I'm going to GUSH over a book I discovered this summer! This past winter, I discovered The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. I began reading the first book and was instantly hooked. I read all three books in THREE DAYS.
Before I go any further, you have to understand something about me. I don't like to read! I have always struggled with reading, focusing, and seeing the words on the page. I've got some vision troubles, so I was always getting headaches or feeling sleepy throughout my school age years. That was the main reason I didn't like reading. However, I never found a book that I truly loved.
Well, that phase of my life is over. The Hunger Games was a turning point. I love everything about the books - the characters, the dialogue, the roller coaster of emotions, the text-to-world connections... everything! This summer, I was looking for a book to use for my Level T readers. My fourth graders that I am teaching in a small group are Advanced-Proficient (thus, Level T). I found a book called Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins - the same author as the Hunger Game series! Jackpot. So, I read the beginning of the book and was weary. Giant cockroaches? Small, claustrophobic space? However, soon after reading a few more chapters, again, I was hooked. There are five books in the series, and I soon found myself reading ALL OF THEM. What is wrong with me?! I owe Suzanne Collins a BIG thank-you.
Gregor the Overlander is a sci-fi, fantasy type book about a young 11-year-old, Gregor, who falls through a grate in his laundry room into the Underland (the land under the Earth). He soon realizes that the creatures of the Underland were expecting him, and that his trip back home won't be as easy as he thought. The novel is about his adventures, battles, relationships, discoveries, and triumphs. Will he find his way home? That's up to YOU to find out!
As you can imagine, I was so excited about reading this book with my kiddos. They were already hooked when we read the back of the book! As if my passion for the book wasn't enough, I dove head-first into creating activities, worksheets, handouts, projects, book club ideas, and lessons. I made lots of them. And I mean LOTS! I did a lot of research online, at school, and from my college materials/textbooks to find what types of activities are most beneficial and engaging.
Next thing I know, I've posted ALL of my materials onto TeachersPayTeachers! There wasn't enough room, time, or energy to post and sell everything I've done (or plan to do) with my kiddos, including activities and games, but I posted what I thought was the "meat and potatoes" of my materials. There are THREE packs you can purchase, or you can go all out and buy the ALL-INCLUSIVE Pack, which I highly recommend. You're getting the most bang for your buck, and they are all really practical and useful!
I have to be honest with you. I worked really hard putting together these materials! That is not to toot my own horn, but to communicate to you that these materials had a lot of though put into them. With all of the love, time, energy, and creativity I put into it, I really think I came up with some great materials. This book is truly a great novel to read with students and has a lot of opportunities to spark imagination, think critically, go beyond the text, and make real world connections. If you're looking for a book that is sure to hook, excite, and have students begging for more, Gregor the Overlander is the book for you.
Check out ALL of these materials in my TeachersPayTeachers store at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ms-Rothering. While you are there, *follow* me and suggest to others!
PS. Happy Halloween!
Emily :)
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