James and the Giant Peach Book Club and Insect Life Cycle Study
In this seven week class, students will read James and the Giant Peach, build comprehension and vocabulary skills, and study the life cycle of each insect introduced in the book.
The Friendly Forest School with Ms. Nora, M.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(149)
Popular
What's included
14 live meetings
8 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
In this fun and interactive class students will read the book, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, and study the life cycle of each insect depicted in the book.
This class is designed to build literacy skills by using a range of strategies when drawing meaning from the text, and develop an understanding of characteristics of living things, the processes of life, and how living things interact with each other and their environment.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the plot and basic details of James and the Giant Peach and
analyze how James and others meet conflict within the book and persevere. Student will explore metaphors and similes, build vocabulary, make predictions, summarize, and build comprehension.
Children will also begin to understand the characteristics of living things, appreciate the importance of the diversity of life, and begin to recognize the infinite number of ways that living things can interact with each other and with their environment.
Each class will begin with a welcoming poem, and a mindful breath. We will then delve into our discussion! Each week I will have a different presentation, graphic organizer, activity, or game that will help students develop their reading and comprehension skills, build vocabulary, make connections and interpret the text.
On the second day of our class we will explore the Life Cycle of an insect (character in the book). We will compare and contrast information and details from the book with the actual insect. Together we will explore the life cycle, sequence pictures and text, and then create our own illustration depicting each stage of the life cycle.
At the end of each class students will be encouraged to share their favorite parts of the story, or show their illustrations.
Week 1
Week 1, Day 1 - Read Chapters 1-7
Week 1, Day 2 - Life Cycle of a Lady Bug
Week 2
Week 2, Day 1 - Read Chapter 7-13
Week 2, Day 2 - Life Cycle of a Grasshopper
Week 3
Week 3, Day 1 - Read chapters 14-19
Week 3, Day 2 - Life Cycle of a Spider
Week 4
Week 4, Day 1 - Read 20-26
Week 4, Day 2 - Life Cycle of an Earthworm
Week 5
Week 5, Day 1 - Read
Week 5, Day 2 - Life Cycle of a Centipede
Week 6
Week 6, Day 1 - Read chapters 33-39
Week 6, Day 2 - Life Cycle of a Silkworm
Week of 7
Week 7, Day 1 - Discussion and Review of James and the Giant Peach
Week 7, Day 2 - Life Cycle of a GlowwormOther Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined February, 2022
5.0
149reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENNEWYEAR202510 until Jan 23, 2025. 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 began in the summer of 2001 when I had an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After graduating from Purdue University with my Bachelors Degree, I began working as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.
I then moved to Phoenix, AZ and started my journey in Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. I specialized in building expressive language through American Sign Language. Additionally, I focused on treating the whole child though sensory integration and positive behavior support. In 2005 I was named by the Governor as Arizona's "Caregiver of the Year"!
In 2006, I obtained my Masters Degree in Special Education and began working in a K-6 Self Contained Classroom. During this time I worked to develop an award winning School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program based entirely on peace and mindfulness. I was awarded the "You Make a Difference" award by the Osborn School District for my work on this project!
My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010. In 2013 I left the classroom to be a full-time mama. My youngest daughter, Annalise, was born in 2013. During this time I began to adopt Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschool using Waldorf and Montessori inspired pedagogy.
In 2017, I started my own Early Childhood Center called "Let's Play Learning". The developmentally appropriate curriculum was based on the view that children learn best when they are actively exploring the natural world and a carefully constructed environment in the company of their caregiver and directed by loving, professionally prepared teachers. I closed my doors at the beginning of the pandemic and began teaching online, which I love!
In my classes I strive to create a culture of peace and mindfulness while teaching academic skills through nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.
I now live with my family just five minutes away from beautiful Lake Michigan.Reviews
Live Group Class
$155
for 14 classes2x per week, 7 weeks
35 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-10
3-8 learners per class
