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The Gift of Dark Hollow: Podkin One Ear- A Journey Though the 5 Realms

Completed by 9 learners
Ages 8-12
Live Group Class
During this reading adventure, students will dive into second book in the Podkin series: The Gift of Dark Hollow.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(151 reviews)
Popular

Live video meetings
3x per week
2-10 learners per class
45 min

What's included

3 live meetings
2 hrs 15 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade Pre-Kindergarten - 2
Let's read, "The Legend of Podkin One Ear" by Kieran Larwood ! 

Together we will embark on an enchanting adventure with Podkin One-Ear! During this reading adventure, students will dive into the captivating world of Podkin, the brave rabbit hero, and his siblings, as they navigate through loss, danger, deep hardship, friendship, forgiveness, self-discovery and bravery. Each session will feature a lively reading of "Podkin One-Ear," paired with interactive discussions, creative activities, and imaginative explorations that bring the story to life.

Learning Objectives:

Enhance Reading Comprehension: Understand and analyze key events, themes, and character developments in the story.

Expand Vocabulary: Learn and use new words encountered in the text through engaging activities.

Develop Map Reading Skills: Interpret and create maps related to the journey of Podkin and his siblings.

Boost Creativity: Illustrate scenes and characters from the book, bringing the story to life through art.

Foster Imagination and Empathy: Encourage imaginative thinking and understanding of the characters' emotions and actions.

Class Structure:

Introduction and Warm-Up:
Greeting and mindful breath:
Brief overview of the day's reading and review of the previous session.
Fun warm-up activity related to the story (e.g., character charades, quick sketches).

Read-Aloud Session:
Enthusiastic and expressive reading of "Podkin One-Ear."
Pause for predictions, vocabulary, questions, and reflections during the reading.

Interactive Discussion:
Group discussion on the key events, themes, and characters of the day's reading.
Questions to encourage critical thinking and personal connections to the story.

Reading Comprehension Activities:
Activities to reinforce understanding of the text (e.g., summarizing, identifying main ideas).
Quizzes and games to test comprehension in a fun and interactive way.

Vocabulary Practice:
Introduction and practice of new vocabulary words from the day's reading.
Word games and exercises to reinforce learning.

Map Reading and Creation:
Study and discuss maps related to the story's setting and characters' journeys.
Create maps that chart Podkin and his siblings' adventures.

Creative Illustration:
Illustrations inspired by the story (e.g., drawing favorite scenes, designing character portraits).
Sharing and discussing illustrations with the class.

Closing and Preview:
Summary of the day's session.
Preview of the next reading to build excitement.

Learning Goals

Understand the main plot, characters, and setting of "Podkin One-Ear."
Understand the main plot, characters, and setting of "Podkin One-Ear."

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

5.0
151reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENSPRINGFUN10 until Mar 23, 2025. Look through my classes at https://outschool.com/teachers/noraryszka-yahoo-com and 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 in education began in the summer of 2001 with an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After earning my Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University, I worked as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.

I later moved to Phoenix, AZ, where I transitioned into Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. My focus was on developing expressive language through American Sign Language, as well as supporting the whole child through sensory integration and positive behavior strategies. In 2005, I was honored to be named Arizona’s "Caregiver of the Year" by the Governor.

In 2006, I earned my Master’s Degree in Special Education and began teaching in a K-6 self-contained classroom. During this time, I developed an award-winning, school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program rooted in peace and mindfulness. For this work, I received the "You Make a Difference" award from the Osborn School District.

My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010, and in 2013, I left the classroom to focus on motherhood full-time. That same year, my youngest daughter, Annalise, was born. During this time, I embraced Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschooling using Waldorf and Montessori-inspired methods.

In 2017, I founded my own Early Childhood Center, Let’s Play Learning, which provided a developmentally appropriate curriculum centered on the belief that young children learn best through hands-on exploration of the natural world, a thoughtfully prepared environment, and nurturing guidance from both caregivers and skilled educators. When the pandemic began, I transitioned to teaching online—a shift I have come to love!

In my classes, I strive to cultivate a culture of peace and mindfulness, integrating academic learning with nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.

Today, I live with my family just five minutes from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.

Reviews



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