Black History Book Club (Reading & Writing): Dreams From My Father / Obama
Let's explore modern history by reading Barack Obama's first book together. We'll analyze it, discuss it & write about it. Students will improve nonfiction writing skills by learning & practicing literary techniques.
Teacher MoMo , MFA
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(481)
What's included
4 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Optional: 2.) Two (2) long paragraphs where students use literary techniques studied during our writing workshops. 3.) Reading -- specific chapters for specific weeks 4.) Reading journal to help with literary analysis and comprehensionAssessment
Students' paragraphs will be graded based on teacher's rubric that has been used at international universities.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Former President Barack Obama's first book is a modern day classic of a young person growing up in the USA with the dream of being the change needed in the world. Readers follow President Obama from his high school life in Hawaii to his life as a college student to his days as a community organizer in Chicago. He has truly lived an adventurous life. This autobiography was written after President Obama was elected the first Black president of the Harvard Law Review but way before he had a thought of running to be POTUS. In this four-week class, students will read, analyze and discuss the book as a piece of creative nonfiction. Many American students are learning creative writing; however, they are not bringing their creativity to nonfiction writing. (I am reading a lot of lackluster essays and paragraphs that are in desperate need of stylistic flair.) WEEK 1: Chapters 1-5 (optional reading: introduction and preface) 1) 30-min discussion; 5 min break 2) 20-min Review Game: Bingo; 5 min break 3) 30-min Writing Workshop: Similes & Metaphors HW: Long Paragraph#1 (DRAFT) : Descriptive WEEK 2: Chapter 6-10 1) 30-min discussion; 5 min break 2) 20-min Review Game: TicTacToe; 5 min break 3) 30-min Writing Workshop: Descriptive imagery HW: Long Paragraph#1 (FINAL ) : Descriptive WEEK 3: Chapters 11-15 1) 30-min discussion; 5 min break 2) 20-min Review “I SPY” Game ; 5 min break 3) 30-min Writing Workshop : Idiom & Quotes HW: Long Paragraph#2 (DRAFT) : Narrative WEEK 4: Chapters 16-19 & Epilogue 1) 30-min discussion; 5 min break 2) 20-min Review Game: Roll the Dices; 5 min break 3) 30-min Writing Workshop : Scene Writing (dialogue, setting, point of view) HW: Long Paragraph#1 (FINAL) : Narrative
Learning Goals
Students will enhance their understanding of Barack Obama, former President of the US, as a part of American culture and history. Students will also improve their creative nonfiction writing skills by writing two (2) long paragraphs using literary techniques studied in class. Through discussions, students will gain more confidence in sharing thoughts in public.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
1.) This book discusses issues of race, racism, classism, and politics from the perspective of former President Obama.
2. ) President Obama provides one of many "perspectives of marginalized groups" on America; therefore, so some people may express some disagreement with his perspective; thus, parents should be prepared to discuss conflicting perspectives with their child.
3.)As an experienced educator with more than 15 years of teaching experience in the USA, six foreign countries and online, I will address all questions, comments and concerns of students with honesty and clarity. When applicable, I will use clear references and suggest further reading/research on the topic. Students will always be advised to discuss issues with parents.
4.) All students are expected to be respectful of their classmates and teacher. If students disagree on a certain point, students must remain respectful in the discussion. It is necessary that this class space is welcoming, encouraging and accepting.
5.) President Obama discusses his drug usage in this book.
6.) If you feel your child may have a highly emotional response to this story and social issues like sexism and racism, it is advised that the child not attend the class.
Supply List
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance Paperback (2004) by Barack Obama (Author)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2020
4.9
481reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from USC
Bachelor's Degree from UCLA
I have a BA in Sociology from UCLA in Los Angeles. I also have a Master of Professional Writing (Nonfiction) and a Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies from USC in Los Angeles. For several years, I taught academic writing in English and lead book discussion at universities in Costa Rica, Ecuador and South Korea. I also host a monthly book club for friends and colleagues. With a combination of real life experiences, writing training and cultural studies in college, I am eager to engage young readers in a discussion on Barack Obama and enhance students' writing abilities. Reviews
Live Group Class
$125
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
90 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
4-10 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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