Book Talk: Okay for Now
In this 4-week online course, learners will read and analyze the novel Okay for Now (2011) by Gary D. Schmidt, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements through collaboration and activities. #academic
Anne Q. Campbell
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(179)
Rising Star
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- Chapters 1-3 Week 2- Chapters 4-5 Week 3- Chapters 6-8 Week 4- Chapters 9-10Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
In this 4-session class, we will read and analyze Okay for Now. This National Book Award Finalist by Gary D. Schmidt “expertly blends comedy and tragedy in the story of Doug Swieteck, an unhappy ‘teenage thug’ first introduced in The Wednesday Wars, who finds consolation and a sense of possibility in friendship and 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, historical connections, and themes of the book. Each learner will need a copy of the book. Learners will read on their own before attending class each week, approximately 70 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. Okay for Now is a companion to the book The Wednesday Wars, but each is a stand-alone book. If learners wish to read both, I suggest reading The Wednesday Wars first. I also offer a Book Talk class on The Wednesday Wars here: https://outschool.com/classes/book-talk-the-wednesday-wars-HaXKR0rT?usid=yTnEktM1&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link Week 1: Background & Historical Connections I will introduce the author and their purpose for writing the book. We will talk about the historical backdrop for the story, including topics like the Apollo 11 space mission, the Vietnam War, and anti-war movements. 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. Students may begin an optional enrichment activity related to the book that they can continue to work on throughout the session. Week 2: Characters, Setting, & Literary Connections We will discuss the main characters of the book and will collaborate to reveal details about character qualities. We will also talk about the elements of setting and how it is developed through the story. We will also learn about John James Audubon and discuss how the main character of the novel is affected by them. Learners may begin an optional art activity related to Audubon’s birds. 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 coming of age, stereotypes, bullying, family relationships, perseverance, and historical connections. 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 revisit the connections activity from the first class and discuss our final thoughts about the book. Learners will read about 90 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Chapters 1-3 Week 2- Chapters 4-5 Week 3- Chapters 6-8 Week 4- Chapters 9-10
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 Okay for Now.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
From Common Sense Media: This book "deals with parental alcoholism, domestic violence, bullying, disrespecting teachers, petty crimes, and poverty."
The main character demonstrates "great strength of character" as he overcomes his reading disability and shows how perserverence helps him rise above his circumstances.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will refer to John James Audubon's Birds of America.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
179reviews
Rising Star
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 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-6 learners per class
