Novel Study Grade 5/6

Teacher: Saman Ihsan

Novel Study (Grade 5/6) 

This novel study course invites students into two beautifully written stories- Charlotte's Web & The One and Only Ivan-  that spark curiosity, build empathy, and strengthen essential literacy skills. Through discussions, guided reading, and creative activities, students will develop strong reading comprehension and critical thinking. Most importantly, they will discover the joy and power of reading.

About the Novels

Charlotte's Web by  E.B. Whiterlotte's Web is a classic children's book by E.B. White about an unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. The story explores themes of friendship, kindness, compassion, and the value of life, particularly in the face of adversity.

Content Focus

• Plot Summary — Understanding key events and how they shape the story

• Character Development & Analysis — Exploring Wilbur, Charlotte, Fern, and other memorable characters

• Themes — Friendship, compassion, growing up, and the value of life

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a heartwarming story about a silverback gorilla named Ivan, who reflects on his life in captivity, forms friendships, discovers his artistic talents, and strives to protect a young elephant named Ruby.

Content Focus

• Plot Summary — Understanding Ivan’s journey and the events that transform him

• Character Development & Analysis — Examining Ivan, Ruby, Stella, Mack, and their relationships

• Themes — Courage, identity, empathy, and the meaning of freedom

Course Objectives

• Reading Comprehension: Students deepen their understanding of the text through guided discussions, vocabulary work, and close reading.

• Critical Thinking: Students analyze characters, themes, and events, making thoughtful connections within and beyond the text.

• Character Analysis: Students examine character motivations, relationships, and growth across both novels.

• Theme Exploration: Students explore universal themes such as friendship, compassion, courage, and identity.

• Note‑Taking Skills: Students learn to record key ideas, track important events, and organize information to support comprehension.

*Please note October 12th will be a Thanksgiving long weekend holiday and there will be no class that day.

Refund Policy

If you choose to withdraw from the course, please see below:

Aug 11th:  90% refund

Sept. 1st:  50% refund

After the first class:  50% credit or 25% refund