Exploring Resilience, Relationships, and the Lessons of Love
Grades 6-8

Course Description:
In this heartfelt and emotional journey through Wilson Rawls’ Where the Red Fern Grows, students will explore timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, perseverance, and loss. Set against the rugged beauty of the Ozark Mountains during the Great Depression, the novel tells the story of Billy Coleman and his two beloved dogs as they embark on a life-shaping adventure.

Over four weeks, students will connect deeply with the characters, reflecting on what it means to love, to sacrifice, and to face life's hardest challenges with courage. Through guided discussions, creative projects, and personal reflections, students will not only strengthen their reading and analytical skills but also grow in empathy, resilience, and understanding.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze key themes of friendship, loyalty, perseverance, and sacrifice in the novel

• Discuss the historical setting of the Great Depression and its influence on the story

• Reflect on the relationship between Billy and his dogs as a model of unconditional love and responsibility

• Develop creative and personal responses to the novel's emotional journey

• Strengthen critical thinking, written expression, and discussion skills

Course Includes:

• Weekly 60-minute live sessions (small group, discussion-focused)

• Close Reading Assignments from Where the Red Fern Grows (Chapters 1–20)

• Thematic Discussions (Friendship, Loyalty, Sacrifice, Coming of Age)

• Creative Projects (Maps, Journals, Artworks, Reflective Writing)

• Personal Reflection Activities to build emotional connection to the novel

• Final Creative Project (Short story, artwork, or reflective essay)

Materials Needed:

• A hard-copy of Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

• Notebook or journal for reflections and activities

• Basic art supplies for creative projects (optional)