📖

The Small Town of Naomi

Building Community in Naomi

Day 11of 180
Week 3of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Analyze the setting of a story and its impact on characters

2

Understand how community shapes individual experiences

3

Practice active listening during read-aloud

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 18:24

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

— Proverbs 18:24 (WEB)

Explores how meaningful community relationships can support and transform individuals

📦 Materials Needed

  • Because of Winn-Dixie book
  • Large poster paper
  • Colored markers
  • Colored pencils
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and briefly discuss what makes a good community. Ask students to share examples of kind, supportive communities they know.

💭 Review Question: What makes a place feel like home?
2Teaching (10 min)

Read chapters 8-9 of Because of Winn-Dixie, focusing on descriptions of Naomi and how characters interact in the small town.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Small towns often have unique characteristics
  • Community members can know and support each other
  • Every person has a role in building community
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How does Opal feel about Naomi?
  • What makes Naomi feel like a special place?
  • How do the characters help each other in this story?
3Activity: Naomi Town Map (10 min)
hands-on mapping

Create a detailed map of Naomi from the book, marking important locations and characters' homes.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Use poster paper and markers
  2. Draw major locations from the book
  3. Label each location with a brief description
  4. Include characters' potential paths through town
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Trace a basic outline and add 3-4 key locations

Challenge: Add details about each location's significance to the story

4Closing (5 min)

Discuss how the map helps us understand the story's setting and community

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you learn about Naomi today?
  • How do places shape the way people live?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for creating communities where people can support and love one another. Help us be kind and welcoming to others.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll meet Miss Franny Block and learn more about Naomi's library!

💎 Memory Verse

Proverbs 18:24

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

— Proverbs 18:24 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Create hand motions to help memorize the verse

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

This lesson explores how setting influences story and character development

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage creativity in map-making
  • Help children think beyond physical locations
  • Discuss how community impacts personal growth
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find abstract setting concepts challenging

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Detailed observations about story setting and character interactions

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a personal neighborhood map
  • Write a short story about their own community
  • Interview a local community leader

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 12 →Back to Literature