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Reading schedule · Grades 3–6

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood in 5 Weeks: A Reading Schedule

A five-week plan for reading The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle, one section a week. Each week gives the reading, a short summary of what happens, three discussion questions and the escape room that goes with it. For grades 3–6, in class or at home.

Pacing

At the grammar stage (grades 3–6) short, regular readings work better than long ones. Many families read aloud together and ask children to tell back what they heard before talking about the questions. Each week covers one section; if a section feels long, take two weeks over it and keep the escape room for the end.

Each week ends with an escape room on that week's reading: seven self-checking locks that run in any browser, with no logins, and progress is saved, so a room can be finished another day. Every room has free taster locks to try, and members can open them all.

Print this schedule Escape rooms on The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

Week 1: Prologue and Part 1

Read: Prologue and Part 1

Robin becomes an outlaw and gathers a band in Sherwood, fighting Little John on a bridge. He tricks the tinker at the Blue Boar Inn, wins the golden arrow at Nottingham and rescues Will Stutely.

Discussion questions

1. Why does Robin become an outlaw?
2. Why does Robin want Little John in his band after their fight?
3. What does the rescue of Will Stutely show about the band?

Escape room: Outlaw of Sherwood (lockedlessons.com/rooms/robin-hood-prologue-and-part-1/)

Week 2: Parts 2 and 3

Read: Parts 2 and 3

Robin turns butcher and sells the Sheriff some horned beasts, and Little John wins at Nottingham Fair and goes to live at the Sheriff's house. The outlaws meet a tanner, a young man in fine clothes and a miller's son.

Discussion questions

1. How does Robin make a fool of the Sheriff?
2. Why does Robin welcome men who beat him in a fight?
3. What draws people to join Robin in Sherwood?

Escape room: The Sheriff's Silver (lockedlessons.com/rooms/robin-hood-parts-2-and-3/)

Week 3: Parts 4 and 5

Read: Parts 4 and 5

Allan a Dale tells his sad story, and Robin goes in search of the Curtal Friar. Robin turns a wedding upside down, and he meets Sir Richard of the Lea, who owes money to the Priory of Emmet.

Discussion questions

1. Why does Robin help Allan a Dale?
2. What kind of man is the Curtal Friar?
3. Why is Robin willing to help Sir Richard?

Escape room: The Sorrowful Knight (lockedlessons.com/rooms/robin-hood-parts-4-and-5/)

Week 4: Parts 6 and 7

Read: Parts 6 and 7

Little John plays a trick on two greedy friars, and Robin spends a day as a beggar and walks with a corn dealer. The great shooting match in London follows, and the King chases after Robin.

Discussion questions

1. Is it right to take money from the greedy, as the outlaws do?
2. What does Robin's day as a beggar show about him?
3. Why does the King pursue Robin after the match?

Escape room: Beggars and Bowmen (lockedlessons.com/rooms/robin-hood-parts-6-and-7/)

Week 5: Part 8 and Epilogue

Read: Part 8 and Epilogue

Robin fights Guy of Gisbourne, and Little John rescues an old woman's sons. The King visits Sherwood, and the Epilogue tells of Robin's last days.

Discussion questions

1. How does the King's visit change things for the band?
2. Which of Robin's adventures shows him at his best?
3. What do you think of the way Robin's story ends?

Escape room: Farewell to Sherwood (lockedlessons.com/rooms/robin-hood-part-8-and-epilogue/)