My First Book Club: Magic Tree House – Dinosaurs Before Dark

Course Summary

Step into a magical adventure! In this My First Book Club class, students will explore Dinosaurs Before Dark, the first book in the beloved Magic Tree House series. Together we will read part of the story, discuss the characters and exciting dinosaur discoveries, and complete a fun hands-on build inspired by the book. This class encourages imagination, comprehension, and creativity as students share ideas and bring the story to life.

Course Description

In this fun and engaging My First Book Club, young readers will explore Dinosaurs Before Dark, the exciting first book in the popular Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. Students will follow Jack and Annie as they discover a mysterious treehouse filled with books that can magically transport them through time. Their first adventure takes them to the world of dinosaurs, where they encounter enormous prehistoric creatures and must work together to safely find their way home. Each class includes reading, discussion, and a hands-on creative activity inspired by the story. Students will listen to part of the book together in class and talk about important moments in the story, including the characters, the setting, and the exciting discoveries Jack and Annie make during their adventure. This class is designed to help young readers strengthen comprehension, listening skills, and confidence in sharing ideas while enjoying a beloved chapter book with other students. The hands-on build or drawing activity encourages creativity and helps bring the story to life in a fun and memorable way. Students are welcome to read independently or follow along with a parent or audiobook. The focus of this class is enjoying the story, discussing ideas together, and using imagination to connect with the adventure.

Content Considerations

Dinosaurs Before Dark is an exciting adventure story, but a few moments in the book may feel tense for some younger readers. Students may encounter: • Large dinosaurs and chase scenes, including a moment when Jack and Annie encounter a Tyrannosaurus rex, which may feel suspenseful. • Moments of danger or urgency as the characters try to escape from dinosaurs and find their way back home. • References to dinosaurs living millions of years ago or evolving, which we will briefly address from a Christian perspective. •The children hide their adventures from their parents. We will discuss the importance of honesty and truth. These moments are typical adventure elements in children’s literature and are generally presented in a light, exciting, and age-appropriate way.

Syllabus

Week 1 – Discovering the Treehouse In-Class Reading: Chapters 1–2 Students will meet Jack and Annie as they explore the woods near their home and discover a mysterious treehouse filled with books. Together we will read the opening chapters and begin discussing the exciting clues that something magical is about to happen. Discussion Topics: • Who are Jack and Annie? • What makes the treehouse mysterious? • What would you do if you found a treehouse full of books? Build or Draw Activity: 🌳 Build the Magic Treehouse Students build or draw the treehouse Jack and Annie discover in the woods. Homework Reading: Chapters 3-4 Week 2 – A World of Dinosaurs In-Class Reading: Chapters 5–6 Jack and Annie arrive in the land of dinosaurs. We will read together as they begin exploring this incredible prehistoric world and encounter their first dinosaurs. Discussion Topics: • What dinosaurs do Jack and Annie see? • How do Jack and Annie react differently to the adventure? • What would it feel like to see a real dinosaur? Build or Draw Activity: 🦕 Build a Dinosaur Scene Students create a dinosaur habitat inspired by the story. Homework Reading: Chapters 7–8 Week 3 – The Great Escape In-Class Reading: Chapters 9–10 Jack and Annie face their most dangerous moment when they encounter a Tyrannosaurus rex. We will read the exciting conclusion together and discover how they finally return home. Discussion Topics: • What makes the T-Rex scene so exciting? • How does Jack use what he learned from books to help them? • What did Jack and Annie learn from their adventure? Build or Draw Activity: 🦖 Catch or Trick the T-Rex Students build or draw a way to escape from the T-Rex!

Supplies

Students will need simple supplies for the weekly hands-on activity. Builders may use LEGO or other building blocks, but drawing is always an option for students who prefer to create on paper. Suggested supplies: • building bricks, building blocks, or other small construction toys • Paper • Crayons, colored pencils, or markers • Pencil • Optional: small toy dinosaurs for building scenes All activities are designed to use simple household materials, and students are always welcome to draw their creation instead of building if they prefer.