Book Talk: Lalani of the Distant Sea
In this 4-week course, learners will read and analyze the novel Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly, 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
Learners will read about 90 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- pages 1-91 Week 2- pages 92-178 Week 3- pages 179-257 Week 4- pages 258-384Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
In this 4-week online course, learners will read and analyze the novel Lalani of the Distant Sea (2019) by Erin Entrada Kelly, focusing on characters, setting, theme, connections, language, plot, and other literary elements. This fantasy novel based on Filipino folklore by Erin Entrada Kelly is the story of twelve-year-old Lalani, who must leave her home and survive a quest. 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, approximately 90 pages per 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. 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 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 techniques and themes including friendship, courage, perseverance, self-worth, and gender roles. 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 from the first class and students’ character descriptions and discuss our final thoughts about the book. Learners will read about 90 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- pages 1-91 Week 2- pages 92-178 Week 3- pages 179-257 Week 4- pages 258-384
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 character, setting, theme, connections, language, plot, and other literary elements utilizing the novel Lalani of the Distant Sea.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
From Common Sense Media:
"Parents need to know that Lalani of the Distant Sea, by Newbery-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly (Hello, Universe), is inspired by Filipino folklore. It tells the story of 12-year-old Lalani Sarita, who sails away from her home island, Sanlagita, to the northern island Isa in search of a way to save her friends and family. Although courage, compassion, and perseverance are important themes, sensitive readers might be frightened by some of the fantastical yet dangerous creatures that Lalani encounters on her epic quest. Characters tell stories of Mount Kahna's wrath and the evil mountain beast on Sanlagita. Characters die during an earthquake, sailing across the Veiled Sea, or fighting a mythical creature. Lalani’s mom ends up with 'mender's disease,' which many of the women on the island have died from. Characters talk about their crushes and kissing."
Throughout our class discussions, I will provide backround information on folktales. We will discuss elements of mythology and fantasy literature.
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: 9-12
2-6 learners per class
