Heidi Heckelbeck Book Club - The Secret

Heidi Heckelbeck goes from homeschooler to public schooler in this first 3 book collection. Her challenges are not what you would expect because she comes from a family with a big secret. Heidi's mom, Aunt Trudy, and Heidi are all witches. That's right spell casting, potion making, real live witches. Heidi is still learning about when she can use magic, and when not to which is never easy to figure out. Often her emotions cloud her judgment and she makes poor magical decisions. Lucky for Heidi she has Aunt Trudy and her mom are there to guide her through these crazy experiences. 

Now I believe Heidi is a pretty normal kiddo but I have read complaints in some book reviews stating her negativity is bad for little readers. Heidi is emotional like most children who are transferring to a new school. They have fears and worries. These emotions are very frustrating for Hiedi and she does act out by saying she hates school. As you read through the series you discover that Heidi just needed a little confidence, to find friends. and create a comfort zone of her own. Heidi does by the end of this 3 book collection end up liking school and the unique experiences it creates. I feel its highly valuable to acknowledge negative feelings. Also, I strongly feel this book series creates a wonderful opportunity for parents to have deeper conversations about the rainbow of emotions we all feel. Life isn’t all sunshine and unicorns. These books are more like real life, the main character does NOT win every contest, making all the friends, or become the best student. These books I feel are much more relatable for young students.  

These darling books are full of rich vocabulary and phrases which makes them great for American English learners. For reluctant and struggling readers they offer a large font and pictures to help them grow their “speed” of reading and confidence. The Heidi Heckelbeck series is designed as an "easy reader" with a moderate complexity to the story. Young readers love the feeling of holding a chapter book while actually being able to read it without frustration. I think they are nearly as amazing as the Magic Treehouse book series. 

I recommend this series for children who are learning American English, who are dealing with school transitions like moving, or children who are struggling with their friendships. 

This "Heidi Heckelbeck Book Club - The Secret" is filled with the magic of games, crafts, snack inspirations, and new friendships. Come join us, no magic wand required! 

Details:
To keep the reading excitement going this book club will be very hands-on! We’ll share artwork, play games based on the book, and craft something from the book's main theme while we chat about the story. Of course, we’ll also talk about the book so we can be sure that comprehension and vocabulary aren’t getting bypassed with all this creative fun. This book club meets once a week for 60 minutes. 

Each week the kiddos will bring a book inspired project like artwork, diorama, song, poem, a letter written as one of the characters, collage art, one part of the book turned into a comic, model of something or someone from the book with clay, lego’s, or something else creative to share with the club members. The sharing project is only limited to your child’s imagination and available supplies. There are enough ideas here so they can create something new each week

Once you sign up for this club start reading the first book and check in the classroom for all the fun updates. Do not miss out on the extra fun stuff! 

Agenda:

Week 1: Heidi Has A Secret Book 1
Share book-inspired project
Trivia game (write at least 4 questions)
Whose Line Is It Game  (a "how to play" video will be posted a few days before class)
Activity project - Self-portrait (supplies: water paints, white liquid glue, ½ cup of salt, cardboard, paintbrushes, water cup)

Week 2: Heidi Casts A Spell Book 2 
Share book-inspired project
Trivia game (write at least 4 questions)
Mystery Word Game   (a "how to play" video will be posted a few days before class)
Activity project - 3D cube Heidi (supplies: printout, crayons/colored pencils, scissors, glue stick)

Week 3: Heidi And The Cookie Contest
Share book-inspired project
Trivia game (write at least 4 questions)
Call My Bluff Game  (a "how to play" video will be posted a few days before class)
Activity project - Cookie Squishy (printout, crayons/colored pencils, scissors, clear packing tape, plastic grocery store bag)