Book Study - Where the Red Fern Grows

Art

• The child can create a visual representation of the story by drawing or painting a scene from the book.
• They can also design a book cover for Where the Red Fern Grows using their own artistic style.
• Additionally, they can explore different art mediums and techniques mentioned in the book, such as wood carving or sculpting, and try their hand at them.

English Language Arts

• The child can analyze the character development in the book and write a character sketch for one of the main characters.
• They can also write a book review sharing their thoughts and opinions on Where the Red Fern Grows.
• Furthermore, they can write a short story or continuation of the story, exploring a different outcome or perspective.

Foreign Language

• The child can practice translating short excerpts from the book into the foreign language they are studying.
• They can also create flashcards with vocabulary words from the book in both English and the foreign language, helping them expand their language skills.
• Additionally, they can write a dialogue between characters in the book, using the foreign language.

History

• The child can research and learn more about the time period and setting of the book, which is the Ozarks in the 1930s.
• They can also explore the historical significance of hunting and trapping during that time, and how it differs from present-day practices.
• Furthermore, they can investigate the Great Depression, which is referenced in the book, and its impact on the characters' lives.

Math

• The child can calculate the cost of supplies needed to care for a dog, similar to the characters in the book, and create a budget.
• They can also graph and analyze the growth rate of the red fern plants mentioned in the story.
• Furthermore, they can solve word problems related to distances mentioned in the book, such as the distance between the characters' house and the hunting grounds.

Music

• The child can research and learn to play songs mentioned in the book on a musical instrument, such as "Old Dan Tucker" or "Red River Valley".
• They can also create a playlist of songs that they feel capture the mood and themes of the book.
• Additionally, they can write and perform a song inspired by the story of Where the Red Fern Grows.

Physical Education

• The child can participate in activities related to hunting and camping, such as archery or hiking, similar to the characters in the book.
• They can also create an exercise routine inspired by the physical activities the characters engage in, like running or climbing trees.
• Furthermore, they can research and practice basic first aid techniques, as depicted in the book.

Science

• The child can study the life cycle of raccoons, one of the animals mentioned in the book, and create a visual representation of the different stages.
• They can also research and learn about the different types of trees and plants found in the Ozarks, as described in the story.
• Additionally, they can conduct an experiment to understand the process of decomposition, which is a key element in the book.

Social Studies

• The child can explore the concept of community, as depicted in the book, and compare it to their own community.
• They can also research and learn about Cherokee culture and beliefs, as the Cherokee Nation is mentioned in the story.
• Furthermore, they can investigate the role of dogs in Native American culture and how it is portrayed in the book.

Continued development can involve organizing a book club or discussion group with friends or classmates to further delve into the themes and lessons learned from Where the Red Fern Grows. Additionally, the child can create a multimedia project, such as a video or presentation, showcasing their favorite quotes, scenes, and analysis of the book. They can also explore other works by the author, Wilson Rawls, and compare his writing style and themes across different books.

Book Recommendations

• Old Yeller by Fred Gipson: A heartwarming story about a brave dog and a young boy set in the Texas frontier.
• Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell: An adventure tale of a young Native American girl stranded on an island and her fight for survival.
• My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George: The story of a boy who runs away from home to live in the wilderness and his experiences living off the land.