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 Colby, North Carolina and meet Charlie Reese!  She may not greet you warmly though, as she's pretty ticked off to be in that "hick town".  Charlie is from Raleigh and is living with her Aunt Bertha and Uncle Gus because her mom and dad are not able to take care of her.  No one really wants to be friends with her, except her weird "backpack buddy"- Howard.  When Charlie becomes interested in catching a stray dog she's seen around, Howard, Gus, and Bertha are all there for her to help her catch him.  Through many misunderstandings and angry outbursts, Charlie realizes what it means for someone to truly care about her and that wishes can come true in ways you never expected!

The book "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor is best for students entering 4th-6th grades.  It is a mid 4th grade level T book (Lexile 850L), 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 1-9 (pgs. 1-74) on your own and be ready to discuss these pages for our first meeting.
               After class, read Chapters 10-19 (pgs. 75-149) for next week's class.

Week 2- Discuss Chapters 10-19 (pgs. 75-149) during this week's class.
               After class, read Chapters 20-31 (pgs. 150-227) for next week's class.
 
Week 3-  Discuss Chapters 20-31 (pgs. 150-227) during this week's class.  Chapter 31 is the end of the story, and we will complete some fun activities in honor of finishing the book!

Come join us for this amazing book!  You will love Charlie and Wishbone! 

*This book club will be offered through the summer.  If your child loves to read, 
check out my Fall Fireside Book Club for "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George.