Middle Grade Book-A-Week Club: Wildwood
Do you love diving into magical worlds, uncovering secrets, and discussing big ideas with fellow book lovers? Join us for a 4-day book camp where we’ll read and discuss Wildwood by Colin Meloy
AJ Crocker
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(46)
Rising Star
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
4+ hours per week. Reading homework each night will be 5 chapters, which should take between 1` and 3 hours of reading per night depending on reading pace. Students may also use audio books too support their reading.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Intermediate Level
Each day, we’ll dig into different aspects of the story—character growth, hidden histories, the role of magic, and the larger themes of power and identity. Through thoughtful discussions, fun activities, and creative challenges, students will deepen their understanding of the book while building their love for reading! Camp Schedule: Before class: Students complete the pre-reading activity in the classroom post and watch a video of Ms. Crocker launching the text. Class Structure: 📖 Before Each Session: Read 5 chapters (about 50 pages) 🗣️ Live Discussion: Share thoughts, predictions, and favorite moments 🎨 Creative Activity: Fun projects like world-building, debating factions, or imagining alternate endings 📝 Reflection Questions: Encourage deeper thinking about the story This class is great for students who: ✅ Enjoy fantasy books like Narnia or The Secret Garden ✅ Love discussing books and sharing ideas ✅ Like creative activities related to reading 📚 Let’s adventure into Wildwood together! Sign up and step into the Impassable Wilderness—if you dare!
Learning Goals
📖 Develop Reading Comprehension
Summarize key events and analyze how they shape the story
Identify character motivations, conflicts, and growth🗣️ Critical Thinking & Discussion
Develop and share personal opinions about the story with peers.
Use text evidence to support ideas and predictions.
Compare Wildwood to other fantasy books and real-world themes.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Week 1: Entering Wildwood (Chapters 1-5)
📖 Reading Focus: Introduction to Prue, Curtis, and the mysterious Impassable Wilderness.
🗣️ Discussion Topics:
- First impressions of the characters and setting.
- What motivates Prue to enter Wildwood?
- How does the author use descriptions to build the world?
🎨 Activity: Map of Wildwood – Students will sketch or annotate a map of the Impassable Wilderness.
📝 Reflection Question: Would you have followed Prue’s path into Wildwood? Why or why not? 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 2: Meeting the Mysteries (Chapters 6-10)
📖 Reading Focus: Encounters with new creatures, factions, and conflicts in Wildwood.
🗣️ Discussion Topics:
- The different groups within Wildwood—who can be trusted?
- How do Prue and Curtis experience Wildwood differently?
- What themes of loyalty and power are beginning to emerge?
🎨 Activity: Character Web – Create a visual chart of character relationships and factions.
📝 Reflection Question: If you were in Wildwood, which group would you want to join? 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 3: Conflicts & Choices (Chapters 11-15)
📖 Reading Focus: Rising tensions, political struggles, and character growth.
🗣️ Discussion Topics:
- What challenges are Prue and Curtis facing?
- How do the different groups in Wildwood interact?
- Are the villains truly evil, or do they have understandable motives?
🎨 Activity: Debate – Who Should Rule Wildwood? – Students will take on roles and argue for different factions as the best rulers.
📝 Reflection Question: What qualities make a great leader in Wildwood? 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week 4: The Journey Ahead (Chapters 16-20)
📖 Reading Focus: Climax of the story, character transformations, and major themes.
🗣️ Discussion Topics:
- How have Prue and Curtis changed since the beginning?
- What are the major themes of the book?
- How does Wildwood compare to other fantasy books?
🎨 Activity: Alternate Endings – Students will write or act out their own version of how the story could have ended.
📝 Reflection Question: Would you visit Wildwood if you had the chance? Why or why not? 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Ms. Crocker has experience working with a number of learning needs and is happy to make accommodations and adjustments to meet everyone's needs.
Parental Guidance
Wildwood by Colin Meloy is a middle-grade fantasy novel with rich world-building, adventure, and themes of courage and loyalty. While appropriate for most young readers, parents should be aware of the following elements:
Mild Fantasy Violence: The story includes battles, kidnappings, and perilous situations involving talking animals, bandits, and magical forces. While not overly graphic, some scenes may be intense for sensitive readers.
Complex Themes: The book explores political conflicts, betrayal, and power struggles within Wildwood. Some younger readers may need guidance in understanding these deeper themes.
Parents are encouraged to review the book or read alongside their child if they have any concerns. If your student is new to longer books, I can provide pacing strategies to support their reading experience.
Pre-Requisites
Students will be most successful if they are reading at a 4th grade reading level or higher. If a student is struggling to read the chosen book at the class' pace, I recommend using audiobooks, read alouds, or shared reading to help!
Supply List
A copy of Wildwood by Colin Meloy - either an eBook, audiobook, or paper version of the text.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Wildwood by Colin Meloy
Joined April, 2023
4.9
46reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Colorado State University
I am an experienced upper elementary teacher with over a decade of experience supporting students and their needs in the classroom. I currently work as an elementary librarian. I hold an M.A. in International Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and an M.S. in Teaching & Learning from Colorado State. I am certified K-6 Elementary Education and 7-12 Social Studies.Reviews
Live Group Course
$60
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
4-8 learners per class
