Welcome to "Exploring Vocabulary through The Tale of Despereaux! In this interactive and engaging class, students will embark on a literary journey through Kate DiCamillo's captivating tale while simultaneously enhancing their vocabulary skills.

"The Tale of Despereaux" is a timeless story that follows the adventures of a brave mouse named Despereaux as he navigates through a world filled with danger, love, and redemption. Along the way, students will encounter a rich tapestry of words that will expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of the English language.

Through a variety of activities and discussions, students will:

Read and Analyze Text:  Together we will read "The Tale of Despereaux" and engage in  activities designed to understand the context and meaning of new vocabulary words within the text.

Word Exploration: Through guided exploration, students will delve into the meanings, origins, and usage of new vocabulary words encountered in the book. They will learn to identify synonyms, antonyms, and understand the nuances of word usage.

Contextual Learning: By examining how vocabulary words are used within the context of the story, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the subtleties of language and how words can convey different meanings based on their context.

Vocabulary Games and Activities: To reinforce learning and make it fun, students will participate in various vocabulary games and activities such as word puzzles, vocabulary bingo, and word association games.

Creative Expression: Students will have the opportunity to express their understanding of new vocabulary words through illustrations. 

Discussion and Reflection: Through group discussions and reflection exercises, students will have the chance to share their insights, questions, and thoughts about the vocabulary they have encountered, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

By the end of the class, students will not only have gained a deeper appreciation for words like: 

Perplexed - bewildered or puzzled
Resilient - able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
Conspicuous - standing out or clearly visible
Audacious - showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
Intrigue - arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate
Voracious - having a very eager approach to an activity; ravenous
Noble - having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles
Conceal - to keep from sight; hide
Ingenious - clever, original, and inventive
Scurry - to move hurriedly with short quick steps

Through the enchanting world of "The Tale of Despereaux" students will expand their vocabulary repertoire, and build valuable language skills that they can carry forward into their future reading and writing endeavors.

Join us on this literary adventure as we unravel the mysteries of words and embark on a quest for linguistic enrichment through the magic of storytelling!

Week of April 1: Chapters 1-3, chapters 4-9, vocabulary 
Week of April 8: Chapters 10-14,  chapters 15-17, vocabulary 
Week of April 15: 3 Chapters 18-22, chapters 23-28, vocabulary 
Week of April 22: 4 Chapters 29-31, chapters 32-35, vocabulary 
Week of April 29: 5 Chapters 36-38, chapters 39-42, vocabulary 
Week of May 6 Chapters 43-46, chapters 47-51
Week of May 13: 52- review