Great Literature: Island of the Blue Dolphins
In this online book club students will dive into the Newberry Award winning book, Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O'Dell. We use discussion, art, and history to deepen our comprehension of a wonderful tale of survival.
Laurie Mace
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(3)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be assigned in the first class of each week to read one chapter and on the second day of each week to read two chapters before the next class. Depending on the reader this may take 15 minutes to an hour.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Intermediate Level
In this 6 week book club, we will be reading the Newberry Award winning book, Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O'Dell. This is a female survival story based on a real person, on an island, rescued in the early 1800s. We will meet 1 times a week to discuss what we have read using Google slides, art and games.
In each class, students will then start the class discussing what they have read, then draw a picture of the chapter including key details. On the other side we will write no more than 5 sentences summarizing the chapter. We will work on this in class. On day one, we will look at a map of the island and as we read the book we will mark where key events happened or where a place mentioned in the book is on the island. A copy of this map will be sent to you to copy.
My teaching style is friendly and engaging. My hope is that in every class students feel welcomed and comfortable in participating. I have over 20 years of teaching experience and use that experience to guide learners wherever they find themselves in their reading journey.
Week 1 - Welcome and get to know you activities
Discuss history of the book and the author will cutting 29, 3" by 6 inch pieces of
paper.
Color the ocean around the island of printed island outline.
Assign Chapter 1 - 6 of the book and introduce vocabulary for chapters 1-6.
Week 2 - Welcome
Add events and places to the map.
Play a Kahoot game as a basis of discussion for the 6 chapters.
Discuss the main idea of the chapters and key details from chapters 1-6.
On a blank white 3X6 of construction paper draw and color what key ideas
happened in chapters 1-6. Write sentences summarizing each chapter. Any
chapters we do not finish will be assigned as homework.
Assign Chapters 7 - 12 of the book and introduce vocabulary for next 6 chapters.
Week 3 - Welcome
Add events and places to the map.
Play a Kahoot game as a basis of discussion for chapters 7-12.
Discuss the main idea of the chapters and key details from chapters 7-12.
On a blank white 3X6 of construction paper draw and color what key ideas
happened in chapters 7-12. Write sentences summarizing each chapter. Any
chapters we do not finish will be assigned as homework.
Assign Chapters 13-18.
Week 4 - Welcome
Add events and places to the map.
Play a Kahoot game as a basis of discussion for chapters 13-18.
Discuss the main idea of the chapters and key details from chapters 13-18.
On a blank white 3X6 of construction paper draw and color what key ideas
happened in chapters 13-18. Write sentences summarizing each chapter. Any
chapters we do not finish will be assigned as homework.
Assign chapters 19 - 24 and introduce vocabulary for those chapters.
Week 5 - Welcome
Add events and places to the map.
Play a Kahoot game as a basis of discussion for chapters 19-24.
Discuss the main idea of the chapters and key details from chapters 19-24.
On a blank white 3X6 of construction paper draw and color what key ideas
happened in chapters 19-24. Write sentences summarizing each chapter. Any
chapters we do not finish will be assigned as homework.
Assign chapters 25-29.
Week 6 - Welcome
Add events and places to the map.
Play a Kahoot game as a basis of discussion for chapters 25-29.
Discuss the main idea of the chapters and key details from chapters 1-6.
On a blank white 3X6 of construction paper draw and color what key ideas
happened in chapters 25-29. Write sentences summarizing each chapter.
Glue matchbook summaries onto legal size folder.Learning Goals
The learning goals for each student is to enjoy a good book and have fun doing it. I believe part of "enjoy" and "fun" happens when students really get into the story and connect with it.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Island of the Blue Dolphin is based on research done by Scott O'Dell on a girl that was actually rescued from an island in the early 1800s. There are some key events that may be difficult for some students. These include: combat, death of a young brother, and death of a dog.
Supply List
Other than the book, Island of the Blue Dolphin, students will need 30 3x5 white index cards, a book ring and a single hole punch. Island of the Blue Dolphin: I found one on Amazon for $6.78. hole punch: Here is one I found on Amazon for $4.72: Officemate 1- Hole Punch, 5 Sheet Capacity, Silver (90091) book ring (The book rings are not sold individually. Unfortunately you have to buy them in a pack. I found a pack for $5.99. 2 Inch Loose Leaf Binder Rings, 20PCS Nickel Plated Steel Book Rings for Index Cards Blank Index Cards: Here is a pack of 100, I found for $4.65 on Amazon. (Please make sure they have no line on the front or back.)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined July, 2023
5.0
3reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Hardin-Simmons University
My name is Laurie. I have 21 years of experience in education with a Bachelor and a Master degree. As a teacher, I think learning should be fun and engaging. I love using music, mnemonics, and tactile experiences to help students learn. I can't wait to meet you.Reviews
Live Group Class
$17
weekly or $102 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
50 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-11
3-6 learners per class
