We usually do 4-5 novel unit studies throughout each school year. These units we do together. (Panda, Princess, Pilgrim and I. We are often holding Peanut and Precious also.) We read wherever we want. Today we read outside under our favorite tree.
The book we are doing first this year is Ramona Quimby, age 8 by: Beverly Cleary. A local children’s drama theater has this play in October so I picked this book to read prior to going to see the play. In the book, Ramona goes to school- third grade. I still feel it is a very good book for homeschoolers to read. They get a small window into that brick and mortor school setting. I feel it can remind them how fortunate they are to be homeschooled: No bullies, boredom, lonliness, etc. They can write about the similarities and differences between Ramona’s school experiences and their own. They could make a pros and cons paper, too. It opens up great discussions on many topics!
“Ramona Quimby has been a favorite character for several
generations of readers. Stories about Ramona continue to appeal
to children because they provide comfort, humor, and insight as
well as entertainment. Many people feel they, or someone they
know, have a little, or maybe a whole lot, of Ramona in them.
Readers of all ages can relate to Ramona because she experiences
the same emotions—fears, disappointment, anger, confusion,
joy—that most children experience.
Ramona is not always a perfect child, but her foibles make her
an endearing character. She gets angry and frustrated, but she
struggles to learn the self-control and patience her parents and
teachers expect. Her desire for attention and her feelings of
embarrassment and confusion cause many readers to identify
with her.
Ramona starts third grade in Ramona Quimby, Age 8. The Quimbys continue to have their ups and downs, but they remain a nice family that sticks together, even on dreary, rainy days. “
Great websites for worksheets, guides, and ideas to go along with this book.
Sep. 14, 2007 • 4:51 PM
