Book Club: Freak the Mighty (and Knights in Shining Armor?!)
In this 6 week course, students will read and discuss the novel, Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick.
Diane SULLIVAN
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(170)
What's included
6 live meetings
5 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be asked to read the assigned chapters before each meeting, look at and think about the discussion questions they will be sent, and look up some vocabulary words.Assessment
Informal evaluation based on vocabulary work and discussion skills.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Freak the Mighty is a novel by Rodman Philbrick about Kevin and Max, childhood friends who bond over their disabilities and help each other navigate life. In this six week course, students will read and discuss the novel, do vocabulary work, make predictions, study characters, fill out a plot diagram, look for and support major themes ( theme topics to include: perseverance, loyalty, acceptance, friendship, celebrating differences, strength). For each set of chapters,students will be sent suggested questions to think about before our discussion. During each class, we will go over some vocabulary and I will lead a mini lessons: craft, style, character, plot, theme. I will guide a discussion as needed, but most of the time will be spent with students sharing their own thoughts and ideas with each other. In addition to the above, we will focus on the following for each set of chapters: Week One: Chapters 1-4-- Allusions to King Arthur, stereotypes Week Two: Chapters 5-8--bullying Week Three: Chapters 9-12-- celebrating differences, working together Week Four: Chapters 13-16-- the educational system, Week Five: Chapters 17-20-- depending on one another's strengths Week Six: Chapters 21-25-- the lasting impact of friendship
Learning Goals
Students will improve their reading comprehension and group communication skills. They will learn how to find themes and support their opinions about the theme with evidence from the text.
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need to purchase a copy of the book, Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. OPTIONAL EXTRA RESOURCES: They will be able to hear it read aloud on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=freak+the+mighty+ There is also a movie version to watch.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
5.0
170reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Wisconsin Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Clear Lake- Houston
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
Words, words, words. Where would we be without them? They can make us laugh,cry, feel, think, reflect and push us to change the world. I have 40 years of experience teaching English Language Arts to adolescents-- and I am still smiling! What can I teach? If it deals with language, I can do it: grammar, literature, essay writing, creative writing, poetry,and word study to name a few. I have also directed plays for over 35 years for kids ranging from 3 to 18, and for adults in community theatre, so I can teach all aspects of Theater Arts. Because I am also an actress, I am energetic, enthusiastic and animated.
I believe, like Nelson Mandela has said, " Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." That is what teaching should be. AND, it should be fun!!
I have a BA in English and a MA in Humanities/Theater Arts, and a lifetime teaching certificate.
I am now retired. BUT, I am not tired of teaching-- it's who I am and what I do. I have 40 years worth of ideas to share with eager learners of all ages. Come learn and play with me.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$13
weekly or $75 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
55 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-8 learners per class
