Book Club-Front Desk by Kelly Yang- Incredible Novel, Multiple Awards Winner
In this three-session book club, learners focus on the actions of powerful characters, in this realistic fiction, who persevere with courage, kindness, and determination to make a better future in this multicultural plot. #academic
Mike P
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(661)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursHomework
For the first meeting, please read up to page 100, end of chapter 21. For the second meeting, please read up to page 197, end of chapter 46 For the third meeting, please complete the novelClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
In this spirited discussion-based class, learners will delve into the powerful themes and moving, sensitive, and determined characters and the decisions they make that move the plot to the next level. All of this makes for a must-read novel packed with historical realistic fiction elements and accurate conflicts that make for a novel that is outstanding for our discussions. The use of specific vocabulary and figurative language from an author who lived through much of the plot personally brings forward a level of maturity in the writing allowing for our learners to explore the topics, conflicts, resolutions, character motives, and decisions. Kelly Lang has constructed a novel that presents such a huge learning opportunity. This novel has won multiple awards as both a multi-cultural book and a fiction book including awards from NPR, Washington Post, Kirkus Review School Library Journal, Huffington Post and recognition from numerous other awards. This book presents a great reading opportunity for the learners and also for parents and family members. The class will be discussion-based with chapter reading assigned in between the meetings. Class meetings will focus on themes, character development, character decisions, vocabulary, figurative language, rising action and resolutions and will be lively, energetic and present multiple opportunities to connect aspects of the novel to the learner's lives and the proud lives of people known for making courageous, difficult, and brave decisions in the hopes of leading to a more equal and opportunistic life for all.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of themes, figurative language, vocabulary development, character quirks / descriptions/ motives, and decisions which impact the character and those around him / her. Students will grow in their understanding of lives of immigrants who faced many of the situations that the main characters do, as this book is based on the life of the author. Learners practice discussion skills and will enjoy the lively, encouraging, in-depth class which will also mix in humor and connections learners make to the events in the novel.
Other Details
Supply List
The novel Front Desk by Kelly Yang
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from The College of St. Rose
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Union College
There is nothing more exciting than when you see a student think deeply, question ideas, share a new thought, or explore character’s actions/ decisions or a quote or a purpose the author had when writing a novel and then connect the information to learner’s own story in life. Helping students reach their full potential, and beyond, in a setting that is safe, exciting, creative and funny is what teaching is all about to me. The climate has to be one that is free from bullying, pressure, and negative interactions and, instead, is one that students can’t wait to get to as they know the time in that class will be rewarding, creative, stimulating, and allow them to be who they really are and share what they want to share. There is nothing more exciting, as a teacher, then when that light bulb illuminates and a student feels confident to share and take an idea, quote, author’s purpose or decision from a book and see how it can affect real life or when a learner sees their full potential, in the written word they create.
We can make literature, come alive in a really fun, fast-paced active discussion filled atmosphere.
My background professionally is having taught third grade, fifth grade, and Sixth grade language arts for 33 years with a background in psychology, elementary education, school administration and an extensive background in overnight camping.My favorite teaching topics include writing poetry, creative and nonfiction writing, and reading/sharing outstanding literature with discussions that bring critical thinking skills and life lessons to the students. I am excited to bring this teaching to an environment that is bully free with motivated students in a small group setting.I always look forward to reading my students work as I see such brilliance in people of this age.
I can be found in the upstate NY, most often being out on the lake in my boat from spring to fall (I love being on water!), playing guitar and singing, collecting Pez, reading , cooking and baking, volunteering in the community as often as I can to make things better for others, and spending lots of time with Derby, the wonder dog, my amazingly bright and talented rescue dog who undoubtably will make visits into the virtual classroom. I also enjoy bike riding, yoga, and meditation. Most importantly, I place great emphasis on finding ways, small and big ways, that will allow my students and myself to make our mark in this world and make it a better place for others. The small ways are most often the best ways and I believe students are brilliant people who can absolutely change the world.Reviews
Live Group Class
$66
for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
55 min
Completed by 31 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
2-6 learners per class
