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The Secret Zoo - A Book Study for Advanced Elementary Readers

In this 3-week class, students will read and discuss Bryan Chick's The Secret Zoo, as well as improve their vocabulary.
Christin Martin, M.S. - Certified Educator
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(6)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will need to read the assigned chapters prior to the class session.
Assessment
An optional final assessment will be given upon request. I will grade one submission of the assignment free of charge!
Grading
A certificate of completion will be offered by request.

Class Experience

Intermediate - Advanced Level
Embark on a thrilling journey with our three-week book study of The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick, designed specifically for advanced elementary learners. This captivating course will immerse students in a world where zoo animals and children team up for extraordinary adventures. Through engaging discussions and critical thinking exercises, students will delve into the magical realms of the Clarksville City Zoo and uncover the secrets it holds.

Each week will focus on specific chapters of the book that should be read before the student enters the classroom. It is encouraged for students to have their novel handy for the session as passages are consistently referenced for examination.

On top of captivating literary discussion, students will also delve deeper into particular elements referenced in the novel.  For example, the protagonist uses a magical key that changes its ridges to fit in a lock. In our discussion, we will watch a short video that shows how keys are made specifically for locks and then discuss what elements of the magical key had to change to make it fit in the lock for the story. 

Each of the lessons culminates in a Quizlet vocabulary game where students test their knowledge of vocabulary used in the chapters they just read.  I will provide Quizlet practice links prior to each session for students to practice, as well.

By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of The Secret Zoo, its characters, and themes. They will enhance their reading comprehension, analytical, and creative skills through a variety of engaging and interactive activities. This book study will not only deepen their love for reading but also inspire them to think creatively and critically.

Join us in this magical adventure, and discover the wonders that lie within The Secret Zoo!
Learning Goals
Students will develop the ability to understand and interpret complex text.
Students will identify key plot points, settings, and character development.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
3 Lessons
over 3 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Session 1: Prologue through Chapter 13
 - Introduction to the animals we've met so far
- Book Beginnings (prelude, preface, prologue)
- Tree fort imagery
- Foreshadowing 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Session 2: Chapters 14 through 35
 - The magical key and its creation
- Review of foreshadowing
- Discussion about Podgy
- Understanding why authors use different POVs 
55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Session 3: Chapters 36 through the Epilogue
 - The Dodo Bird and its extinction
- The myth of the Sasquatches & their role in the novel 
- Theme
- The purpose of an epilogue 
55 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
This is designed to meet the interests of students who are more advanced or considered gifted; however, the content will still be interesting to those students who enjoy the content of the novel!
Parental Guidance
This book is rather clean, but it is always suggested that parents exercise their right to parental choice.
Pre-Requisites
Students should read the required chapters prior to attending the discussion class session.
5.0
6reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Florida Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in English from Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Central Florida
I have been a teacher for 18 years and have a Master's degree in English and Education. I have taught this book numerous times with gifted learners.

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$7

weekly or $20 for 3 classes
1x per week, 3 weeks
55 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
2-8 learners per class

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