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($13 per class)
Class

Exploring Vocabulary Through the Tale of Despereaux: Building Language/Literacy

Completed by 4 learners
Ages 7-10
Live Group Class
In this interactive and engaging class, students will embark on a literary journey through Kate DiCamillo's captivating tale while simultaneously enhancing their vocabulary skills.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(151 reviews)
Popular

Live video meetings
2x per week
2-8 learners per class
35 min

What's included

2 live meetings
1 hrs 10 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 1 - 2
Welcome to "Exploring Vocabulary through The Tale of Despereaux! In this interactive and engaging class, students will embark on a literary journey through Kate DiCamillo's captivating tale while simultaneously enhancing their vocabulary skills.

"The Tale of Despereaux" is a timeless story that follows the adventures of a brave mouse named Despereaux as he navigates through a world filled with danger, love, and redemption. Along the way, students will encounter a rich tapestry of words that will expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of the English language.

Through a variety of activities and discussions, students will:

Read and Analyze Text:  Together we will read "The Tale of Despereaux" and engage in  activities designed to understand the context and meaning of new vocabulary words within the text.

Word Exploration: Through guided exploration, students will delve into the meanings, origins, and usage of new vocabulary words encountered in the book. They will learn to identify synonyms, antonyms, and understand the nuances of word usage.

Contextual Learning: By examining how vocabulary words are used within the context of the story, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the subtleties of language and how words can convey different meanings based on their context.

Vocabulary Games and Activities: To reinforce learning and make it fun, students will participate in various vocabulary games and activities such as word puzzles, vocabulary bingo, and word association games.

Creative Expression: Students will have the opportunity to express their understanding of new vocabulary words through illustrations. 

Discussion and Reflection: Through group discussions and reflection exercises, students will have the chance to share their insights, questions, and thoughts about the vocabulary they have encountered, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

By the end of the class, students will not only have gained a deeper appreciation for words like: 

Perplexed - bewildered or puzzled
Resilient - able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
Conspicuous - standing out or clearly visible
Audacious - showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
Intrigue - arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate
Voracious - having a very eager approach to an activity; ravenous
Noble - having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles
Conceal - to keep from sight; hide
Ingenious - clever, original, and inventive
Scurry - to move hurriedly with short quick steps

Through the enchanting world of "The Tale of Despereaux" students will expand their vocabulary repertoire, and build valuable language skills that they can carry forward into their future reading and writing endeavors.

Join us on this literary adventure as we unravel the mysteries of words and embark on a quest for linguistic enrichment through the magic of storytelling!

Week of April 1: Chapters 1-3, chapters 4-9, vocabulary 
Week of April 8: Chapters 10-14,  chapters 15-17, vocabulary 
Week of April 15: 3 Chapters 18-22, chapters 23-28, vocabulary 
Week of April 22: 4 Chapters 29-31, chapters 32-35, vocabulary 
Week of April 29: 5 Chapters 36-38, chapters 39-42, vocabulary 
Week of May 6 Chapters 43-46, chapters 47-51
Week of May 13: 52- review

Other Details

Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

5.0
151reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENSPRINGFUN10 until Mar 23, 2025. Look through my classes at https://outschool.com/teachers/noraryszka-yahoo-com and enter the coupon code at checkout.

Welcome to  The Friendly Forest School! 

I come to you with a wealth of knowledge, classroom experience, and a passion for teaching young children though play. 

My classes follow a Waldorf-inspired approach that focuses on the holistic development of children, ensuring that academic skills are nurtured in an engaging and imaginative manner.

A predictable peaceful rhythm, delightful melodies, American Sign Language, and captivating tales (often set in the Friendly Forest) infuse every lesson, making learning a joyful exploration!I 

By embracing the ebb and flow of nature's cycles, my goal is to help children feel grounded, secure, and ready to absorb knowledge with open hearts and curious minds.

ABOUT ME: 

My journey in education began in the summer of 2001 with an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After earning my Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University, I worked as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.

I later moved to Phoenix, AZ, where I transitioned into Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. My focus was on developing expressive language through American Sign Language, as well as supporting the whole child through sensory integration and positive behavior strategies. In 2005, I was honored to be named Arizona’s "Caregiver of the Year" by the Governor.

In 2006, I earned my Master’s Degree in Special Education and began teaching in a K-6 self-contained classroom. During this time, I developed an award-winning, school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program rooted in peace and mindfulness. For this work, I received the "You Make a Difference" award from the Osborn School District.

My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010, and in 2013, I left the classroom to focus on motherhood full-time. That same year, my youngest daughter, Annalise, was born. During this time, I embraced Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschooling using Waldorf and Montessori-inspired methods.

In 2017, I founded my own Early Childhood Center, Let’s Play Learning, which provided a developmentally appropriate curriculum centered on the belief that young children learn best through hands-on exploration of the natural world, a thoughtfully prepared environment, and nurturing guidance from both caregivers and skilled educators. When the pandemic began, I transitioned to teaching online—a shift I have come to love!

In my classes, I strive to cultivate a culture of peace and mindfulness, integrating academic learning with nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.

Today, I live with my family just five minutes from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.

Reviews



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