Book Club: Do You Have "Chocolate Fever"?
In this four-day class, students will discuss the book "Chocolate Fever" by Robert Kimmel Smith using multiple literary lenses appropriate to the age and level of the class.
Ursula H.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(58)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursClass Experience
For each of the four classes, we will focus on three of the twelve total chapters of "Chocolate Fever" by Robert Kimmel Smith. The class will be lively, and all students will be asked to participate multiple times in each class. We will start each class by co-writing a short paragraph based on a picture of an absurdly decadent chocolate treat. The teacher will act as the scribe. On Day One, we will co-write a process (or, “How To”) paragraph about the making of the treat. On Day Two, we will co-write a descriptive paragraph using sensory language. On Day Three we will co-write a comparison paragraph considering two treats, and on Day Four we will co-write a persuasive paragraph touting the benefits of eating chocolate (in moderation!). Then, we will move on to our literature discussion. In our first class, we'll discuss chapters 1-3. We will focus on identifying the character traits of Henry Green as well as the way dialogue is punctuated in text. In our second class, we'll discuss chapters 4-6. We will focus on defining and identifying figurative language like similes, metaphors, hyperbole, and personification. In our third class, we'll discuss chapters 7-9. We will focus on acts of cruelty and kindness in the book. In our fourth and final class, we'll discuss chapters 10-12. We will create a plot map (Freytag's pyramid/“story mountain”) for the book, using examples from the text to flesh out the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Each class, students will identify any new characters or settings introduced in the chapters. The teacher will quiz comprehension and vocabulary in a fun, low-pressure game format. All students will have a chance to read a short passage aloud at least once during the week.
Learning Goals
Students will learn and reinforce vocabulary related to the study of literature, such as character, setting, plot, dialogue, simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Students will be introduced to four types of paragraphs via a fun, chocolate-themed ice breaker each day.
Students will practice looking back at the text to find textual examples.
Students will practice turn-taking and respectful listening.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The book is a simple and entertaining book, appropriate for elementary and younger middle school students. It does include a tame hijacking scene with two bumbling and comical criminals who have guns. There is a touching scene where a wise black truck driver named Mac expresses empathy for and understanding toward Henry, who is unsure of himself in his new-found, chocolate-spotted skin. Mac reminds him that difference is "unique" and "beautiful." Mac later heroically neutralizes the threat of the two criminals and gets Henry safely back home.
Supply List
Parents should purchase or borrow the book "Chocolate Fever" by Robert Kimmel Smith. Students should have the book available for every class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am an experienced journalist, writing teacher, and tutor for students of all abilities. I care deeply about helping students communicate ideas, information, and emotions clearly and succinctly.
Many of our interactions today, for better or for worse, are via email, social media, and text. I believe that using simple and correct -- yet still artful and personal! -- language is a gift to those we communicate with. For this reason, I take grammar and proofreading very seriously, and I hope to instill a love of these language elements in all my learners!
I taught writing, language arts, reading, math, and history for grades 4-8 in New York City private schools for 8 years before taking time off to raise my five children. I still privately tutor many of my former classroom students.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College, and I completed half of a Master’s in elementary education from Bank Street College of Education. I took a leave after the birth of my third child.
In my 20s I worked as a sportswriter covering New York-area professional teams for the Associated Press and the New York Post. I wrote countless articles on deadline about the Yankees, Knicks, Mets, Giants, Jets, and Rangers over a five-year span. I also covered the U.S. Open, the New York City Marathon, and the 1999 Women's World Cup. I have a passion for sports, yes, but also for teaching clear, precise, and tight writing.
After 9/11, I left sports journalism and began a career as an elementary and middle school teacher and tutor. I spent most of that time teaching 4th grade at a private boys' school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. More recently, I transitioned to tutoring so I could spend more time raising and homeschooling my children. Now, I primarily teach writing and reading to small groups and individuals in the New York metropolitan area.Reviews
Live Group Class
$40
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
45 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
3-6 learners per class
