Book Talk: Al Capone Does My Shirts
In this 4-week online course, learners will read and analyze the novel Al Capone Does My Shirts (2004) by Gennifer Choldenko, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements. #academic
Anne Q. Campbell
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(175)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
Learners will read prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Chapters 1-8 Week 2- Chapters 9-16 Week 3- Chapters 17-27 Week 4- Chapters 28-end (including Author's Note)Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
In this 4-session class, we will read and analyze the Newbery Honor award-winning novel Al Capone Does My Shirts. This 2004 novel by Gennifer Choldenko takes place at Alcatraz Island in the 1930s when it was an operating prison. 12-year-old Moose's father works at the prison, and the novel focuses on his experiences growing up with a sister with autism. The author herself grew up with a sister with severe autism and includes information for readers in the Author's Note section of the book. (I also have personal experience with a close family member and will teach this book with sensitivity.) My goal is to inspire learners to reflect on what they read and see the relevance of 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. We will dive into the themes and writing techniques the author uses that makes the story 'stick with you' long after reading. 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. Learners will read prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Chapters 1-8 Week 2- Chapters 9-16 Week 3- Chapters 17-27 Week 4- Chapters 28-end (including 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 elementsutilizing the novel Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please see Common Sense Media's review here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/al-capone-does-my-shirts-a-tale-from-alcatraz-book-1
"There are references to imagined violence, but the bad guys are mostly part of the dramatic backdrop. The story contains some sexual overtones: There are rules on the island designed to protect women living there from the convicts."
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
175reviews
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
$60
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
2-6 learners per class
