Banned PICTURE Book Study for Teens
In this ongoing course, we will explore the growing number of children's books that are being banned and challenged.
Beth Orsini
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(8)
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. Students will need to obtain and read the books for each class prior to our meeting time. They should be ready to share their thoughts about the book, including specific references to the text.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
One of the fastest growing categories of banned and challenged books are written and illustrated for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Why do you think that is? In this course, we will explore and discuss some of the books for kids that have been challenged historically or are on the current PEN America list of banned books. Students will be asked to look at these books through a critical lens, asking themselves why some people might want to ban them and why some think they're important for kids to read at a young age. Each class will be an open, honest discussion about what is deemed "appropriate" and why. What ideas might be considered "dangerous"? What are YOUR thoughts about this topic or theme? This class will meet once every week, and we will discuss two picture books per class. I will guide learners to explore the author's purpose, illustrations, plot and themes of each book. I will challenge them to think critically, asking questions about the publishing industry, schools, government, and who is challenging these books and why. We will be using the books listed below, and will add to the list as the class is ongoing. Once we cycle through all titles listed, we will start back at the beginning. Week of January 5: Antiracist Baby and And Tango Makes Three Week of January 12: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo and The Family Book Week of January 19: Fry Bread and The Giving Tree Week of January 26: The Lorax and In Our Mother's House Week of February 2: Where the Wild Things Are and The 1619 Project: Born on the Water Week of February 9: The Paper Bag Princess and It Feels Good to Be Yourself I Am Jazz Something Happened in Our Town The Skin You Live In This Day in June Can I Touch Your Hair? The Paper Bag Princess Strega Nona The Sissy Duckling We March It Feels Good to Be Yourself
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This class is centered around book banning, so will include content and discussion of topics such as race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2022
5.0
8reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Hi, I'm Beth! I have been teaching middle school ELA for over 15 years, and am certified for grades 5-12. Reading and writing are two of my greatest passions. I love books so much that I have even opened up my own pop-up bookshop!
My classes are all about supporting and guiding readers-writers-thinkers. We think about writing as a craft. We dig deep into meanings and connection. And, we celebrate good writing--whether our own or a favorite author's. My reading classes are steeped in discussion and help with comprehension, critical thinking, and evidence-based conclusions. Writing classes are interactive, using models and practicing writing and revising.
When I'm not teaching, I am busy hanging with my fam. I have two teenage girls (who keep me on my toes), and two cats whose hobbies are: sleeping in the sun, meowing for food, and chasing each other around the house. I enjoy traveling, hiking, weight-training, reading, and sharing books. One day I hope to write a children's book based on my cats, entitled, "Mr. Plumber and the Worm". Join one of my classes and ask me why!Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
40 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-9 learners per class
