My child is reading Where the Red Fern Grows / Activity Analysis

Art

• The child can create illustrations of key scenes from the book using crayons or colored pencils.
• They can also make a diorama depicting the setting of the story using paper, cardboard, and other craft materials.
• Encourage the child to experiment with different art styles, such as impressionism or abstract, to express their interpretation of the book.
• They can design a book cover for Where the Red Fern Grows, incorporating symbols or elements from the story.

English Language Arts

• The child can write a short summary of the book, highlighting the main events and themes.
• They can create a character profile for the protagonist, Billy, describing his personality, appearance, and motivations.
• Encourage them to write a letter to the author, Wilson Rawls, expressing their thoughts and feelings about the book.
• Ask the child to retell the story orally, focusing on sequencing the events in the correct order.

Social Studies

• The child can research and create a timeline of historical events that took place during the time period of the story.
• They can explore the geography of the Ozark Mountains, where the book is set, and create a map showcasing important locations from the story.
• Discuss the themes of empathy and friendship in the book, and have a conversation about the importance of these qualities in society.
• Encourage the child to investigate the life of Native American tribes mentioned in the book and create a presentation about their culture and traditions.

For continued development, you can encourage the child to participate in a book club or literature circle with their peers, where they can discuss Where the Red Fern Grows and other books they have read. This will help them develop critical thinking skills and improve their ability to express their thoughts and opinions about literature. Additionally, you can suggest that they write their own short stories or create their own artwork inspired by the themes and ideas explored in the book.

Book Recommendations

• Old Yeller by Fred Gipson: A heartwarming tale of a boy and his loyal dog set in the Texas frontier.
• The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden: Follow the adventures of a cricket who finds himself in the middle of New York City.
• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White: Join Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider in this beloved story about friendship and sacrifice.