Book Talk: Front Desk
In this 4-session online course, students will read and analyze the novel Front Desk by Kelly Yang, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements through collaboration and activities. #academic
Anne Q. Campbell
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(177)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
Reading Schedule: Week 1 Ch. 1-15 Week 2 Ch. 16-32 Week 3 Ch. 33-50 Week 4 Ch. 51-endClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
In this 4-session class, we will read and analyze the award-winning novel Front Desk by Kelly Yang. This winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature, among other awards, is "an honest account of the ups and downs of immigrant life in America in the early 1990s, here told from a child's perspective. Basing the story on her own childhood experiences, Yang writes Mia's dreams into reality without sacrificing or minimizing the heartbreaking realities of many immigrants' hardships. Resilient Mia stumbles over and over again, but she satisfyingly picks herself right back up, often with the help of her parents, Calivista family, and friends." 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, but our main focus will be on the elements that make this book a good work of literature. 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. 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. Reading Schedule: Week 1 Ch. 1-15 Week 2 Ch. 16-32 Week 3 Ch. 33-50 Week 4 Ch. 51-end
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 characters, setting, theme, and plot utilizing the novel Front Desk.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 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. Learners may begin an optional enrichment activity related to the book that they can continue to work on throughout the session. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 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. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 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 techniques like symbols, tone, and figurative language. Learners will also take a look at the book's themes, along with historical and geographical connections. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Elements, Plot, & Connections
For our final class, we will discuss and plot and complete a narrative arc activity. We will wrap up our discussion of the readings and do a short creative writing exercise to reflect on the book as a whole. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
For this class, learners will need to have the novel, Front Desk by Kelly Yang, in addition to basic writing materials.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
177reviews
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
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
2-6 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Tutoring
More to Explore
Fortnite FunVet Science 3Dungeons & Dragons Strixhaven Curriculum Of Chaos CampaignSingapore 5bAtoms To MoleculesBritish HistoryLets Prepare Interview Practice For Primarysecondary SchoolsSongwriterPiano LPhone AddictionGrammar 2Amazing People From HistoryNothing To TwinklesOrchard AcademyDragons 104