Humphrey the Hamster Book Club for Lovers of Animals and Fun
Engaging Literature Lessons designed to battle the dreaded Summer Slump. Each week, learners will talk about a specific "The World According to Humphrey" book, build specific literary skills, and make a hamster-inspired craft. #academic
Miss Kate, M. Special Ed., TEFL
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(125)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each learner will be expected to read each week's book prior to the class.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 4
Each class will emphasize a separate "World According to Humphrey" book from the series by Betty G. Birney, but every class will follow a similar format. First, students will be given an opportunity to bond with their classmates by speaking about something that is important to them. This time will be for free expression in an environment which emphasizes active and respectful listening. Students love to hear about each others' lives, pets and hobbies, and this time is essential for the class as a whole to develop communication skills. The second part of each class will focus on three essential literary elements: characters, setting and plot and also develop vocabulary and word-building skills. In addition, I will also teach one additional literacy skill during each class (see scope and sequence below). To teach literary elements, I will utilize a power-point presentation. I stop often to the learners, check for understanding, provide feedback, and encourage active participation. The last five minutes of each class will be dedicated to making a quick book-inspired craft. This time is essential for class bonding and for developing the soft skills so necessary in today's society such as active listening and empathy. Scope and Sequence: Week of September 8: The World According to Humphrey (Book 1) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Static versus Dynamic Characters Antagonist versus Protagonist Week of September 15: Friendship According to Humphrey (Book 2) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Foreshadowing Week of September 22: Trouble According to Humphrey (Book 3) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Mood Week of September 29: Surprises According to Humphrey (Book 4) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Plot development Week of October 6: Adventure According to Humphrey (Book 5) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Conclusions Week of October 13: Summer According to Humphrey (Book 6) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Theme Week of October 20: School Days According to Humphrey (Book 7) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Descriptive Words Week of October 27: Mysteries According to Humphrey (Book 8) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Text to Self, Text to World, Text to Text Week of November 3: Winter According to Humphrey (Book 9) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Character Motivation Week of November 10: Imagination According to Humphrey (Book 10) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Cause and Effect Week of November 17: Spring According to Humphrey (Book 11) Word Identification (reading skill building), Vocabulary, Characters, Setting, Plot Inference
Learning Goals
Students will learn many essential skills during each class such as: character motivation and development, static versus dynamic characters, and descriptive words. These literary elements will not be focused upon in each class due to time constraints; however, by the end of this 9 week course, students will be able to confidently and intelligently discuss books on a deeper level. Students will increase their word-attack skills and book-specific vocabulary skills during each class.
In addition, students will be able to identify mood, background events, physical setting, and time while focusing on the setting of each book.
Finally, learners will overcome the summer slump by spending time outside of class reading the books. Reading during the summer is proven to help students retain the knowledge they learned during the previous school year.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I use Canva as a presentation tool during my lessons. Students will not need to access this site.
Supply List
Learners are expected to obtain a copy of the book of the week A list of needed materials for each class will be posted in the class at least two days prior to each lesson. The materials will be basic items such as paper, glue, scissors, etc. with an occasional optional item depending upon the craft of the week.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2022
4.9
125reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alaska Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Master's Degree in Education from University of Alaska, Fairbanks
I hold a master's degree with an emphasis in reading. I teach special education and understand the necessity for lively lessons designed to hold learners attention.Reviews
Live Group Class
$21
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-10
1-6 learners per class
