Book Builders Family Edition: Boxcar Children

Course Summary

In this hands-on Book Builders class, students will explore The Boxcar Children through discussion and creative building challenges inspired by the story. Each week, students will talk about the characters, key events, and themes while building models such as the Aldens’ boxcar home or forest camp. This class encourages reading comprehension, creativity, and problem-solving in a fun and interactive way.

Course Description

In this interactive Book Builders novel study, students will read and explore the beloved classic The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner while completing hands-on building challenges inspired by the story. The book follows four siblings—Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden—who run away after their parents die because they are afraid of being separated. The children discover an abandoned boxcar in the woods and turn it into a home using creativity, teamwork, and determination. As the story unfolds, the children solve problems together, work hard to care for one another, and eventually discover that their mysterious grandfather may not be what they expected. Each week in class, we will: - Discuss the assigned chapters - Talk about characters, choices, and key events in the story - Complete a Book Builders challenge inspired by the book Students will build things like: - The Aldens’ boxcar home - The forest camp where they live - Tools or inventions that help the children solve problems - Grandfather’s house and the boxcar at the end of the story Students may use building blocks, building bricks, cardboard, craft supplies, or draw their design if they prefer. The goal is to help students engage with the story through creativity and hands-on learning. This class welcomes a range of reading levels. Students may read the book independently, read with a parent, or listen to an audiobook. The class is taught from a Christian worldview, and discussions may include connections to themes such as responsibility, caring for others, perseverance, and gratitude. This class is ideal for students who enjoy reading, building, and discussing stories with other learners.

Content Considerations

The children’s parents have died, which may bring up discussion about loss. The children initially run away because they fear their grandfather. The story includes brief illness (Violet) and mild danger related to living outdoors. Some students may question whether the children’s independence is realistic. These topics will be discussed in an age-appropriate way.

Syllabus

Week 1 – Running Away - In class: Read part of Chapter 1 together and introduce the Alden children. - Homework: Read Chapters 1–3 - Build: The Boxcar Home – Design the boxcar where the children decide to live. Week 2 – Making a Home in the Woods - Discussion: Chapters 1–3 - Homework: Read Chapters 4–6 - Build: Forest Camp – Create the woods around the boxcar including the stream, fire, or cooking area. Week 3 – Hard Work and Challenges - Discussion: Chapters 4–6 - Homework: Read Chapters 7–9 - Build: Problem Solver Build – Design something that helps the children live more easily in the woods. Week 4 – The Mystery of Grandfather - Discussion: Chapters 7–12 - Build: Grandfather’s House & the Boxcar – Build the children’s new home and where the boxcar sits nearby.

Supplies

Students will complete a small building challenge each week inspired by the story. Students may build with whatever materials they have available at home. Suggested materials include: • Building bricks • cardboard or small boxes • craft sticks (popsicle sticks) • paper and markers or crayons • tape or glue • scissors • string or yarn • foil • playdough or clay Students may build their model or draw their design if they prefer. All materials are optional, and students are encouraged to be creative with whatever supplies they have at home.