Book Club - Three Keys by Kelly Yang- Challenges, Determination and Integrity
During this 3- session book club, learners focus on elements of historical realistic fiction as seen through the eyes and experiences of the characters during the time of Proposition 187 in this powerful sequel to The Front Desk. #acaemic
Mike P
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(656)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Prior to class 1, please research Proposition 187 to understand the background and read the Author's notes in the back of the novel to learn Kelly Yang's motivation for writing this sequel. For class one: Please read to end of page 116 For second class: Please read to end of page 231 For third class: Please read to end of book.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Please read The Front Desk ( and hopefully join a class of mine for the discussion) prior to Three Keys. This book lends itself to an outstanding discussion focused class as the learners dig deeply into all elements of the exposition of the novel including thematic discussions, powerfully created characters that come to life for the reader through their actions, decisions, and motives. The characters are placed into a setting of the motel in Anaheim, CA during a difficult time of racism, prejudice and strong emotions as it is set in the midst of the voting of Proposition 187 and elections. The succession of events tied closely to actual events in history lead the learners through a time period of turmoil and strong capacity to show what the characters inner traits really are. The learning and discussions include figurative language, focus on themes and decisions, settings, vocabulary, learning of actual events during the time of the book and the reasons why the author felt compelled to write the novel. Conflicts, climax, resolution will also be vital parts of the class discussions. Kelly Lang has again outdone herself with a novel that gives the opportunities for strong learning during an important time in history. It raises the question regarding if the country has learned and grown rom these times.After reading THe Front Desk, I found it excellent to see how the characters were changing, adapting, and making decisions. **Please read Front Desk first and this book also represents a great opportunity for parents to read and discuss at home. The class will be discussion-based with chapter reading assignments in between classes. Class meetings are held in a discussion format focusing on themes, historical elements, character development and decisions, vocabulary, figurative language, rising action, resolutions, and more in a lively and energetic manner that leads to opportunities to connect ourselves with characters , their background, choices etc and learn / focus on powerful lessons the characters learn and remind the reader. Prior to class 1, please research Proposition 187 to understand the background and read the Author's notes in the back of the novel to learn Kelly Yang's motivation for writing this sequel. For class one: Please read to end of page 116 For second class: Please read to end of page 231 For third class: Please read to end of book.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of themes, figurative language, character quirks, development, descriptions, and motivations which impact not only that specific character but also other characters and the reader. Students will grow through the reading of the book and the discussions regarding the treatment of some immigrants to the United States and what it means to be undocumented. Certainly the power of this book is in the discussions and depth of topic that is presented. You will be rooting for the main characters to come out of difficult situations in a positive manner. Learners will enjoy practicing discussion skills in a safe, environment in which all class members are treated with respect and kindness by all participants.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This paragraph is taken directly from www.commonsensemedia.org which has this novel listed as A+ approval by parents. Here is "What Parents Need to Know"
Parents need to know that Kelly Yang's Three Keys: Front Desk, Book 2 is a powerful and timely sequel that continues to tackle tough, real-world topics including immigration and racism. Kids will learn about California Proposition 187, a 1994 ballot initiative that would ban undocumented immigrants from health care and public education. Some of the racism and discrimination that characters experience in the story include being turned away from banks, finding signs that say "whites only" at the Calivista Motel pool, and graffiti that says "Immigrants go back to your country." A kid's dad is taken into custody by the immigration police and kids are bullied at school. Insults include "illegals" and "Chinese doughboy."
Supply List
Three Keys by Kelly Yang
Language of Instruction
English
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
Including two years proudly teaching on the Outschool format, this is my 36 year of teaching and I am confident that with understanding, sensitivity, empathy, and teaching on this topic as it pertains to many historical situations, I have the training and knowledge to teach this book. I always bring any sensitive information that might come up in class directly to the adult of the learner. Just some of the books that I have recently taught that have parallel themes include Front Desk, Refugee, Prisoner B-3097, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and Nowhere Boy.Reviews
Live Group Class
$66
for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
55 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
2-6 learners per class
