Because of Winn Dixie, is a New York Times bestseller and a recipient
of the Newbery Honor. This book was set in a small town right here in Florida.
It’s about a little girl who goes to the local grocery by the name of Winn
Dixie. During the time she was shopping a big mangy dog followed her around the
store. This book talks about all of the adventure Opal and her new dog Winn
Dixie. Throughout the store the both of them go around town meeting new people.
This chapter book is great for children ranges from the age of 9-12. Every page
really will keep their attention. It’s a funny and hilarious read to say the
least.
Discussion:
1.
Winn-Dixie is ugly, limping, and smelly, but
Opal knows within moments that she loves him with all her heart (page 14). What
makes the stray so irresistible? Why is Opal so ready for something to love?
2.
“Wait a minute!” Opal says to the store manager
(page 9) when he threatens to send WinnDixie to the pound. “That’s my dog.” How
is she deceiving the man? How is she, at the same time, being truthful?
3.
According to Sweetie Pie Thomas, a party isn’t a
party without a theme (page 141)—and books need themes, too. In fact, good
books can have several themes, important ideas readers can take away. What are
the major themes of this novel?
Activity:
Have the students come up with a story of their own that
would include them. Have them come up with some main events such as in this
book. Ask them to include text features to help other reading enjoy their book.
Also ask them to be very creative with their imagination.
I really like your activity! I feel that the following two activities could help promote more in-depth learning as well!
ReplyDelete1) Mistake Tree: In the story, Gloria Dump has a tree filled with empty bottles that represent her past mistakes. Have students take a plastic bottle, add some paint, and shake the bottle to cover the inside with the paint. Then have them each write a past mistake or regret on a piece of paper and insert it into their bottle. Lastly, hang them over the desks and on a paper tree in the hallway to remember to act better.
2) Candy Creator: Have studdents imagine that they are now the owner of Littmus W. Block’s candy factory. Explain thay Littmus is sad because the Littmus Lozenge has lost its popularity, but that he trusts them to come up with another candy that will be a big success. Just like the Littmus Lozenge, the children's candy should make people feel a certain emotion and have a certain flavor. Have students brainstorm different emotions that they would like to put into a candy. Have them select one emotion, and then decide on a flavor, a name, and a slogan. When they have their candy invented, make them come up with an advertisement displaying the new candy and how it will make a person feel.