Student Objectives:

  • Take turns reading pages or paragraphs in the book to practice their reading skills.
  • Identify who the main characters and settings of the story are.
  • Understand the moral lessons presented in the book.
  • Be able to summarize the story in their own words.

Coloring Page:

Video Links:

  • White-Throated Sparrows: Song and Facts About This Winter Bird:

  • Eastern Phoebe:

  • Song Sparrow:

  • Daily Bird: Barn Swallow – Cool Bird Facts:

Theocratic Connections:

Since this chapter explores the hatching of goslings, encourage students to read the following article on geese after class:

Activity 1 – Reading – Chapter 6: Summer Day (15 minutes):

Open the story in the Bookclub bookcase and have students take turns reading. Assign character roles if appropriate.

Activity 2 – Discussion (8 minutes):

Ask students the following questions:

  • “What kinds of things does Avery keep in his pocket?”
  • “What are some of the activities and changes that happen on the farm during summer?”
  • “How does the description of the farm in summer help set the scene for the story?”
  • “In this chapter Templeton the rat is described as being ‘not well liked, not trusted’ by the other animals. Why do you think that is?”
  • “What do you think of Wilbur’s experiences with the other animals so far?”
  • “If you had to tell someone what chapter 6 was about, what would you say?”
  • “What do you think will happen in the next chapter?”

Activity 3 – Watch and Discuss: Bird Videos (7 minutes):

The author describes 4 birds and what their songs sound like to him. Watch the bird videos and discuss:

  • If the white­ throated sparrow sounds like it’s saying “Oh, Peabody, Peabody, Peabody!”
  • If the phoebe sounds like it’s saying “Phoebe, phoe-bee!”
  • If the song sparrow  sounds like it’s saying “Sweet, sweet, sweet interlude; sweet, sweet, sweet interlude.”
  • If the swallows sounds like it’s saying”Cheeky, cheeky!”

(Optional) Bonus Activity: If students are creating a “Charlotte’s Words” dictionary, remind them to add “untenable” and any other new words from this chapter.

Assessment:

Assess student understanding of the story’s moral through participation in discussions, completion of reflection questions, and identification of key concepts presented.