This dual book study class is a 'close up view' of two texts that have appeared in my Elementary Book Club and Round Table 1; they partner so beautifully in a place that can focus on the tremendous similarities and differences of two close in age narrators (seven and eight, respectively). While Ramona Quimby is often a household name, Billy Miller is a beloved character of depth in his own right. This course grants the gift of time in reading, understanding and connecting to two texts written around 30 years apart!

Ramona and Billy are both incredibly close in age, they are both part of a four-person family unit (in these books!) AND both have a variety of home and school challenges and successes. However, their interpersonal relationships, problem solving habits and youthful hobbies and desires differ (...or do they?)

While all reading will be completed outside of class, each meeting will be teacher-designed with discussion points to warm up the conversation and encourage the sharing of opinions. We will be actively looking for ways these characters are OR aren't 'relatable' to us -- and then, why not? Class will culminate with a creative comprehension activity that 'best suits' the nature of the chapters read while ALSO creating space for each learner to showcase their personal connections to the characters they are reading about. ALL comprehension activities planned will be posted 24 hours before each meeting, with 'materials needed' only consisting of teacher-made templates (downloaded/ printed from the Classroom page) or 'household items' such as writing/ coloring tools, blank paper, paint, glue stick, etc. 

Comprehension activity examples can include: teacher-prompts, opinion writing, artistic elements, persuasive activities and more!

READING AND COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: CHAPTERS 1, 2 and 3 of Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (by Beverly Cleary) 
Week 2: CHAPTERS 4, 5 and 6 of Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (by Beverly Cleary) 
Week 3: CHAPTERS 7, 8 and 9 of Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (by Beverly Cleary) 
Week 4: PART 1 of The Year of Billy Miller (by Kevin Henkes)
Week 5: PART 2 of The Year of Billy Miller (by Kevin Henkes)
Week 6: PART 3 of The Year of Billy Miller (by Kevin Henkes)
Week 7: PART 4 of The Year of Billy Miller (by Kevin Henkes)

SCHEDULE NOTES:

As per the course schedule, there will be no class on 10/27 and 11/24.