10 Weeks of Black Literature-The Healers (Ages 11-16)
In this 10 week Black literature class, students will read Ayi Kwei Armah's novel: The Healers and complete related ELA projects/assignments.
Ms. Sydney
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(44)
What's included
10 live meetings
10 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Homework will vary each week but will always consist of 20-45 pages worth of reading and note taking. Some weeks there will be small additional assignments to accompany the reading. Reading should be done as a family if possible and in short segments to alleviate the workload.Assessment
There will be a final project at the end of the semester to assess reader's understanding.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Hi learners! In this 10 week class, we will dive deep into one of the greatest African authors' works, The Healers by Ayi Kwei Armah. This novel is a great challenge for middle-high schoolers and is a MUST read. Please be advised that there are sensitive topics and themes in this novel-see parental advisory section. Throughout this course, learners will work on improving reading comprehension, critical thinking, analytical skills, and writing skills. Each week learners must read independently and take notes to prepare for class sessions. It is extremely important for students to be caught up on reading and prepared for each class. All English Language Arts activities will be done during class and can be completed independently if not finished during session. Instruction will focus on reading strategies, note taking strategies, discussion, writing prompts, and some creative projects. Students may be shown short clips that expand on that week's reading, or presented with visual aids to further the subject matter. Discussion is key, so learners should be ready to talk and engage with their peers the majority of each session. Discussions will always include topics from the previous week's homework. Parents are encouraged to read this book with your child, as it is integral to the canon of African historical fiction and novels. Each asynchronous reading ranges from about 20-45 pages depending on the section. Please note****learners will begin reading DURING class #1, no need to read prior to entering week 1**** Session breakdown: Week 1: Introduction-Part One In class-subsection 1 reading together; 5 reading strategies HW: finish the rest of Part One ending on pg. 45 Week 2: Measures, Standards of Excellence, and Competition In class-discussion of Part One; mini challenges & discussion of measuring standards & purpose of competition HW: read Part Two ending on pg. 71 Week 3: Funerals in African tradition In class-clip of African funeral traditions-writing prompt & discussion; How to create discussion questions HW: Part Three-1. The Inspirers ending on pg. 101; prepare 3 questions Week 4: Getting all your Selves in order In class-create mini flipbooks looking into African conceptions of self; discussion of multi-cultural descriptions of self HW: Part Three-2. Change ending on pg. 126 Week 5: Maat versus Isfet (Kemetic/Ancient Egyptian concepts of good and evil) In class-venn diagram of Maat & Isfet (need colors and paper); discussion of the role of the healer HW: Part Four -5. The Woman ending on pg. 170 Week 6: Accidents as explained by Eshu, Legba, and Anansi In class-discussion of accidents in African myth; read Part Four 6. The Voyage on the Sacred River aloud HW: Part Five ending on pg. 217 Week 7: Dreams In class-creation of dream journal spreadsheet (how to use google sheets demo) and notes on the spirit in African myth HW: complete the dream journal for each day of the week; Part Six -2. The Kings ending on pg. 248 Week 8: Values In class-discuss final project options; Value assessment writing prompt HW: Part Six 3. Encounter-Part Seven 2. Omens ending on pg. 297 Week 9: Complementary forces In class-video clips on complements, discussion of complementary relationships HW: Part Seven 2. Omens -4. Witch Hunt ending on pg. 336 Week 10: Final Project Presentations In class-read aloud Part Seven 5. Confrontation-end of book; final project presentations
Learning Goals
Students will improve reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, and learn reading and discussion strategies.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The book that we are reading is for mature learners. Topics include death, grief, growing up, depression, intimacy, adolescence and young adulthood, African history and concepts, European history, violence, illness, identity. Discussions of these topics are thoughtful and not overly graphic. This book is good to be read with parents/guardians, as it provides thoughtful conversation and may provide opportunity for parents/guardians to discuss the difficult topics. This book cannot be found on the Common Sense Media rating list, as many African authors get overlooked and/or intentionally left out of literary canon. Instructor will use google slides, google docs, google sheets, and jamboard. Students will be provided with links in order to access on their own. YouTube will be used a few times in order to further discussion and reading topics. Parents will be sent video links in advance upon request.
Supply List
Learner will need the book for the 1st session. Each class will require pencil, paper, and possibly highlighter or color
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
The Healers by Ayi Kwei Armah
Joined September, 2021
5.0
44reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Grand Canyon University
I have taught several African history courses for children between 5-15 years old. I lead several bookclubs for K-5th graders and participate in young adult bookclubs which provides me with the experience needed to move develop children's critical thinking skills while ensuring that they feel safe, comfortable, and understood. I understand that this novel and related concepts may be difficult and require extreme care and discretion. Instructor will be sure to navigate discussions carefully and to provide ample time for students to digest, debrief, and reflect on the material. This book is great for the whole family and the teacher highly recommends parents reading alongside or in advance of their child for deeper interaction with the text.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week, 10 weeks
60 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
3-9 learners per class
