"A Guide for Using Where the Red Fern Grows in the Classroom" by John Carratello is an excellent resource for educators looking to incorporate Wilson Rawls' classic novel into their curriculum. This comprehensive guide provides teachers with a variety of lesson plans, activities, and discussion questions that can be used to engage students and deepen their understanding of the story.
The guide begins with an introduction that offers background information on the author and the historical context of the novel. By providing this context, students are better able to make connections and understand the significance of the story.
One of the standout features of this guide is the chapter-by-chapter summary provided by Carratello. This summary not only helps students better comprehend the plot, but it also serves as a valuable resource for teachers to structure their lessons.
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Throughout the guide, Carratello offers a wide range of teaching ideas and strategies for exploring the various themes present in the novel. The bond between humans and animals, perseverance, loyalty, and the importance of nature are all thoroughly explored. Additionally, the guide includes reproducible worksheets and graphic organizers that can be used to enhance comprehension and foster critical thinking skills.
Another highlight of the guide is the section that suggests multimedia resources. This provides teachers with additional tools to engage visual and auditory learners and create a dynamic and multi-dimensional learning environment.
What are readers saying?
The book "A Guide for Using Where the Red Fern Grows in the Classroom" by John Carratello has received a range of reviews from readers. Some reviewers consider it an excellent resource for teachers, praising its comprehensive nature and well-structured lesson plans. They appreciate the valuable insights it provides on engaging students and deepening their understanding of the novel. The inclusion of discussion questions, vocabulary lists, and writing prompts was also commended as beneficial for classroom discussions.
However, there are also readers who express disappointment with the book. They feel that it lacks innovative and unique teaching strategies, focusing mainly on traditional approaches that they find limiting. Some activities suggested in the guide were seen as outdated or not aligned with current curriculum standards. Another common criticism is the absence of visual aids or multimedia resources, which some reviewers believe would enhance the learning experience for students. They suggest the need for more engaging and interactive activities such as digital projects or group work to make the lessons dynamic and appealing in today's technology-driven world.
In summary, the reviews for John Carratello's "A Guide for Using Where the Red Fern Grows in the Classroom" are mixed. While some teachers appreciate its comprehensive lesson plans and valuable resources for teaching the novel, others feel it lacks innovation and fails to provide modern, interactive teaching strategies. Despite these criticisms, many still find the book to be a useful tool for educators looking to enhance their teaching of "Where the Red Fern Grows".
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