How we did “The One and Only Ivan” Novel Study

This year we are loving our read aloud novel studies. Our most recent read is “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate. I’ve put together some fun ways I’ve engaged my 3rd grader, not to mention he’s a reluctant reader. Getting him excited to dig deep in literature was one of my goals for our current school year.

You can buy the novel “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate on amazon or check out a copy at your local library. Option two saves some money, and we are all about saving money around here. Or, if you are building your home library I linked the novel here.

Also, bookfinder.com is a great resource to find a book at the most affordable price.

Next, I found a read aloud guide on Teachers Pay Teachers.

The One and Only Ivan- interactive read aloud

This guide focuses on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing responses.

Before we got started I found a Youtube video from Zoo Atlanta. This is where Ivan the gorilla lived. My son had no idea Ivan was a real gorilla that was saved. This really sparked his interest and wanted to open the book and hear the story. You can check out the video from Zoo Atlanta below.

The Real-Life Story of Ivan the Gorilla

At the end of every novel study I have my son make a lap book/book report as a fun way to show his comprehension of what we read. We have created a FREE print out for you to do with your child.

A fun way to close out the novel study is to cuddle up on the couch with some popcorn and candy and have a fun family movie night and watch The One and Only Ivan movie. Talk about any differences the book and movie have. Make it fun so they want to open another book.

XOXO,

Megan