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Book Talk: Chasing Vermeer

In this 4-week online course, learners will read and analyze the novel Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements through collaboration and activities. #academic
Anne Q. Campbell
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(176)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
Learners will read about 60 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Chapters 1-6 Week 2- Chapters 7-12 Week 3- Chapters 13-18 Week 4- Chapters 19-24

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
In this 4-session class, we will read and analyze Chasing Vermeer. This 2004 novel by Blue Balliett is “a puzzle, wrapped in a mystery, disguised as an adventure, and delivered as a work of art." My goal is to inspire learners 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 of the book. We will dive into the themes and writing techniques the author uses that makes the story "stick with you" long after reading.

Each learner will need a copy of the book. Learners will read on their own before attending class each week, approximately 60 pages per week. 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. Students 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 also talk about the illustrator and the significance of the pictures in the book. We will talk about the relevance of pentominoes to the story, and learners may make their own set to use as they read (printable handout will be provided). 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, & Art
We will discuss the main characters of the book, and students will begin working on a character sketch (description). We will collaborate to reveal details about character qualities. Student will be adding more details to their character sketches each week. We will also learn about the artist Johannes Vermeer. I will facilitate a discussion of the reading.

Week 3: Language, Genre, & Theme
Students will learn elements of the mystery genre and how the language techniques the author uses contribute to the overall meaning of the book. We will discuss literary techniques like symbols and allusions. We will analyze themes and make connections to our own lives and experiences. I will ask questions about this week's reading and encourage learners to share their ideas.

Week 4: Setting & Plot
For our final class, we will discuss the elements of setting and plot and complete a narrative arc activity. We will learn about maps and trace the places mentioned in the story. We will wrap up our discussion of the readings. 

Learners will read about 60 pages per week, prior to meeting for class:

Week 1- Chapters 1-6
Week 2- Chapters 7-12
Week 3- Chapters 13-18
Week 4- Chapters 19-24
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of literary analysis and reflect on what they read to see the relevance of the book's elements to their own lives. Our focus will be on character, setting, theme, connections, language, plot, and other literary elements utilizing the novel Chasing Vermeer.
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
For this class, learners will need to have the novel, Chasing Vermeer (2004), in addition to basic writing materials. If learners wish to make their own pentominoes, they may bring scissors and the provided printable handout to the first class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
176reviews
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.

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 apprach. 

You can find out more about me and my homeschooling experiences at mylearningtable.com. 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! :) 
_____________________________________________________________
*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.

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."

**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.

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Live Group Class
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$60

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

Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
2-6 learners per class

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