AGES 6-9

READING ABILITY IS NOT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SCIENCE BOOK CLUB CLASS! (See below)*

 

Zoey & Sassafras by Asia Citro are children's chapter books (with pictures!) for young readers.  They are big on learning and practicing the scientific method and lots of other child-led science topics - led by Zoey - through magical animals, mystery, and adventure!  

 

In this class, we will have 2 assigned chapters to be read BEFORE class (the chapters are very short).  Then at the start of class we will practice our reading comprehension and opinion sharing skills as we have a verbal discussion about the chapters read.  Afterwards, we will do a hands on STEM or STEAM science activity related to the assigned reading, while practicing the scientific method.  The projects will be focused on science learning, paying close attention to practicing the scientific method, but could also fall under a bit of art and language arts mixed in.

 

Students will need to obtain their own copy of the Zoey and Sassafras books.  The books are available at bookstores, Amazon, Ebay (used), Thriftbooks (used), and the library.  We don’t want anyone to be excluded!  So if there is a financial hardship, please don't hesitate to contact the co-op finance director for assistance.

 

FALL 2024 we will cover book 1:
Book 1: Dragons and Marshmallows

SPRING 2025 we will cover book 2:

Book 2: Monsters and Mold

 

There are currently 10 Zoey & Sassafras books and this class will continue through all the books - Fall is not a prerequisite for Spring, and each school year will be different.  Students can join at any semester! The books are easy reads and do not build on each other.

 

*NON-READERS - FREE "AUDIOBOOK" AVAILABLE:

 

Each week I will supply an audiobook version of the assigned chapters - read by the one and only, ME! ;)

 

I still suggest having the physical book, though, so your child can follow along with the text and pictures (These books have pictures on every page!). Of course, another option is parents can read to their kiddo.

 

From the Zoey and Sassafras Amazon book blurb: "With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the Zoey and Sassafras series has something for everyone! Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages. Each story features a new magical animal with a problem that must be solved using science. There isn't a set formula for each book; Zoey sometimes needs to run experiments, while other times she needs to investigate a mystery, and yet other times she needs to do research. Zoey models how to keep a science journal through her handwritten entries in each story. Each story is complete with a glossary of the kid-friendly definitions for scientific terms used. The series highlights child-led inquiry science and the topics covered align with both Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards."

 

Skills required: Reading/listening comprehension - all skill levels welcome.  Cutting, gluing, pouring, painting, taping, drawing, etc. Following instructions for each activity.

 

Homework: Reading/listening to the assigned 2 chapters each week BEFORE class.  We will not read aloud during class time.

 

Lecture time: Maybe 10-15 minutes.  Then we will have the hands-on activity.  Most of the learning and lecturing will be happening during the hands-on. 

 

Special supplies parents provide: Books 1-4 (full year) of Zoey And Sassafras books. Fall only: Books 1 & 2.  Spring only: Books 3 & 4  (see above for more info) If there is a financial hardship, please don't hesitate to contact the co-op finance director for assistance.

 

Is fall semester required for spring semester? No