What's included
9 live meetings
4 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This 3-week long unit consists of students choosing and reading a contemporary piece of literature from a pre-determined and expansive list. Three comprehension checks would be given throughout the unit in the form of either a project or writing prompt. By the end of this unit students will be able to recognize the importance of reading modern literature and have strengthened their reading comprehension skills. My goal in creating this unit is for students to enjoy reading and find entertainment and knowledge in connecting with modern literature. Week Breakdown: Week 1 - Students will select a novel after I present a brief overview of each book in our first class. Students will then begin reading their novels and focus on how the author sets up the storyline, setting, and any background information crucial to understanding the plot. Week 2 - We will discuss character development in each of the novels students are reading and how similarities can be seen across genres. Students will develop character plot lines to show how a character, either the protagonist or antagonist, progresses over the plot of the story. Week 3 - Students will finish reading their selected novels and create plot diagrams showcasing the storyline along with essential quotes from each aspect. We will discuss how contemporary novels can teach us life lesson as well. What students should take away: • Reading can be enjoyable while also being informative. • Important literature consists of contemporary writings as well as classics. • Contemporary fictional literature can inform readers about their modern lives. • Contemporary literature is applicable to the lives of teenagers. Nearpod will be used during classes as a way to ensure students have a way of participating without speaking, if they do not wish to do so. My Nearpod activities include: matching pairs, short answer questions, fill in the blank, and jam board type scenarios. Nearpod does not require a subscription. Students will be given a code to enter into Nearpod's website or app (for other devices) which will enter them into my presentation for the day where they will be able to view my slides and participate in the activities.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to participate in collaborative conversations while building on their peers’ ideas and expressing their own ideas about genre with supporting evidence.
Students will be able to identify protagonists and antagonists in young adult contemporary novels and provide characteristics of each.
Students will be able to create a concept map for their novel using main ideas about theme and characters and create a concept map with their peers for the genre of their novel.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some of the books in the approved list for this course may contain mature content, such as violence or gory details. Please use your discretion when helping your student pick a book for this course.
The Hate U Give includes themes of death, gun violence, and police brutality. If students choose to read this book we will hold discussions on how these themes are seen in many cities and how we as citizens of the world have a role in accepting all people in order to create a harmonious world for all.
The Giver includes themes of death, violence, and a controlling government. If students choose to read this book we will hold discussions on how the idea of free thought is important to us as a group of people.
Divergent and The Hunger Games includes themes of violence, child death, and a controlling government. If students choose to read this book we will hold discussions on how there is no way to put a value on a human's life.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $60 for 9 classes3x per week, 3 weeks
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-16
2-6 learners per class