Ms. Shelbz Presents: Magic Tree House: Dinosaur Adventure #1
In this engaging adventure, students will explore the prehistoric world of dinosaurs through interactive reading, discussions, and activities based on Dinosaurs Before Dark. This class encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Students will be evaluated based on their participation in class activities, discussions, and any homework assignments. Each class will feature comprehension questions to assess understanding of the reading material, vocabulary, skill work, discussion, etc. based on the needs of the group. Additionally, creative projects or reflections may be assigned to assess critical thinking and application of the content.Certificate of Completion
Feedback will be provided as requested by parents based on class discussions, written assignments, and personal conversations during class. If a student needs further clarification, I will offer additional support to ensure mastery of the material. Since the focus is on engagement and skill development, grading will be based on participation, effort, and overall progress rather than traditional letter grades. Parents may be informed of the studentโs progress as requested.Class Experience
US Grade 1 - 4
In this engaging 5-week adventure, students will explore each chapter of "Dinosaurs Before Dark" by Mary Pope Osborne. Through reading, discussion, and interactive activities, theyโll dive into key vocabulary, characters, and plot points while building critical thinking and creative skills. Each class is designed to make learning fun and immersive, with activities that encourage exploration and teamwork. What will be taught? Key characters, vocabulary, and plot points from chapters 1-10 The role of setting and context in the story Creative thinking exercises tied to each chapterโs theme Class Structure: 5 classes, each 50 minutes long Each class covers two chapters of the book A combination of reading, discussion, and activities to reinforce the material How will you teach? I use an interactive, student-centered approach, incorporating slides, videos, and games. Each class will involve a mix of instruction, discussion, and group activities to keep learners engaged and excited. How much will learners interact? Students will actively participate in discussions, games, and creative projects. Theyโll work both individually and in groups, sharing their ideas and contributing to class activities. Additional Information: No prior knowledge is needed, and Iโll help late learners catch up with key concepts to ensure they stay on track. Please note that this class is not affiliated with or endorsed by the author, publisher, or any official entity related to Magic Tree House or its trademark. It is an independent, educational experience created solely for the purpose of fostering creative thinking skills and encouraging students to explore the exciting world of literature. While using the books as a tool, I aim to promote critical thinking, imagination, and a love for reading, while remaining respectful to the authorโs work. Parents are responsible for purchasing their own copies of the book, as they will not be provided during class. We encourage students to have their copy of the book available to follow along with the lessons.
Learning Goals
Understand Key Story Elements: Students will identify and analyze the main characters, setting, and plot events in Dinosaurs Before Dark, enhancing their comprehension skills and ability to summarize key details.Develop Critical Thinking and Creative Skills: Students will engage in activities that encourage them to make predictions, ask questions, and explore the themes of adventure and discovery, fostering their ability to think critically about the story.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
The Time Travel Begins (Chapters 1 & 2)
Lesson Focus: Introduction to the main characters, Jack and Annie, and the start of their adventure. Students will discuss the magic treehouse and the dinosaurs they discover.
Activity: Students will draw their own version of the treehouse and include their favorite dinosaur.
Homework: Write a short paragraph describing what they would do if they found a magical treehouse.
Depending on the groupโs level, skill work may incorporated. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Meeting the Dinosaurs (Chapters 3 & 4)
Lesson Focus: Exploration of the dinosaurs that Jack and Annie encounter and their reactions to the prehistoric environment.
Activity: Create a โdinosaur fact sheetโ for their favorite dinosaur from the chapters, including its name, diet, and physical features.
Homework: Choose one dinosaur from the story and write a paragraph explaining what it would be like to see it in real life.
Skill Work: Depending on the groupโs level, skill work may incorporated. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Escaping Danger (Chapters 5 & 6)
Lesson Focus: Understanding the conflict in the story as Jack and Annie face the dangerous T-Rex. Students will learn about the concept of conflict and resolution.
Activity: Role-play the escape scene, with students acting out Jack and Annieโs reactions to the T-Rex.
Homework: Write a diary entry from Jackโs perspective, describing how you might escape from the T-Rex.
Skill Work: Depending on the groupโs level, skill work may incorporated. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Back to the Treehouse (Chapters 7 & 8)
Lesson Focus: Jack and Annieโs return to the treehouse and their decision to travel back home. Students will explore the theme of bravery and making decisions.
Activity: Have students create a โdecision treeโ to show the choices Jack and Annie made in the story and their consequences.
Homework: Students will write a letter from Jack to Annie, reflecting on their adventure and what they learned.
Skill Work: Depending on the groupโs level, skill work may incorporated. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class involves reading material that includes elements of adventure, exploration, and some mild peril (e.g., encounters with dinosaurs and other challenges). While these themes are designed to be exciting and engaging, some students may find certain moments intense. Parents should be aware that the content is intended for young learners and is appropriate for the target age group, but discretion is advised if a learner is particularly sensitive to these topics.
Pre-Requisites
Students should read the required chapters before class as this is not a read-aloud class. Instead, it is a class to get students to think critically, explore the book, and make a meaningful and lasting connection to the content.
Supply List
Supply List for "Dinosaurs Before Dark" Adventure Class: Book: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne (either a hard copy or an eBook) Paper: Notebook or lined paper for taking notes and completing assignments Writing Instruments: Pen or pencil Optional: Colored pencils or markers for creative assignments and activities Printables: Some assignments or worksheets may be provided as PDF files for parents to print (if preferred) Please note that the book is essential for class discussions, and the rest of the materials are simple and commonly found at home. If you'd like to print out the assignments, you'll receive digital copies to do so.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Please ensure that your child has the book, either a hard copy or an eBook, to facilitate learning.
The main source of content for this class will be the book Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, which serves as the foundation for the lessons. The class will reference specific passages, discussions, and themes from the book to facilitate learning. No additional external websites, articles, or third-party sources will be required for participation in this class. Any supplementary materials, such as illustrations or videos, will be from publicly available, non-copyrighted, licensed resources to support the learning experience.
Joined November, 2021
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from University of North Carolina at Charlotte
I have been a teacher for over 10 years, with extensive experience working with children in various settings, including both the classroom and online environments. During my career, I have taught this book many times, helping young learners engage with its content through a mix of interactive activities, discussions, and critical thinking exercises. My experience spans teaching in diverse regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, and West Africa, where I honed my ability to connect with students from different cultural backgrounds. I am passionate about fostering a love for reading and developing creative and analytical skills in children, and I have a strong track record of helping students build confidence and enjoyment in their learning.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$18
weekly1x per week, 5 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-11
3-6 learners per class
