Book Builders: The One and Only Ivan Ages 9-12

reading

Book Builders: The One and Only Ivan

Kristen Freeman

Kristen Freeman

5.0(18)
$13/class
4 Classes

No Active Sessions Currently Scheduled

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Course Description

In this engaging literature class, students will explore the award-winning novel The One and Only Ivan through discussion, creativity, and hands-on building activities. The story follows Ivan, a silverback gorilla who lives in a shopping mall exhibit. Ivan spends his days watching television, creating drawings, and observing the humans and animals around him. Although he has grown used to life in his glass enclosure, everything begins to change when a young elephant named Ruby arrives. As the story unfolds, Ivan begins to remember his life in the wild and starts to question the world he lives in. With the help of his friends Stella and Bob, Ivan develops a plan that may change the future for the animals at the mall. Each week students will read part of the novel before class and come ready to discuss important events, characters, and themes. Our discussions will explore ideas such as friendship, courage, empathy, and standing up for what is right. Students will also complete a hands-on building challenge inspired by the story. Using building bricks, building blocks, cardboard, clay, or other household materials, students will create models connected to key scenes in the book. These builds help students visualize the setting and deepen their understanding of the story. Examples of building challenges include: • designing Ivan’s glass domain at the mall • creating a habitat for Ruby the elephant • building the billboard Ivan uses to send his message • imagining the animal sanctuary at the end of the story Students will have opportunities to share their creations and explain how their build connects to the story. This class encourages thoughtful discussion, creativity, and deeper engagement with the novel while allowing students to express their ideas through building and design. Builders of all skill levels are welcome. Students may also draw their design instead of building if they prefer.

KF

Meet Your Teacher

Kristen Freeman

Elementary Teacher | Orton Gillingham Trained | Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Phonics | Bachelor's in Education | Passionate Teacher for Fun Interactive Learning