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Books for All Kids: The Last Kids on Earth Book Club

In this high interest, low reading level humorous novel study, students follow a group of friends as they navigate the zombie apocalypse. Students gain reading and writing fluency through class discussion. They will respond to what they read using graphic organizers and other strategies to support writing and recording ideas. The book club is designed to be accessible to students with ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning differences.
Bridget Smith M.Ed.
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:
(896)
Rising Star
Class
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What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be responsible for reading five short chapters in between class sessions and filling out a reading response sheet before every session.
Assessment
Narrative Evaluation is available upon request. Students taking the course for homeschool credit can submit a portfolio of class work for evaluation and feedback.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
This class is for all kids including those with learning differences who need low reading level high interest books to develop reading fluency and comprehension.  In "The Last Kids on Earth" by Max Brallier students will follow the adventures of Jack Sullivan when he finds his already chaotic world overturned by zombies and monsters. Students will read five short chapters of this accessible chapter book in between sessions.  Students will respond to what they read using graphic organizers and class discussion to support writing development and comprehension.  Throughout the class, students will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own lives, challenges, and successes.

Day 1:  What is Normal?

Opening: Introductions

The teacher will develop student engagement by reading the first three chapters out loud to the students and consider the concept of "normal"

Focus for Discussion:

Students will discuss whether Jack's life before the zombie monster invasion could be considered normal.  We will consider what normal means in our own lives.  We will consider whether "normal" is better, and what can be learned from abnormal situations.

Activity: Students complete the reading reflection sheet for Chapters 1-3.

Homework: Read Ch 4-8. Do Reflection Sheet.

Day 2:  Friends and Allies

Opening:  Share homework reflections.

Focus for Discussion: Students will examine the relationship between Jack and his friend Quint.  How would you describe each character?  How would you describe their friendship?  What does each person contribute both to  the friendship and to their survival?  Take a look at the examples of the graphic character profiles of Jack and Quint.

Activity: Students graphic character profiles of themselves and a friend like the ones from the book.  Students can choose to do a Venn Diagram if they prefer.  What do each of you contribute to your friendship?

Homework: Read Ch 9-13

Day 3: Stereotypes and First Impressions

Opening:  Share homework reflections.

Focus for Discussion: Jack has several first impressions with characters in this book such as Rover, Dirk, and June that later prove to be very incorrect.  What are some of those first impressions and what do Jack and Quint learn as they get to know these characters better?

Activity:  T-Chart of Perception vs Reality for each character in the book.  Give evidence with page and or chapter reference.

Homework: Read Ch 14-18

Day 4: Creative Solutions

Opening:  Share homework reflections.

Focus for Discussion:  What are some creative ways that Jack, June, Dirk, and Quint defend themselves against Blarg?  How do they work together as a team to accomplish their goal?

Activity:  Jack has created a series of badges to set goals and work towards Apocalyptic success.  Make your own "badges" you can earn as you achieve your goals in the coming weeks.

Learning Goals

Students will gain fluency and comprehension by reading and discussing the novel.  Students will practice organizing and communicating their ideas using graphic organizers, creative writing, and other strategies.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This book deals with zombies, monsters, and a fictional apocalypse in a light hearted manner. The main character sometimes tends to stereotype which will be addressed in the book. You can read here to evaluate whether this book would be a good fit for your child: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/the-last-kids-on-earth-series
Supply List
"The Last Kids On Earth" by Max Brallier is required for this class.  Students may use e-books, hardcopy and paperbacks, or audiobooks to read and comprehend the text.

Handouts will be uploaded in into the Outschool classroom before many sessions.

Paper, markers or colored pencils, and pens or pencils are great to have on hand for class activities.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Students will need their own copy of "The Last Kids On Earth" by Max Brallier. Students are welcome to read the book in hard copy or on e-book or audio book. Text to Speech accompanied by reading can be a good strategy for dyslexic learners as enlarging the print in e-book format.
Joined June, 2020
4.7
896reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from University of California, Santa Cruz
Bridget Smith is a teacher and parent with ADHD.  Her focus on Outschool is supporting students with ADHD, other neurodiverse learners, and  students with learning differences.  She has taught over 1000 learners, including  neurodiverse teens, with ADHD and other learning differences here on Outschool.  She is a credentialed teacher who has taught preschoolers through adult learners.  Bridget is credentialed by the State of California to teach K-12 Students.

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Live Group Class
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$60

for 4 classes
2x per week, 2 weeks
45 min

Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
3-12 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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