Book Talk: When You Reach Me
In this 4-week online course, students will read and discuss the novel When You Reach Me, 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 40 to 50 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- "Things You Keep in a Box" through "Things You Keep Secret" Week 2- "Things That Smell" through "Things Left Behind" Week 3- "The Third Note" through "Things in an Elevator" Week 4- "Things You Realize" through endClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
In this 4-session class, we will read and discuss the Newbery award-winning novel When You Reach Me. This 2009 novel by Rebecca Stead "takes place in the real world but holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart." 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. Learners will read on their own before attending class each week, approximately 40-50 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. 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 40 to 50 pages per week, prior to meeting for class: Week 1- "Things You Keep in a Box" through "Things You Keep Secret" Week 2- "Things That Smell" through "Things Left Behind" Week 3- "The Third Note" through "Things in an Elevator" Week 4- "Things You Realize" through 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. Our focus will be characters, setting, theme, and plot utilizing the novel When You Reach Me.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
From Common Sense Media:
"Parents need to know this time-traveler novel features the death of a man who is hit by a truck in front of the main character. It also addresses a girl's fear of a homeless man near her New York City apartment and touches on racism. The main character's friend is punched in the stomach by another boy for no apparent reason."
"Miranda and Colin kiss several times. Miranda's single mother has a boyfriend but he does not have a key to their apartment."
Supply List
For this class, learners will need to have the novel, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (2009), in addition to basic writing materials. An optional printable handout will be provided.
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
$60
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
2-6 learners per class
