Back to School Novel Units

[LeslieC]

Does anyone have any good ideas for a back-to-school novel unit for 5th graders? Thanks for your ideas in advance!

[TeacherRW]

There are several novel units that I have used with my fifth graders. In the fall, I either use Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare or Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. There are several wonderful novel units online and/or webquests that I have found for both books.

Depending on the level of your readers and the support that you will be giving them, there are several others that I would suggest also including: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, The Borrowers, Frindle, and Because of Winn-Dixie.

Good luck with your choices...

[AAA Teacher Forum]

Here are a few more ideas:
The Tale of Despereaux
Esperanza Rising
Holes
Shiloh or Saving Shiloh (for struggling readers)
Also check out the Newbery list. Starting off with a Newbery unit could help set the stage for quality literature throughout the year.

Don't forget...Scholastic is a great resource for purchasing sets of novels. They always have great deals on their web site and in the first book order of the year. They are also improving their number of teacher resources that accompany the books.

Jennifer