Book Club: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
In this four-week class, we’ll meet once a week to discuss The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. We’ll focus on expanding vocabulary, exploring similes, and examining the various themes present throughout the book.
Mary Gullett
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(517)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will we asked to read approximately 10 pages a day outside of class and to complete a couple short assignments as they read. Please read Pages 1-70 ("Hello" through "Arrival") before the start of the first class.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Ivan is a silverback gorilla who has spent the last 27 years living alone in a mall, surrounded by other animals but never another gorilla. His companions include an elephant named Stella, a dog named Bob, parrots, and monkeys. While Ivan is content with his quiet life, everything changes when he meets a baby elephant named Ruby. Unbeknownst to Ivan, Ruby will soon become the catalyst that forces him to confront his past and reimagine his future.
In each lesson, we’ll focus on building new vocabulary, exploring similes, analyzing the characters, and discussing the major themes in the story, such as friendship, freedom, and self-discovery. We will also apply different strategies to improve reading comprehension. Students will be asked to read about 10 pages outside of class and will read a few pages together in class. Occasionally, students may be asked to read aloud, but this is optional. By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of the story and its impactful message.
Day/week 1: Pages 1-70 ("Hello" through "Arrival")
Day/week 2: Pages 71-146 ("Stella Helps" through "Nine Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-Six Days")
Day/week 3: Pages 147-225 ("A Visit" through "Phone Call")
Day/week 4: Pages 226-300 ("A Star Again" through "Silverback")
* Please read pages 1-70 ("Hello" through "Arrival") before the start of the first class.
** For this class, students need to be able to read at a third grade reading level or higher.
* Learners will need a copy of the book The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, paper, pencil and drawing utensils to complete some of the homework assignments.Other Details
Parental Guidance
The content in this book may not be suitable for all readers, parental discretion is advised. Content includes but is not limited to animal cruelty, captivity, and death.
Supply List
Students will need a copy of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. They will also need blank paper, lined paper, pencil, and coloring utensils (crayons, markers or colored pencils).
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
517reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I hold a bachelor’s degree in special education, along with additional training in teaching the arts and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). With over 20 years of experience working with children, I’ve been a certified teacher, a homeschool mom, and an educator for diverse age groups and subjects. My teaching background spans from severe-profound special education preschool to honors high school, but my greatest passion lies in the arts and creative education. I specialize in drawing, brick building, elementary literacy, special education, and baking—I even own a small bakery!
Art has always been close to my heart, and I love exploring various mediums, including drawing, paper crafts, oil paints, and acrylics. Art is not just a form of expression but also a way to build creativity and confidence. In my teaching, I focus on developing skills, exploring techniques, and inspiring others to find joy in creating unique works of art.
Reading and writing are equally important to me. I enjoy delving into different genres and using storytelling to spark imagination. Teaching literacy allows me to help students express themselves while building essential skills. My goal is to make reading exciting and writing an empowering form of creativity.
Baking is another passion I’m thrilled to share. Teaching baking classes allows me to bring people together through the joy of creating something delicious. From learning essential techniques to exploring creative recipes, I strive to make every class approachable, fun, and rewarding.
Outside the classroom, my husband and I enjoy adventures with our three children, whether camping, hiking, visiting the park, doing arts and crafts, or playing board games as a family.
I can’t wait to bring creativity and joy to our class—see you soon!Reviews
Live Group Class
$13
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
2-8 learners per class
