Book Club: Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

Carla Walk (M.Ed. Gifted Ed., Dyslexia Specialist)

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(1)

Class will be book club style with fun tasks and creative activities. The class is designed for gifted students or advanced classes, but all students are welcome.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7

Students are going to experience this book by embracing curiosity and making connections. 
Bookmark tasks and creative activities will be provided in a pdf form for each chapter.  For most chapters, three options are available.  Pick and choose whichever one fits your style and preference.  I will discuss the options during class.  

Depth and Complexity interactive bookmarks are designed to guide a deeper understanding of each chapter while making meaningful connections.  They may be used as...

1.  Students will use a chapter book to explore characters, setting, problems and solutions.

2.  Students will pick and choose from the chapter tasks.  Three tasks per chapter will be provided.  It is recommended that the students complete at least one per chapter.  

3.  Students will use the elements of Depth and Complexity to deepen their understanding of the story.

4.  Students will use Creative Thinking Skills to complete tasks and prompts.

When not on Outschool, I’m currently a dyslexia specialist.  I've taught for 35 years as a public-school teacher, 15 were spent in a self-contained, gifted classroom. 

My journey to teaching began at Marshall University in Huntington, WV.  I studied Elementary Education and received a BA in that field.  My graduate work was done at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.  I earned a M.Ed. in Gifted Education.  As a life-long learner, I keep returning to the role of student.  I’m in year two of a two-year CALT program and look forward to being a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist.

My love of books has guided many units and lessons over the years.  It represents my passion and defines my belief that teaching children to read puts the world in their hands.  My classroom book club is the hub of curiosity and connections. 

I live in South Texas with my husband and two dogs.  We have three sons who are grown and busy on their own exciting journeys.

Homework Offered
Students should read the assigned chapters before class.  In addition, they should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week completing the activities.  The tasks and activities are all optional and each family will decide how many and which ones are a good fit for their student.  The book chapters should be read prior to the session.  1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Assessments are not provided.  Many of the activities are considered enrichment and may be used as a content, process, or product portfolio.  
Grades Offered

  1 file available upon enrollmentStudents will need a copy of the book, Mr. Popper's Penguin by Richard and Florence Atwater.    I'll provide a file including the optional activities for each chapter.  We'll discuss each chapter.  I'll ask the students to choose at least one task per chapter.

Please review the book level for age and content appropriateness.   Most of the activities are open-ended and allow for creative expression and individuality.  Consider the style and format when deciding if this is a good fit for your child.

We will use the chapter book Mr. Popper's Penguins by Florence Atwater and Richard Atwater.  I will also provide a packet with three tasks per chapter.  You should not feel the need to complete all task options.   Choose one per chapter.  I provided extra to accommodate individual levels and choices.

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Carla Walk (M.Ed. Gifted Ed., Dyslexia Specialist)

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(1)

Hello!  My name is Ms. Walk and I love reading!  I’ve been doing book clubs in my class, home, and coffee shops for many years.  I always incorporate a concept scavenger hunt to broaden our understanding of the book, characters, and author. ...