A Joyful Conclusion

Watching the movie Because of Winn-Dixie with your daughters, after we have read and discussed the novel, is one of our third grade traditions. While Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Hanley, and I enjoy this well-executed film version of the book every year, we loved your daughters' response to the film. They were excited to see each character make his or her appearance in the film, they were quick to take note of the differences between the book and the movie, and they were so caught up by the happy ending that they sang and clapped right along with the characters as the movie drew to a close. Their delight in the film revealed how much this poignant story by Kate DiCamillo has come to mean to them this fall. Reading in class and independently, the third graders are demonstrating through their class discussions and their well-prepared book reports how they are practicing the art of reading thoughtfully.

In the last scene (below) from the movie Because of Winn-Dixie, the characters gather to celebrate their newfound friendships.