Book Club: Read Bruiser and Build Vocabulary
Kathy Pudil
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(37)
In this 7-week course, students will build a higher level vocabulary while reading an interesting, captivating paranormal novel by one of my favorite authors, Neal Shusterman.
Class experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Bruiser is a story about a high school boy who seems to be an outcast, but actually, he has a very special gift--he can take away the pain of people whom he cares about. He navigates themes of loneliness, vulnerability, disappointment, and stoicism as each chapter reveals a new vocabulary word. We will read aloud together 25-35 pages per class, or around 3-7 chapters in each class. We will discuss vocabulary words, meanings, and learn to use these in our own sentences. We will practice using...
Students will improve their vocabulary with higher level words, as well as identify and discuss literary elements such as point of view, theme, voice, and characterization. As we study the vocabulary, we will also learn and identify synonyms, antonyms, parts of speech, like noun, verb, adjective, adverb, and we will examine a few word roots.
I have previously taught this text to 12-14 year olds as a middle-school reading class read aloud at least three different school years. I am familiar with the content and the sensitive topics that arise in the novel. We address the topics such as divorce, child abuse, and bullying with an empathetic and solution-oriented perspective.
Homework Offered
Individual work with vocabulary in context and building meaningful sentences may be intermittently assigned. Questions to provoke thought and reflection may also be part of the assignments. These will all be discussed and reviewed at the beginning of the next class.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Students will be assessed informally through discussion of the text as we read, and intermittently with vocabulary context and meaning assignments. At the end of the course, a comprehensive review will be given, and student will be given a letter grade: A (90-100%) excellent comprehension, participation, and preparedness for class, vocabulary, and concepts studied. B (80-89%) Very good comprehension, participation, and preparedness for class, vocabulary, and concepts studied. C (70-79%) Adequate comprehension, participation, and preparedness for class, vocabulary, and concepts studied. D (69 and below) Insufficient comprehension, participation and preparedness. (May recommend additional practice or review.)Grades Offered
A copy (new or used) of book: BRUISER by Neal Shusterman Notebook paper and a pen or pencil Dictionary (may introduce online resource: m-w.com merriam-webster online dictionary and thesaurus)
Bruiser is considered "YA Paranormal" which means that targeted audience is 12-18 years. Some subjects addressed in the book may be advanced for 12-13 year olds, and discretion is left to parents. Content such as divorce, child abuse, bullying are present in this text. We will address them with empathy and a solution-oriented perspective.
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(37)
Hello! My name is Teacher Kathy, and I look forward to seeing you in my classroom! I teach students of all ages to become better readers and writers through integrated, interactive, and hands-on learning. I enjoy incorporating art and music into...
Group Class
$36
weekly or $250 for 14 classes2x per week, 7 weeks
50 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
1-4 learners per class
