- Thumbnail
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- Course name
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Mr. Popper's Penguins: A Waddling Adventure in Faith and Fun!
- Category
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Literature
- Grade
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Grade School
- Semester
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Spring 2027
- Starts
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Jan 15, 2027
- Days
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Fri
- Summary
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This course combines laughter, literature, and faith in a short, family-friendly format—perfect for growing closer to God while celebrating His delightfully waddly creatures!
Course Description: Slide into a delightful literary adventure with Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater! In this joyful 8-week course, students will follow the unforgettable story of Mr. Popper, a dream-filled house painter whose quiet life turns upside down when penguins waddle into his home—and his heart.
Through lively read-aloud moments, guided discussion, creative activities, and gentle faith connections, students will explore themes of family, responsibility, joy, and caring for God’s creation. Catholic elements are woven naturally throughout the course, drawing connections to Scripture, stewardship, and saints such as St. Francis of Assisi, while keeping the tone light, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Classes meet once a week for short, energetic 30-minute live Zoom sessions, making this an ideal fit for busy homeschool families and younger learners. Outside work is intentionally manageable, focusing primarily on reading, simple writing, and fun creative projects.
This course is perfect for students who enjoy humor, imagination, and stories that celebrate both faith and fun. Expect plenty of laughter, thoughtful moments, and a warm introduction to literary discussion—all wrapped up in a penguin-packed adventure your child will remember long after the last honk.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Read and comprehend Mr. Popper’s Penguins through guided discussion, read-alouds, and independent reading.
Identify key story elements including characters, setting, plot, and problem/solution in a literary work.
Express ideas creatively through simple writing, drawing, and hands-on projects connected to the text.
Participate in respectful discussion, sharing thoughts and listening to others during live class sessions.
Make faith connections by relating story themes to Catholic teachings, Scripture, and saints, especially stewardship of God’s creation and joy in family life.
Recognize moral lessons such as responsibility, generosity, teamwork, and trust in God’s providence.
Develop confidence and enthusiasm for literature through a fun, low-pressure learning environment.
Instructor: Jennifer Mullen
Check out this Blog: https://homeschoolconnections.com/catholic-homeschool-storytelling/
The book (borrow, buy, or beg from a library penguin), paper, crayons/markers, and your imagination. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater; ISBN: 0-440-21370-3 or any copy will do. Optional: A stuffed penguin for dramatic readings!
- Course name
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Mr. Popper's Penguins: A Waddling Adventure in Faith and Fun!
- Instructor
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Jennifer Mullen
- Semester
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Spring 2027
- Meeting days
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Friday
- Category
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Literature
- Grade levels
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Grade School
- Start time
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January 15th, 2027 at 11:30 AM ET
- Course type
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Live
- Price
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$127
- Seats available
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25 seats available
- Seats remaining
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24 seats remaining
- 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
Parental assistance may be helpful for younger students with reading, cutting, or simple craft activities.
Note to Parents: Due to the young ages of grade school students, we expect that you will accompany your child at all times while he or she is online, which includes attending live classes alongside your student. This will also help you assist your student with homework, where necessary, or help your student contact the teacher with questions. If you miss a live class, make sure to watch the recording with your student as well. Thank you for your support!
Total classes
Class dates
Starting time
Duration
Prerequisites
None
Suggested grade level
Suggested credit
Outline
Course Outline:
Class 1: Popper's Penguin Dream (Intro & Ch. 1–4)
Penguin pose-off, read-aloud, dreams & God’s plans (Jer 29:11), St. Francis trivia
Class 2: Captain Cook Arrives! (Ch. 5–7)
Rapid recap, role-play arrival, stewardship of creation (Gen 1)
Class 3: Penguin Family Frenzy (Ch. 8–10)
Sound-effect story, family blessings (Abraham), finger puppet demo
Class 4: Icebox & Showbiz Shenanigans (Ch. 11–13)
Penguin pun quiz, parable of the talents, “What if?” sharing
Class 5: Tour Troubles Begin (Ch. 14–16)
Story relay, Holy Family’s journey, penguin charades
Class 6: More Tours & Twists (Ch. 17–18)
Ending teaser read-aloud, real vs. book penguins, quick talent share
Class 7: Arctic Dreams Come True (Ch. 19–20 & Wrap-Up Prep)
Finale feelings, God’s providence, virtual penguin parade
Class 8: Waddle On: Grand Celebration!
Story timeline, faith reflection & prayer, virtual awards, goodbye games
Materials
Homework
This 8-week literature course for 3rd–6th graders combines 1–2 hours of weekly reading, reflection, and hands-on activities. Families are encouraged to read aloud, discuss themes like stewardship and joy, and complete playful projects—like drawing penguin scenes or creating a “Waddle of Faith” poster—while sharing and celebrating learning together. Assignments are simple to submit, graded on participation, reflections, creativity, and a final project, keeping the focus on fun, family bonding, and a love of stories.
Fees
Fee: For all 8 classes: $107 if you register on or before November 15; $127 if you register after Nov. 15. (Registration closes one week before the first day of class. After that date, registrations are not guaranteed. There is a $25 surcharge for late enrollments after the course is closed.)
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.
© 2027 Homeschool Connections; Jennifer Mullen. All Rights Reserved.
Violation of the above copyright policies may result in expulsion without any refund and/or legal action.