Introduction to Because of Winn-Dixie
Identify character traits of Opal and her dog
Make predictions about the story
Understand how friendship can help overcome loneliness
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
— Proverbs 18:24 (WEB)Illustrates how friendship can help us through difficult times, just like Opal and Winn-Dixie's relationship
Gather students in a comfortable reading area. Briefly discuss what makes a good friend and how friends can help us when we feel lonely.
Read chapters 1-2 of Because of Winn-Dixie, pausing to discuss Opal's character and the circumstances of finding her dog.
Students create a character map for Opal and Winn-Dixie, listing traits and evidence from the text.
Simpler: Teacher provides a pre-drawn graphic organizer
Challenge: Students must find at least 5 unique traits with textual evidence
Reflect on how friendship can help us through challenging times
Dear God, thank you for the gift of friendship and for always being with us, even when we feel lonely.
Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn more about Opal's family and her feelings about her mother
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
— Proverbs 18:24 (WEB)🎯 Activity: Friend Chain: Students link arms and repeat the verse together
The lesson explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and finding belonging
Children might find it hard to express feelings of loneliness
Engagement with character emotions and understanding of friendship concept