DOGTOWN Novel Study based on the story by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko – A Comprehensive, Engaging, and Cross-Curricular Unit! This resource is designed to deepen comprehension, encourage critical thinking, and make learning meaningful through a variety of structured, interactive, and creative activities. Perfect for Grade 4 to 6 learners, this unit follows the novel chapter by chapter, covering a wide range of comprehension strategies and cross-curricular links. What’s Included? Before Reading Pre-Reading Tasks – Activate prior knowledge and spark curiosity about the novel. Vocabulary Word Wall Cards – Introduce key words and concepts for context-based learning. During Reading – Chapter-by-Chapter Activities Each chapter includes: Comprehension Questions & Strategy-Based Tasks Making Inferences Asking & Answering Questions Vocabulary in Context Summarizing Finding the Main Idea Visualizing Making Connections Sequencing Events Prediction Cause & Effect Critical Thinking Chapter Response Activities Creative writing prompts (diary entries, newspaper reports, letters, and more!) Critical thinking tasks (debates, decision-making challenges, and pros and cons) Discussion-based activities to deepen student engagement Cross-curricular research projects Nonfiction Cross-Curricular Connections An engaging nonfiction articles about robots. Comprehension & Story Elements Plot & Story Structure – Students track key events, problems/solutions, and analyze rising action, climax, and resolution. Character Analysis – Explore motivations, emotions, and character development through engaging activities. Theme Exploration – Identify loyalty, hope and belonging with text-based evidence. Setting & Events – Analyze how setting impacts the plot and characters. Thinking & Writing Activities Prediction & Summarizing Frames Creative Responses (e.g., imagining social media posts from the characters’ perspectives) Newspaper report Poetry After Reading – Wrap-Up Activities Story Elements Review – Analyze plot, character, setting, and themes. Book Review & Reflection – Encourage thoughtful evaluation and personal responses. Extension Tasks – Additional cross-curricular projects to extend learning. Teacher Support & Answer Keys Includes lesson objectives, teaching suggestions, and differentiation ideas. Answer Key & Learning Intentions – Located at the end of the resource for easy reference. Structured Format – Helps build student independence and familiarity with comprehension strategies. Why You’ll Love This Resource! Engaging & Easy to Use – Print-and-go activities save you time and keep students actively involved. Aligned with Key Comprehension Strategies – A structured approach ensures deep, meaningful engagement with the text. Flexible for Any Classroom – Use for whole-class instruction, small groups, literature circles, or independent study. Cross-Curricular Learning – Connects literacy, and STEM for a richer reading experience.