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Book Talk: The Crossover

In this 4-week online course, we will read and analyze the novel The Crossover (2014) by Kwame Alexander, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements through collaboration and activities. #academic
Anne Q. Campbell
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(176)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
Learners will read about 60 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Pages 1-61 Week 2- Pages 62-121 Week 3- Pages 122-180 Week 4- Pages 181-237

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
In this 4-session class, we will read and analyze The Crossover (2014) by Kwame Alexander. This Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor winning novel written in verse follows 12-year-old basketball stars and twin brothers Josh and Jordan who "learn to deal with problems on and off the court as they navigate homework, first crushes, family and, of course, basketball."

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. 

Learners will read on their own before attending class each week, approximately 60 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. 

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 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
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
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
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 about 60 pages per week, prior to meeting for class:

Week 1- Pages 1-61
Week 2- Pages 62-121
Week 3- Pages 122-180
Week 4- Pages 181-237
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 The Crossover.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
From Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-crossover): "Parents need to know that author and poet Kwame Alexander's ​The Crossover is a poignant novel in verse that mixes basketball, family, and coming-of-age themes and includes serious issues regarding adult health and a parent's life-threatening condition. It won the 2015 Newbery Medal and a Coretta Scott King Book Honor, and may inspire a discussion about healthy lifestyle choices and the impact of those choices on people and their loved ones. There's mild name-calling when characters are in the throes of sports-related trash-talking, and sexual content is limited to middle-school crushes and a kiss. The novel offers a positive example of a loving, intact family with active, involved parents and uses adult characters to provide a guiding influence."
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
176reviews
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 apprach. 

You can find out more about me and my homeschooling experiences at mylearningtable.com. 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.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$56

for 4 classes
1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-6 learners per class

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