Book Talk: Walk Two Moons
In this 4-week online course, learners will read and discuss the novel Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, focusing on comprehension, critical thinking, and literary elements through collaboration and activities. #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 about 75 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Chapters 1-13 Week 2- Chapters 14-25 Week 3- Chapters 26-37 Week 4- Chapters 38-44Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
In this 4-session class, we will read and analyze the Newbery award-winning novel Walk Two Moons. This 1994 novel by Sharon Creech is a "heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion." 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. We will cover reading comprehension through our discussions, but our main focus will be on the literary elements of the book. We will dive into the themes and writing techniques the author uses that makes the story "stick with you" long after reading. Our class will require that each learner has a copy of the book. Learners will read on their own before attending class each week, approximately 75 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. This book contains some inaccuracies and stereotypes about Native American culture, which we will address in class. These points will be the focus of our discussion in Week 4, but we will also address issues related to the portrayal of Native Americans as they arise each week. Week 1: Background & Connections I will introduce the author and their purpose for writing the book. We will talk about the historical backdrop for the story. 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. 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 We will discuss the main characters and the elements of setting, and students will begin working on a character description that they can add to as they read. We will collaborate to reveal details about character qualities. 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. I will point out aspects of the author's portrayal of Native American culture. We will read excerpts and discuss why they are problematic. We will analyze the inaccuracies and stereotypes presented in the book. 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 75 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- Chapters 1-13 Week 2- Chapters 14-25 Week 3- Chapters 26-37 Week 4- Chapters 38-44
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 characters, setting, theme, language, and plot utilizing the novel Walk Two Moons.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Violence: A character falls from a tree resulting in a broken leg. A character experiences a miscarriage. A character gets bitten by a snake. Mentions of fatalities from prior driving accidents.
Sex: flirting, kissing
Racism: Issues of Native American identity are covered. This book contains inaccuracies and stereotypes about Native American culture, which we will address in class.
Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: Characters smoke a Native American peace pipe. Mentions of injuries from a prior drunk driving accident.
Supply List
For this class, learners will need to have the novel, Walk Two Moons (1994), in addition to basic writing materials.
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.
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! :)
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*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
$60
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
2-6 learners per class
