Book Talk: Pictures of Hollis Woods
In this 4-session course, we will read and analyze the Newbery Honor-winning novel Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements. #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 prior to meeting for class: Class 1- Chapters 1-4 Class 2- Chapters 5-9 Class 3- Chapters 10-13 Class 4- Chapters 14-endClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
In this 4-session online course, we will read and analyze the Newbery Honor Award winning novel Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff. This novel follows the adventures of 12-year-old Hollis, who moves from family to family as part of the American foster care system. Hollis has a talent for drawing and is sent to live with the quirky and lovable Josie, an elderly artist who is becoming forgetful. 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 (foster care in the U.S., Henry Hudson), and themes of the book. Learners will read on their own before attending class each week. We will read some excerpts in class together. Through guided discussion, learners will practice comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking skills. We will go beyond basic comprehension questions to dig deeper into the themes and literary elements of the book. Class 1: Background & Historical Connections I will introduce the author and their purpose for writing the book. We will talk about the backdrop for the story and 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. Class 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. Class 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. Class 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. Learners will read prior to meeting for class: Class 1- Chapters 1-4 Class 2- Chapters 5-9 Class 3- Chapters 10-13 Class 4- Chapters 14-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.
Other Details
Supply List
Learners should have a copy of the book.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Encyclopedia Britannica (britannica.com)--Henry Hudson
Child Welfare Information Gateway (childwelfare.gov)--history of foster care in the U. S.
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
$15
weekly or $60 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
1-6 learners per class
