Summer Book Club- "The Penderwicks"

Just because it's Summertime doesn't mean you should stop learning!  Reading books allows you to experience things you have never lived through and live in places you have never been!  This summer, take a trip to the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts and meet The Penderwick sisters!  Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty, along with their father and dog Hound, take a summer vacation to stay at Arundel Cottage.  The grounds are pretty magical and the girls have many adventures with their new friend Jeffrey, whose mother owns Arundel Hall and the Cottage.  A wild experience with a bull, some soccer shenanigans, and an embarrassing display in front of Mrs. Tifton all lead to the Penderwick sisters are no longer welcome around Jeffery.  When the sisters discover a secret about Jeffery, they are desperate to talk to him.  Can the sisters save Jeffery AND what's left of their summer?

The book "The Penderwicks" by Jeanne Birdsall is best for students entering 4th-6th grades.  It is a mid 4th grade level T book (Lexile 800L), but the storyline would be interesting for the above mentioned age ranges.  Students who are a not quite ready to independently read on this level could still read this book and participate in the class, with the understanding that parents/caregivers could read aloud to or with their learner.  Students will need their own copy of the book so they can do the assigned reading each day.

Each class will begin with students sharing their "homework"- a picture they drew outside of class of their favorite part of their reading assignment and a short question or activity to get them connecting to the text.

Students will then interact with a presentation with pictures, audio clips, and video clips that will help us summarize each chapter, explain vocabulary, and help students see places and items from the story that will extend comprehension and improve visualization. We will engage in a fun discussion that incorporates critical thinking questions and that create authentic opportunities for students to apply their knowledge of reading standards such as: theme, character traits, cause & effect, predictions, inferences, problem & solution, and making connections.  Students will be encouraged to support their thinking with specific details from the book and ask any questions they had while reading on their own.

The class schedule is as follows:

Week 1-  Before class starts, read Chapters 1-5 (pgs. 1-66) on your own and be ready to discuss these pages for our first meeting.
               After class, read Chapters 6-9 (pgs. 67-123) for next week's class.

Week 2- Discuss Chapters 6-9 (pgs. 67-123) during this week's class.
               After class, read Chapters 10-13 (pgs. 124-190) for next week's class.

Week 3- Discuss Chapters 10-13 (pgs. 124-190) during this week's class.
               After class, read Chapters 14-18 (pgs. 191-262) for next week's class. 

Week 4-  Discuss Chapters 14-18 (pgs. 191-262) during this week's class.  
               After class, students will have a fun assignment that will help us "wrap up" the book.

Week 5-  During this week's class, we will reminisce about the characters and events in honor of finishing the book! Students will share their "homework" assignment with the group.


Come join us for this amazing book!  You are sure to get wrapped up in the adventures of the Penderwicks! 

*This book club will be offered through the Summer.  If your child loves reading, check out my Summer Days Book Clubs for "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor.