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$60

for 4 classes
Class

Book Talk: The Cricket in Times Square

Completed by 16 learners
Ages 7-11
Live Group Class
In this 4-week online course, students will read and discuss the Newbery Honor book, The Cricket in Times Square, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements through collaboration and activities. #academic
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(179 reviews)
Rising Star

Live video meetings
1x per week, 4 weeks
2-6 learners per class
45 min

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
Please read assigned chapters prior to class each week. Week 1: Chapters 1-4 Week 2: Chapters 5-8 Week 3: Chapters 9-12 Week 4: Chapters 13-15

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 5
In this 4-session class, we will read and discuss the Newbery Honor book, The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden (1960). 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. Students may read the book on their own or listen to an audio version (or their grown up reading it aloud--this book is especially nice for family reading, and even younger kids will enjoy listening to it). I will introduce optional enrichment activities that learners can work on in between class meetings if desired.

Learners will read on their own before attending class each week (see 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.

Week 1: Background & Historical Connections, Chapters 1-4
I will introduce the author and their purpose for writing the book. We will talk about the historical 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. 

Week 2: Characters, Setting, & Literary Connections, Chapters 5-8
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. 

Week 3: Language, Genre, & Theme, Chapters 9-12
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. 

Week 4: Elements, Plot, & Connections, Chapters 13-15
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 play a game for review.

Learning Goals

Students will increase their comprehension and critical thinking skills utilizing the book The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden.

Other Details

Supply List
Learners need a copy of the novel to read and bring to class each week: The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden (1960).
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Joined July, 2020
4.9
179reviews
Rising Star
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 approach. 

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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