Book Talk: The Twenty-One Balloons
In this 3-week online course, we will read and analyze The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements. #academic
Anne Q. Campbell
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(175)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
Please read prior to attending class each week. Reading Schedule Week 1: Chapters 1-4 Week 2: Chapters 5-7 Week 3: Chapters 8-10Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
In this 3-week online course, we will read and analyze The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois, focusing on comprehension, characters, setting, theme, connections, language, plot, and other literary elements. This Newbery Medal-winning novel is a fantasy adventure story of a professor who attempts to fly across the Pacific Ocean in a hot-air balloon and unexpectantly lands on a small island. 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, literary elements, historical connections, and themes of the book. Through slides, lecture, and questions, I will share background information, the biography of the book’s author, and relevant literary terms. Learners will read on their own before attending class each week. Please see the reading schedule below. In addition to a guided discussion learners will practice literary 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 & 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. 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, and Themes We will discuss the main characters and the elements of settingWe will collaborate to reveal details about character qualities. We will discuss literary techniques and themes. Week 3: Language, Plot & Connections For our final class, we will discuss and plot and complete a narrative arc activity. Students will learn elements of language and how the author’s choices contribute to the overall meaning of the book. We will discuss our final thoughts about the book. Reading Schedule Week 1: Chapters 1-4 Week 2: Chapters 5-7 Week 3: Chapters 8-10
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 The Twenty-One Balloons.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The Twenty-One Balloons contains the word "Negro" on page 178, in reference to a black vaudeville performer.
Using https://aaregistry.org/story/negro-the-word-a-history/ as a reference, the teacher will explain how this word can be problematic.
Supply List
Learners should have a copy of the book.
1 file available upon enrollment
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
$45
for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
1-6 learners per class
