Part A - Middle School level Discussion Guide

Part A - Discussion Guide

For Middle School grade levels.

Ember’s Gallop Middle-Grade Discussion Guide Plan

Quick Summary

The guide equips librarians and teachers with standards-aligned resources for leading Ember’s Gallop book discussions, activities, and projects for ages 10–14.
Emphasizes animal perspective, environmental themes, and hands-on, cross-curricular engagement.

Sections for Expansion

Let’s Talk About the Book: Add more themes (resilience, adaptation, empathy, animal communication).
Discussion Questions: Tiered prompts (first-time, returning, advanced), creative extensions, SEL tie-ins.
Activities: More hands-on, STEAM, and group projects with rubrics.
Beyond the Book: Family, community, and field-based engagement ideas.
Book Club Toolkit: Detailed facilitation, roles, troubleshooting, assessment.
Printable/Digital Resources: Worksheets, templates, infographics, and more.

Research Sources

Book club/literature circle guides (Scholastic, ReadWriteThink, CCBC).
Middle-grade curriculum and Common Core standards.
Project-based learning, SEL, and STEAM activity templates.
Community engagement and library programming best practices.

Expansion Highlights

Deepen theme exploration and connect to standards.
Offer more differentiated, creative, and critical-thinking discussion prompts.
Add STEAM, art, and cross-curricular activities with clear instructions.
Suggest community, family, and expert engagement.
Provide robust facilitation and assessment tools.
Ensure accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in all resources.

Expanded Guide Breakdown

Introduction: Purpose, audience, and standards alignment.
Thematic Exploration: Expanded themes, guiding questions, curriculum links.
Discussion Questions: Tiered, thematic, SEL, creative, and sample answers.
Hands-On Activities: Detailed, cross-curricular, group/individual, rubrics.
Beyond the Book: Community, nature, family, and display ideas.
Book Club Facilitation: Setup, pacing, roles, troubleshooting, assessment.
Resources: Worksheets, templates, infographics, digital tools.
Assessment & Reflection: Self/peer/teacher forms, journals, checklists.
Diversity & Inclusion: Accessibility, cultural responsiveness, differentiation.
Appendix: Glossary, further reading, expert contacts.

Librarian Assignable Tasks: Sections for Expansion

Let’s Talk About the Book: Thematic Exploration Assign students to identify and track examples of resilience, adaptation, empathy, and animal communication in the story. Have each student or group present one theme with supporting evidence from the book. Ask students to compare Ember’s experiences to real-world animal survival stories. Lead a discussion on how these themes connect to students’ own lives or current events. Invite students to create a “theme poster” or digital slide for one key theme.
Discussion Questions: Tiered & Creative Prompts Assign “first-time reader” questions (sensory, character, eco-connections) for initial discussions. Use “deeper thinker” prompts (leadership debate, symbolism, real-world links) for advanced groups. Encourage students to write their own discussion questions for peers. Incorporate SEL (social-emotional learning) by asking students to reflect on empathy, teamwork, and leadership in the story. Have students prepare short written responses or discussion notes before meetings. (Tip: Use sentence starters and conversational moves for thoughtful discussion.)
Activities: Hands-On, STEAM & Group Projects Assign the “Sensory Map” project (draw, label, and present the herd’s journey using all five senses). Have students design a “Survival Guide” for Ember’s herd with illustrated rules. Host a “Wildfire PSA” contest-students create a poster or video on wildlife safety during fires. Offer STEAM extensions: research fire ecology, animal adaptation, or create a model of the ecosystem. Use rubrics for creativity, accuracy, and teamwork; encourage peer feedback.
Beyond the Book: Community & Family Engagement Assign an interview with a local firefighter or wildlife expert about animal rescue during wildfires. Lead a “nature journaling” session-students observe outdoors and reflect on Ember’s senses. Organize a “Wildfire Heroes” library display with student work and related nonfiction books. Encourage family participation: share survival tips or stories about resilience at home. Connect with community groups for guest speakers or service projects.
Book Club Toolkit: Facilitation & Roles Assign rotating roles: discussion leader, note-taker, timekeeper, researcher, artist. Model and practice “discussion moves” (asking questions, building on ideas, disagreeing respectfully). Set weekly reading goals and allow students to help set the agenda. Use checklists and self-assessment/reflection forms after each meeting. Encourage students to troubleshoot group challenges and celebrate successes.
Printable & Digital Resources Distribute chapter-by-chapter worksheets for comprehension and reflection. Provide a “Create Your Own Animal POV Story” template for creative writing. Share wildfire ecology infographics and research links for STEAM connections. Encourage digital submissions (slides, videos, posters) for major projects. Offer printable rubrics, checklists, and discussion cards for all activities.

Librarian Assignable Tasks: Expansion Highlights

Deepen Theme Exploration & Connect to Standards Assign students to map key themes (resilience, leadership, environmental stewardship) to specific scenes and standards (e.g., RL.6.2, RL.7.3). Have groups present on how a theme is developed over the course of the novel. Guide students to compare Ember’s journey to real-world issues or historical events. Ask students to create a visual or digital “theme tracker” as they read.
Creative & Critical-Thinking Discussion Prompts Assign open-ended questions that require evidence and reasoning (e.g., “How would you have led the herd differently?”). Use “what if?” scenarios and role-play to spark creative thinking. Encourage students to write and swap their own discussion questions. Include prompts that connect to SEL, such as “Describe a time you had to be brave like Ember.” Use graphic organizers for students to compare character perspectives or decisions.
STEAM, Art & Cross-Curricular Activities Assign students to build a 3D model or diorama of Ember’s environment using recycled materials. Have students illustrate a key scene or create a comic strip retelling a chapter. Lead a science research project on wildfire ecology or animal adaptation. Incorporate math by graphing herd migration distances or survival statistics. Invite students to write a poem or song from Ember’s point of view.
Community, Family, & Expert Engagement Assign students to interview a local expert (firefighter, wildlife biologist, rancher) and share findings with the group. Host a family literacy night to discuss the book and share student projects. Encourage students to participate in a community service project related to environmental stewardship. Organize a virtual Q&A or guest speaker session with an author or animal expert. Invite families to contribute stories or traditions about resilience and survival.
Facilitation & Assessment Tools Assign students to use self-assessment and peer feedback forms after group activities. Provide checklists for participation, preparation, and collaboration. Use rubrics for evaluating projects, presentations, and discussions. Encourage reflective journaling after each meeting or activity. Guide students in setting and tracking personal reading or project goals.
Accessibility, Diversity, & Inclusion Offer audio versions or read-aloud sessions for students with different learning needs. Encourage students to bring in cultural perspectives or personal experiences related to the story’s themes. Provide multiple ways to show learning (art, writing, video, oral presentation). Ensure group roles and activities are flexible and accommodate all abilities. Highlight diverse voices and real-world examples in discussions and resources.

Librarian Assignable Tasks: Expanded Guide Breakdown

Introduction: Purpose, Audience & Standards Have students identify the guide’s purpose and discuss who benefits from it (students, teachers, families). Assign a short research task to match book activities to specific curriculum standards (e.g., Common Core ELA). Ask students to write a “Why This Book Matters” statement for display or class discussion.
Thematic Exploration: Themes & Curriculum Links Assign groups to track and present on expanded themes (resilience, leadership, stewardship, empathy, adaptation). Have students connect themes to real-world issues or other literature. Ask students to create guiding questions for each theme and link them to class standards or learning goals.
Discussion Questions: Tiered & Creative Assign students to answer tiered questions (basic, deep, creative, SEL-focused). Have students write their own discussion questions and sample answers for peers. Encourage students to connect questions to their own experiences or other books.
Hands-On Activities: Projects & Rubrics Assign individual or group projects (sensory maps, survival guides, PSA contests). Have students use provided rubrics to self-assess their work. Encourage cross-curricular connections with science, art, and technology.
Beyond the Book: Community & Family Ideas Assign students to interview a community expert or family member about resilience or environmental issues. Lead a nature journaling activity or organize a library display with student work. Encourage students to share book themes or projects with their families.
Book Club Facilitation: Setup & Roles Assign students rotating roles (discussion leader, note-taker, researcher, artist, etc.). Guide students in setting up meeting agendas and pacing guides. Have students troubleshoot group challenges and reflect on group dynamics.
Resources: Worksheets, Templates & Digital Tools Distribute worksheets and templates for each activity or discussion. Assign students to use infographics or digital tools for research and presentations. Encourage use of digital platforms for submitting creative projects.
Assessment & Reflection: Forms & Journals Assign self- and peer-assessment forms after group work or projects. Encourage reflective journaling after each reading or activity session. Provide checklists for students to track their progress and participation.
Diversity & Inclusion: Accessibility & Culture Offer alternative formats (audio, large print, visual supports) for all activities. Encourage students to share cultural perspectives and personal connections to the themes. Adapt group roles and activities to include all learning needs and styles.
Appendix: Glossary, Further Reading, Experts Assign students to create a glossary of new or important terms from the book. Have students recommend or review related books, articles, or media for peers. Invite students to research and share information about local experts or organizations related to the book’s themes.