server is a security feature with Minecraft.  This means that if your user ID is not registered with us, you cannot play on the server.  This makes it a safe place for your child to play and build and meet other students from around the world.  

SERVER ACCESS IS NOT REQUIRED.  I have that in caps to emphasize that we DO NOT require server access.  Some game systems will NOT connect to servers.  Students are able to build inside of their own worlds while being in Zoom with the class.  In fact, many students choose to build their projects in their own worlds.  This if perfectly fine.

The class will be presented in an open discussion style as we talk about the chapters of the book and pirates.  I encourage participation with questions and through presenting facts supporting their opinions.  In order to actively participate in class, students need to be prepared by completing their reading materials.  I want the students to dig in and learn knowledge from others and discover the knowledge they already have.  

We will have time each class to allow students to share their knowledge openly about both the subject we are learning, but also about Minecraft. I love hearing student's stories about builds and what they have learned.  I also encourage students to share their building projects they are working on.

This class is great for beginner builders or those with a lot of building experience.  It's meant to encourage creativity as students build.  I do not give instructions on how to build the various projects.  I will have examples for them to look at, but I do not give a step by step process.  Students in elementary/early middle school level students or students with special needs can complete this course.

I have been teaching using Minecraft for over 8 years now.  My experience includes teaching for almost 12 years both in classroom, but also as a homeschool parent of four kids with special needs and learning disabilities.  I studied History and Elementary Education through IPFW and love using Minecraft as a tool to reinforce with students the information they are learning about.  Minecraft is a great learning tool.  It helps to build critical thinking skills as students re-create projects in their game platforms.  Creating in a cube world takes creativity and ingenuity.  It's a lot of fun!!