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Book Talk: A Single Shard

In this 4-week online course, we will read and analyze A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements through collaboration and activities. #academic
Anne Q. Campbell
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(175)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
Please read each week's assignment prior to class. Reading Schedule: Week 1: Ch. 1-3 Week 2: Ch. 4-7 Week 3: Ch. 8-11 Week 4: Ch. 12-13 and Author's Note

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
In this 4-week online course, we will read and analyze A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park focusing on characters, setting, theme, connections, language, plot, and other literary elements.

This Newbery Medal-winning novel set in the 12th century is "alive with fascinating information about life and art in ancient Korea." 

The goal of this class is for learners to be inspired to reflect on what they read and connect the book's elements to their own lives. We will cover reading comprehension through our discussions, and will focus on the literary elements, historical connections, and themes of the book. Through slides, lecture, and questions, I will share historical background information, the biography of the book’s author, and relevant literary terms.

Learners will read on their own before attending class each week. Please see the reading schedule below. Through a slide presentation and guided discussion, learners will practice their comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills. We will go beyond basic comprehension questions to dig deeper into the themes and literary elements of the book. 

Week 1: Background & Connections
I will introduce the author and their purpose for writing the book. We will talk about the historical backdrop for the story. We will discuss how to make connections to the story: text to self, text to text, and text to world. I will facilitate a discussion of the reading. 

Week 2: Characters & Setting
We will discuss the main characters and the elements of setting, and students will begin working on a character description that they can add to as they read. We will collaborate to reveal details about character qualities. 

Week 3: Language, Genre, & Theme
Students will learn elements of language and how the author’s choices contribute to the overall meaning of the book. We will discuss literary elements and themes.
 
Week 4: Plot & Connections
For our final class, we will discuss and plot and complete a narrative arc activity. We will revisit the connections activity and students’ character descriptions and discuss our final thoughts about the book.

Reading Schedule:
Week 1: Ch. 1-3
Week 2: Ch. 4-7
Week 3: Ch. 8-11
Week 4: Ch. 12-13 and Author's Note
Learning Goals
Students will improve their reading comprehension and understanding of literary elements. Our focus will be on character, setting, theme, connections, language, plot, and other literary elements utilizing the novel A Single Shard.
learning goal

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
175reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Bachelor's Degree in English from College of Charleston
Hello! I am a certified English/Language Arts teacher and believe in embracing the “light bulb” moments of discovery that happen both in and out of the classroom. My goal is to make learning relevant to students’ interests by providing unique and fun ways to strengthen reading and writing skills, explore literature, and learn about our world.

Classes I offer on Outschool include creative writing, essay writing, literature studies, phonics, and reading skills. I also offer private tutoring, catered to your learner's needs, for all ages.

My classes are designed around the idea that kids can learn language arts through creative projects and real-world experiences. Literature and writing are more meaningful when students can relate them to their own lives and what is going on in the world around them. 

From the time I was a child, I always wanted to be a teacher. I am a certified English teacher with classroom experience (grades 6-12) in Texas and South Carolina, in addition to substitute teaching for all grade levels (K-12) and special education classes. I have a BA degree in English from College of Charleston and 30+ postgraduate hours. I am TESOL certified and taught ESL classes online to students in China for 4 years. I am also certified in Early Reading Training through the Tennessee Department of Education. I have homeschooled my 3 children for over 20 years, and I teach literature, writing, and public speaking classes to other homeschool students. 

As part of my Bachelor of Arts in English and postgraduate studies, I successfully completed college courses related to adolescent literature and development. I completed coursework in African American literature and African American history as part of my degree program. I received 4 professional development hours for the 2021-2022 Facing History Community Read Workshop, "Teaching Brown Girl Dreaming," through Facing History & Ourselves. I attended a follow-up seminar with author Jacqueline Woodson--"Brown Girl Dreaming: Exploring Identity and Belonging with Jacqueline Woodson."

I have taught many works of literature, including some with 'sensitive' content, to students in a classroom setting. As with almost any work of literature, many themes and plot details can be controversial, and my role as an educator and facilitator in the classroom is to guide students to deal with these topics within the scope of their literary relevance. 

I taught the 'Pace' program for at-risk students for the Southwest Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. I also completed a training program as a high school teacher, becoming certified as a 'Natural Helper' faculty mentor.

In addition to my training and experience, I love children's and young adult literature and enjoy using 'fun' books to teach important language arts skills using a cross-curricular approach. Outside of my classroom, I enjoy Pokémon, watching movies, and backyard chicken farming! 

One of my greatest joys is working with students and motivating them to enjoy learning. As the mom to 3 children, I am very patient and encouraging! My goal as a teacher is to make learning memorable, fun, and rewarding. If you have any thoughts about how I can customize a class for your learner, please send me a message. I’m always looking for ways to accommodate learners. I'm looking forward to meeting you in the classroom! :)

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$60

for 4 classes
1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
1-6 learners per class

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