Books for Adventurous Readers: Blue Willow
Adventure in the Dust Bowl era? You bet! Join us for a book club that explores life in a California farming community & meet the girl who conquers her fear. #academic
Kendra Fletcher
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(536)
Star Educator
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. The only required homework is to read the chapters assigned each week. We will do creative projects to share with each other in our "bring and brag" portion of each class. I will also provide optional activities to download and enjoy.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Come tour the world through great books! Join me and other classmates from all over the planet as we read exciting stories about great adventures and the people who experienced them. In this series, we’ll read one book together over the course of 3 weeks, giving you time to read and dive into the story. Included in our book club will be: -Weekly live book discussion -An engaging presentation all about the author -Intriguing background information highlighting locations, characters, and historical context -Appropriate video tie-ins -Vocabulary review -Weekly creative projects such as a Dorothea Lange-style photo shoot, a settings "field trip", and your very own blue willow plate painting -Optional hands-on activities and resources to help you follow the rabbit trails that interest your learner the most To Janey Larkin, the blue willow plate was the most beautiful thing in her life, a symbol of the home she could only dimly remember. Now that her father was an itinerant worker, Janey didn't have a home she could call her own or any real friends, as her family had to keep moving, following the crops from farm to farm. Someday, Janey's family would once again be able to set down roots in a community. 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸, written by Doris Gates, is an important fictional account of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, and has been called The Grapes of Wrath for children. It won a 1941 Newbery Honor and many other awards. You can choose to read or listen to an audio version of the book. We’ll split each book into sections and read one section per week. Love reading? Intrigued by history? Enjoy talking about your favorite books with other kids who do, too? Join us!
Learning Goals
Literature analysis, vocabulary reinforcement, study skills, keeping to an assigned reading schedule, and social skills.
Syllabus
3 Lessons
over 3 WeeksLesson 1:
First Day Adventure in Learning and Class Discussion
During the first live meeting, I will be introducing you to the author and the book, focusing on culture, history, and the geography covered in the story. You don't need to have any of 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 read yet, but feel free to start it if you like. 45 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Discussing Chapters 1-5
During the live meeting, we will discuss Chapters 1-5 using conversational Socratic method. We will also discuss the week’s exciting photography project! 45 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Discussing Chapters 6-10
During the live meeting, we will discuss Chapters 6-10 using conversational Socratic method. We will also discuss the week’s project and assignments. We're making our own blue willow plates! 45 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Other Details
Supply List
Each learner will need a copy of Blue Willow. Audio versions are a great option for reluctant or struggling readers. Beg, borrow, or buy! For our projects, each learner will need: -1 sturdy white paper plate -blue markers in a variety of shades (but if you only have one, that's okay) -a camera (smart phone or tablet cameras are great for our project!)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2019
5.0
536reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of the Pacific
Book lover, home educator (8 students over 25 years!), author, and story-hungry Outschool teacher. One of my greatest joys is seeing your learners spark an interest in great literature through our discussions together! I grew up in Fresno County, where 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 is set, and still live in a nearby California farming community.Reviews
Live Group Course
$59
for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
45 min
Completed by 18 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
1-8 learners per class
