Book Talk: Brown Girl Dreaming
In this 4-week online course, learners will read and analyze the novel Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (2014), focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements through collaboration and activities. #academic
Anne Q. Campbell
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(175)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
Reading schedule, due prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Part 1 Week 2- Part 2 Week 3- Part 3 Week 4- Parts 4 & 5Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
In this 4-week online course, learners will read and analyze the novel Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (2014), focusing on characters, setting, theme, connections, language, historical events, and other literary elements. This memoir written in verse is the recipient of the Newberry Honor, Coretta Scott King Award, and National Book Award. 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, but our focus will be 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. We will read some excerpts in class together. In addition to a guided discussion, learners will complete activities related to the book, including comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking. We will go beyond basic comprehension questions to dig deeper into the themes and literary elements of the book. Learners are encouraged to participate as much as they feel comfortable. 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, including the Great Migration, the Jim Crow Era, and nonviolent direct action/protests in the South. 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. Learners may begin an optional enrichment activity related to the book that they can continue to work on throughout the session. Week 2: Characters & Setting We will discuss the characters, including points of view, and internal and external conflict. We will also discuss the elements of setting. I currently live in the Greenville, SC area, which is a prominent setting of the book and will share details and photos about the area. I will facilitate a discussion of the reading, and learners may share their progress on the enrichment activity. Week 3: Themes We will discuss literary techniques and themes including identity, home, memory, names, storytelling, friendship, and power & agency, as well as historical connections. I will facilitate a discussion of the reading, and learners may share their progress on the enrichment activity. Week 4: Language & Poetry Connections For our final class, we will discuss the author's use of language and poetry connections, such as Langston Hughes. We will revisit the connections activity from the first class and discuss our final thoughts about the book. I will facilitate a discussion of the reading, and learners may share their progress on the enrichment activity. Reading schedule, due prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Part 1 Week 2- Part 2 Week 3- Part 3 Week 4- Parts 4 & 5
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of literary elements and reflect on what they read to see the relevance of the book to their own lives. Our focus will be on characters, setting, theme, connections, language, historical events, and other literary elements.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will learn historical background on the Great Migration, Jim Crow Era, and Nonviolent Direct Action/Protests in the South.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
I will refer to material from the course I attended through https://www.facinghistory.org/ to provide background information about The Great Migration, the Jim Crow Era, and Nonviolent Direct Action/Protests in the South.
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
I received 4 professional development hours for the 2021-2022 Facing History Community Read Workshop, "Teaching Brown Girl Dreaming," through Facing History & Ourselves https://www.facinghistory.org/ . In addition, I attended a follow-up seminar with author Jacqueline Woodson--"Brown Girl Dreaming: Exploring Identity and Belonging with Jacqueline Woodson."
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.
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 20 years, and I teach literature, writing, and public speaking classes to other homeschool students.
Classes I offer on Outschool include creative writing, literature, essay writing, phonics, and reading skills. I also offer private tutoring, catered to your learner's needs, for all ages.
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, when I'm not writing, I enjoy Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, scrapbooking, 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 a class you wish I would offer or a time you hope I can schedule a session, please send me a message. I’m always looking for teaching ideas! I'm looking forward to meeting you in the classroom! :)
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*As part of my Bachelor of Arts in English and postgraduate studies, I successfully completed college courses related to adolescent literature and development, including Children's Literature, Adolescent Growth & Development, Reading Content Area, English in Secondary Schools, Sexuality & Marriage, Personal & Community Health, Marriage & Family in the Novel, and Literature for Adolescents. In addition, I completed coursework in African American literature and African American history as part of my degree program.
**The Pace language arts program is a partnership grant from Pace Industries that identifies and mentors students at risk for dropping out of school to provide a comprehensive framework of learning that is engaging, flexible, rigorous, supportive, and relevant to college/ career readiness for all students.
***Natural Helper is a nationally recognized program where middle and high school aged students help their friends. Students who become Natural Helpers are recognized amongst their peers as being natural leaders, and people they gravitate to for support. Natural Helpers aren't professional therapists, rather, they are expert listeners and attempt to help their friends figure out their own issues by talking them through. Students naturally talk with their peers before any other adult, on issues relating to academic stress, boyfriend/girlfriend issues, or situations occurring at home. Every Natural Helper participates in a training program to help them recognize when they can help their friends, and when and where to ask for help for issues beyond their comfort level.Reviews
Live Group Class
$60
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
1-6 learners per class
