Callie’s Contest of Courage Lit Bundle

by The New Millennium Girlshttps://www.newmillenniumgirlbooks.com/

ElaGrades 3–6

Callie's Contest of Courage Lit Bundle: Christian Unit Study Around Single Novel

This ELA curriculum is a Christian-themed unit study built around Jan May's novel about an 11-year-old girl whose father deploys overseas with the Marine Corps. The bundle includes the complete novel, a 100-page activity guide with discussion questions and worksheets, and an optional 18-page lapbook with science extensions.

Best for

Christian homeschooling families seeking a faith-based unit study around a single novel for grades 3-6, particularly those interested in military themes and flexible pacing

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 4 concerns · 4 neutral

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsStrength

The curriculum centers on reading one complete novel rather than excerpts or passages.

The bundle is built around Jan May's full novel 'Callie's Contest of Courage' with students reading the entire story

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal teacher support beyond the activity guide and discussion questions.

The bundle includes a 100-page guide with activities and questions but lacks teacher training materials or professional development resources

Direct InstructionConcern

Limited direct instruction, relies heavily on discussion questions and independent activities.

The guide provides discussion questions, worksheets, and activities but lacks teacher modeling or explicit instruction components

Retrieval PracticeConcern

Minimal evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review.

Includes crossword puzzles and word-search activities but no clear structure for spaced review or systematic retrieval practice

Writing InstructionConcern

Minimal structured writing instruction, mainly response questions with writing lines provided.

Most activities are discussion questions with 'lines beneath all questions' for written responses, but lacks explicit writing instruction or systematic writing skill development

Knowledge RichNeutral

Limited domain knowledge building, primarily focused on military themes and some science topics.

Includes activities on bears, squirrels, butterfly metamorphosis, George Washington historical content, and military support themes, but lacks systematic knowledge building across domains

Text ComplexityNeutral

Uses one grade-appropriate novel suitable for the target age range.

The novel about an 11-year-old protagonist is recommended for 'children in grades one through six' for read-aloud and 'grades three through six' for independent work

Systematic PhonicsNeutral

No evidence of systematic phonics instruction for early readers.

The curriculum is designed for grades 3-6 and focuses on comprehension activities, vocabulary, and discussion questions rather than phonics instruction

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

Includes some vocabulary activities but appears limited in scope and systematic approach.

The 100-page guide includes 'worksheets with vocabulary activities' and word-search puzzles, but no details on systematic vocabulary instruction methods

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 3–6
SubjectEla
PedagogyUnit Study
Faith-BasedChristian

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy