Are you ready to go on an adventure with your child? In The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, Bastian finds an old book called The Neverending Story. He finds himself in a magical world of Fantastica and becomes a character in the story. He soon finds out that this world is in danger, and he has been chosen to save it. So, what will happen? The Neverending Story Lesson Plan Enjoy The Neverending Story with your child, then give these various Neverending Story lesson plans and enrichment activities a try. They are a great way to keep the adventure going long after the book ends. Medallion of Protection Craft: In the story, The Empress gives Auryn a medallion to help protect him and keep him safe. In this activity, children can make their own medallion of protection, to either keep for themselves or to give to someone who needs to feel brave. Here is how to get started. Supplies needed:- ribbon- thin cardstock or craft paper in choice of color- craft glue- … [Read more...]

Why a Seven Wonders Unit Study? In the Seven Wonders book series by Peter Lerangis, we meet an ailing thirteen-year-old named Jack McKinley. When he awakens on a mysterious island, he meets a secret organization that promises to save his life under one condition. Jack and friends Aly, Cass, and Marco, must retrieve seven lost magical objects called Loculi. When combined, the Loculi can save their lives. The series follows the children as they go on this adventurous quest and use teamwork to save the life of their friend. Enjoy the book series Seven Wonders by Jack McKinley with your children, then consider some of the enrichment activities below. They are an excellent way to follow up on the text, and not only enjoy it further by add an educational element to the experience. Seven Wonders Unit Study Activities: Seven Wonders Puzzle Craft:Here is what you will need to create your puzzle:- assorted large wooden craft sticks- markers or craft paint- pencil Directions:1. … [Read more...]

The children’s book The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks follows the adventures of a young boy named Omri. In this story, Omri is given the gift of a small wooden cupboard as well as a tiny Native American figurine. When he puts the figurine in the cupboard, it magically comes to life and adventures ensue. When the Native American Little Bear is injured, Omri learns that not all toys are just play things and begins to grasp some important life lessons. Indian in the Cupboard Study Unit and Cupboard Craft for Kids If your children enjoy make believe and adventure, take a dive into The Indian in the Cupboard. Then, look below to see how to make your own Cupboard Craft for Kids based on the book and enjoy some other simple activities that can help kids understand the themes of the book further. Indian in the Cupboard Craft for Kids: Supplies needed:- Brown and white craft paper- Scissors- Marker- Craft glue Directions:1. To begin, you will create a paper … [Read more...]

The children’s book Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr takes the reader on an adventure that isn’t soon to be forgotten! In this story a young child named Nim lives on a beautiful, exotic island with her marine biologist father and lots of colorful creatures. When Nim’s father goes missing, she turns to a friend named Alex, really a recluse named Alexandria for help. The story takes the reader on an adventure that focuses on trust, team work, and celebrating who you are! Dive into Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr, then give this island in a jar craft idea a try to help further your enjoyment and understanding of the text! Nim’s Island Study Unit and Island in a Jar Craft Idea Supplies needed: - clear mason jar- craft sand- assorted sea shells- stick- green craft paper or crafting felt- scrap paper- twine Directions:1. Begin by filling a clean mason jar about ¼ of the way full of sand. 2. Add in your sea shells of choice. You can use store bought (found at most craft and … [Read more...]

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Study Unit and Character Compare and Contrast is perfect for anyone soon to enter 7th grade. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne is a tale about a young boy named Bruno lives with his parents in World War II-era Berlin. He moves with his family right outside of Auschwitz when his father is promoted as a commander, where Bruno meets a young concentration camp prisoner named Schmuel. The two become friends, with Bruno never quite realizing who or what Schmuel is. The story follows their friendship and eventually their search for Schmuel’s dad, which ends with heartbreak. This gem is pretty much standard in 7th-grade curriculum, whether they cover it in English class or Social Studies.     This story can teach kids a great deal about the Nazi invasion during WWII, the life and death scenarios, and how the war affected children from all walks of life. Read the text with your child, then give these activities to help further their … [Read more...]

I came up with a Hatchet Lesson Plan For Kids because I just loved this story! In the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, we meet 13-year-old Brian Robeson as he heads to visit his father in the Canadian mountains. On the way, he survives a horrible plane crash and is left as the only survivor who now needs to survive alone in the wilderness. So, how will he fare? Enjoy Gary Paulsen’s story of Hatchet with your child, then consider some of the Hatchet-themed lesson plans and enrichment activities below. Not only can they help you expand on the themes in the story, but they can teach some basic educational concepts in the process. Here is how to get started: Rules of Survival Hatchet Craft: Brian quickly learns that there are specific rules you must follow when trying to survive in the wild. Talk about these rules, and then create this hatchet craft below so you can reflect on these rules. Here is what you will need to create this craft: - brown, grey, and/or black craft … [Read more...]