A Fortnight with Anne: Exploring Green Gables

Overview: Over the next two weeks, we'll dive into the delightful world of Anne Shirley! We'll read the book in manageable sections, talk about Anne's adventures (and misadventures!), and check our understanding along the way.

Week 1: Arrival and Adventures in Avonlea

Day 1: Setting the Scene (Chapters 1-4)

• Read Chapters 1-4.
• Discussion: What are your very first impressions of Anne Shirley? How are Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert different? What kind of place does Avonlea seem to be? What does Anne mean by "scope for the imagination"?
• Activity: Draw or describe what you think Green Gables looks like based on the description.

Day 2: School Days & Kindred Spirits (Chapters 5-8)

• Read Chapters 5-8.
• Discussion: How does Anne's imagination help her? How does it get her into trouble? Describe Anne's first experiences at school. Why is Diana Barry so important to Anne? What makes someone a "kindred spirit"?
• Quiz 1: Short quiz on characters introduced and events from Chapters 1-8.

Day 3: Creative Troubles (Chapters 9-12)

• Read Chapters 9-12.
• Discussion: Talk about Anne's apology to Mrs. Lynde. Was it sincere? What does the story of the Haunted Wood tell you about Anne and Diana's friendship and imagination? What responsibilities does Anne start taking on?
• Activity: Imagine you are Anne; write a short diary entry about one of the events in these chapters.

Day 4: Temper and Triumphs (Chapters 13-16)

• Read Chapters 13-16.
• Discussion: Why does Anne react so strongly when Gilbert calls her "Carrots"? Discuss Anne's temper. What happens at the Sunday School picnic? What does the incident with the amethyst brooch teach Anne and Marilla?
• Activity: List 3 words that describe Anne's personality so far.

Day 5: Memorable Moments (Chapters 17-19)

• Read Chapters 17-19.
• Discussion: The hair dye incident! Why did Anne do it? What was the result? What about the Liniment Cake? What do these events show about Anne's character?
• Quiz 2: Short quiz on plot points and character actions from Chapters 9-19.

Week 2: Growing Up and Looking Ahead

Day 6: Ambition and Growth (Chapters 20-23)

• Read Chapters 20-23.
• Discussion: How is Anne changing as she gets older? What are her new ambitions regarding school? Talk about the importance of Miss Stacy, the new teacher. How does she encourage Anne?
• Activity: Think about a teacher or mentor who has encouraged you. What did they do?

Day 7: Challenges and Friendships (Chapters 24-27)

• Read Chapters 24-27.
• Discussion: Describe the incident on the river during the dare. What does this show about Anne? How does her relationship with Gilbert Blythe begin to change (even if she doesn't admit it)? Discuss Anne's preparations for the Queen's Academy entrance exams.
• Quiz 3: Short quiz focusing on Anne's character development and key events from Chapters 20-27.

Day 8: Queen's Academy (Chapters 28-31)

• Read Chapters 28-31.
• Discussion: How does Anne feel about leaving Green Gables for Queen's? Describe her life and studies in Charlottetown. How does the rivalry with Gilbert continue? What are Anne's study habits like?
• Activity: Research Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.). Find 3 interesting facts about it.

Day 9: Sacrifice and Success (Chapters 32-35)

• Read Chapters 32-35.
• Discussion: What wonderful news does Anne receive? What difficult event happens concerning Matthew? How does this event change things for Anne and Marilla? What important decision does Anne make about her future, and why?
• Activity: Discuss the theme of 'home' in the novel. What does Green Gables represent to Anne?

Day 10: A Bend in the Road (Chapters 36-38)

• Read Chapters 36-38.
• Discussion: How has Anne changed from the beginning of the book to the end? What does the final conversation between Anne and Gilbert signify? What does Anne mean by the "bend in the road"? What are your final thoughts on the book?
• Quiz 4: Short quiz covering major themes and the conclusion of the novel (Chapters 28-38).
• Wrap-up Activity: Write a short book review of Anne of Green Gables, or draw your favorite scene from the entire story.