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Where the Red Fern Grows
Last updated Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Author: Wilson Rawls
Date of Publication: 1961
ISBN: 0399551239
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2020
Synopsis:
Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own - Old Dan and Little Ann - he's ecstatic. It's true that times are tough, but together they'll roam the hills of the Ozarks. Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan's brawn, Little Ann's brains, and Billy's sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters - now friends - and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair.
| Note to readers: |
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For readers awareness, the phrase "be damned" is on page 67 near the end before the last paragraph in Chapter 3.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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How many of you love dogs? Have you ever bonded with a dog or chosen to bring a dog into your family?
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What was the relationship like between you and your favorite pet? Any stories that you would like to share with us.
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When you see or hear something wrong, do you feel a need to speak out or do something about it? Why and why not?
Vocabulary
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Roaming - moving about aimlessly or unsystematically, especially over a wide area
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Well-Spring - an original and bountiful source of something
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Trek- a long arduous journey, especially one made on foot
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Vesper- evening prayer
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Contemplate - look thoughtfully for a long time at; to think about
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Willfully- with a stubborn and determined intention to do as one wants, regardless of the consequences
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Steadfast-resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering
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Frigid-very cold in temperature
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Skirmish-a short argument, a fight or battle
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Elusive-difficult to find, catch, or achieve
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Beckon-seem to be appealing or inviting
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Scalded-injure with very hot liquid or steam
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Cur- an aggressive dog or one that is in poor condition
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Dormant - temporarily inactive or inoperative
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Allotted- give or apportion (something) to someone as a share or task
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Fester- become worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or indifference
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What did Billy want his mom and dad to buy him? What kind of dog? How many did he dream to have?
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Why did his parents give Billy a trap as a gift? Did the trap distract Billy from wanting the two hound dogs?
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When did Billy receive hope about finding a Hound dog? How did he plan to buy the hound pups?
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Once he save up enough money, how do you think the story will end? Will Billy finally get his hound pups after all?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw a picture of yourself that captures your favorite childhood memory. For example: A Special Place, A Special Pet, A Special person
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Create a Thank You Card
For example: Write a thank you letter to someone you care about
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Normally at the November reading clubs we give an item with a college logo to each kid, so this time we could have the kids create their own college logos based on the college logo the volunteer(s) share on something they are wearing or otherwise display.
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/november-2020-seasons-and-the-natural-world/
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| Special activities: |
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Share Stories
Story Discussion: Have you ever saved up for something you really wanted? What did you do to save up money?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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