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- Course name
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Where the Red Fern Grows: A Journey of Perseverance and Friendship with Jennifer Mullen
- Category
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Literature ➤ American Literature
- Grade
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Middle School
- Semester
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Recorded
- Summary
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Instructor Access (optional grading support) for Unlimited Access families is available for this course for $15!
Join us for a week of literature study of Where the Red Fern Grows, where we’ll explore perseverance, friendship, and adventure through engaging discussions and creative activities. Students will dive into literary analysis, character development, and personal reflection, all while strengthening their reading and critical thinking skills. Each class begins and ends with prayer, connecting the novel’s timeless lessons to our own lives.
Course Description: Students will explore Catholic values such as perseverance, faith, sacrifice, and family through the reading of Where the Red Fern Grows. They will engage in recorded lessons, self-paced reading, reflection, and activities that tie the themes of the book to Catholic teachings and virtues.
Instructor: Jennifer Mullen
Setting, Character Introduction, and Dreams
Training the Dogs & Perseverance
Challenges, Friendship & Sacrifice
Loss, Faith & the Meaning of the Red Fern
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls ISBN: 978-0-440-41267-0
- Course name
-
Where the Red Fern Grows: A Journey of Perseverance and Friendship with Jennifer Mullen
- Instructor
-
Jennifer Mullen
- Semester
-
Recorded
- Category
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Literature ➤ American Literature
- Grade levels
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Middle School
- Start time
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August 5th, 2025 at 7:30 AM ET
- Course type
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Recorded, free with subscription
- Relative due dates
- Enhanced quiz security
- Enhanced assignment security
- This material is only to be used for its intended purpose by active subscribers of Homeschool Connections or purchasers of the course. Any other use without explicit permission is in violation of the seventh commandment, and in violation of US and International copyright laws.
- You may print or download to your own storage extracts for your personal homeschool and non-commercial use only. Use for homeschool co-ops is permitted after contacting customer support and receiving written permission from Homeschool Connections.
- Upon completion of the course, you must delete all copies of course materials from any storage on which you saved permissible extracts.
Special notes
Parent Notes: Where the Red Fern Grows is a powerful and deeply moving story that explores themes of perseverance, faith, sacrifice, and family. However, it also contains emotionally intense moments, including scenes of loss and hardship, that may be difficult for sensitive readers. Parents and students should be aware that the book portrays the realities of life and death in a way that encourages reflection on faith, the value of hard work, and the strength found in love and devotion. While these themes are approached with care and meaning, readers should be prepared for the serious nature of the story.
Total classes
Duration
Prerequisites
None
Suggested grade level
Suggested credit
Outline
Class 1: Introduction & Chapters 1-5
Class 2: Chapters 6-10
Class 3: Chapters 11-15
Class 4: Chapters 16-20 & Final Reflection
Materials
Homework
Students will be required to complete the daily reading assignments in preparation for each class meeting discussion. In addition to the required reading assignments, there will be optional assignments such as quizzes, tests, projects, and essays. Students can expect to spend ample time reading each week.
Jennifer Mullen
jmullen@homeschoolconnections.com
Catholic Architect of Curiosity & Learning Adventures! For over 14 years, Jennifer has been igniting young minds with a passion for discovery. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, she transforms learning into an adventure, crafting immersive programs that turn ordinary moments into sparks of curiosity and exploration. Jennifer inspires students to excel in reading, speaking, and listening, giving them the confidence to express themselves and connect with the world. Beyond academics, she ignites curiosity through vibrant extracurricular programs, including a summer Lego programming club for kids aged 7 and up—proving that learning is a lifelong adventure. Guided by her Catholic faith, she fosters a love of knowledge, integrity, and compassion in her students.
When she’s not crafting lesson plans or dreaming up the next big student initiative, Jennifer loves spending time with her husband, five kids, and daughter-in-law. She enjoys camping, traveling, and seeking out new hands-on educational adventures—always embracing the joy of learning, both in and outside the classroom.
© 2025 Homeschool Connections; Jennifer Mullen. All Rights Reserved.
Violation of the above copyright policies may result in expulsion without any refund and/or legal action.