Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the main themes and characters of "The Boxcar Children," and will be able to express their thoughts about the story through creative activities and discussions.
Materials and Prep
- Paper and pencils for drawing and writing
- Coloring materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils)
- A comfortable space to read and discuss
- A copy of "The Boxcar Children" or access to a summary
- A timer for timed activities (optional)
Before the lesson, ensure that the student is familiar with the main characters and plot of "The Boxcar Children." You may want to read a summary together or discuss the first few chapters.
Activities
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Character Dress-Up:
The student can choose a character from "The Boxcar Children" and create a costume using items around the house. They can then present who they are and share a little about their character.
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Boxcar Creation:
Using cardboard boxes or any available materials, the student can create their own "boxcar." They can decorate it and design the inside, thinking about what the characters would need to survive.
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Story Extension:
The student can write a short story or draw a comic strip about a new adventure the Boxcar Children could have. Encourage them to think about where they would go and what challenges they might face.
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Treasure Hunt:
Create a treasure hunt around the house or yard with clues inspired by the book. Each clue can lead to the next, ultimately leading to a "treasure" that relates to the story.
Talking Points
- "Who are the main characters in 'The Boxcar Children'? Can you tell me a little about each one?"
- "What do you think it would be like to live in a boxcar? What would you miss about your home?"
- "What are some things the children did to take care of themselves? How did they work together?"
- "Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem like the characters did? What did you do?"
- "What is your favorite part of the story so far? Why do you like it?"
- "If you could go on an adventure like the Boxcar Children, where would you go and what would you do?"
- "What lessons do you think the Boxcar Children learned during their adventures?"
- "How do you think the story would change if it was set in modern times? What would be different?"