ELA Book Study: The Call of the Wild
In our book study, students will delve into Jack London's "The Call of the Wild," exploring themes of survival, transformation, and the natural world, while enhancing their literary analysis and discussion skills.
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be provided an interactive Google notebook to keep track of their own notes, annotations, thoughts, in order to prepare for the class discussions during our meetings. Homework is not mandatory, but rather encouraged to prepare for the group class time.Grading
I can provide feedback on literary analysis of prompts, and an end-of-session grade for the class, based on ELA standards mastery for the students' grade level. For example, if a child is in 5th grade, I will use the 5th grade literary analysis standards to evaluate student mastery of the standards at the completion of this class.Class Experience
Are you ready for an adventure that will take you deep into the heart of the Klondike? Welcome to our "Call of the Wild" Book Study, a captivating and educational journey designed for students who love reading, exploring, and discussing classic literature. Meeting once a week for eight weeks, we will explore the remarkable journey of Buck, a domestic dog who transforms into a wild creature, uncovering themes of survival, transformation, and the natural world. Through interactive discussions, creative activities, and literary analysis, students will enhance their critical thinking and comprehension skills. This book club offers an immersive experience as we delve into Jack London’s timeless novel, "The Call of the Wild," a story of survival, transformation, and the untamed spirit of the wild. What to Expect: Interactive Discussions: Each week, we'll dive into specific themes or sections of the book, discussing key events, character developments, and major themes. Students will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with their peers. Creative Activities: Our study includes a variety of activities such as creative writing exercises, art projects, and even role-playing to help students connect with the story on a deeper level. Historical Context: Learn about the Klondike Gold Rush and its significance through interactive web resources and historical explorations, including a dedicated WebQuest and resources from the National Park Service. Literary Analysis: Students will enhance their analytical skills by exploring literary elements such as symbolism, motifs, and London’s writing style, fostering a greater appreciation for classic literature. Why Join? Enhance Reading and Analytical Skills: Improve comprehension and critical thinking through in-depth discussions and literary analysis. Engage with History: Gain a better understanding of the historical events that shaped the story. Creative Expression: Participate in creative activities that bring the story to life. Community and Collaboration: Join a community of fellow book lovers and enjoy collaborative learning experiences. This book study is perfect for students who are eager to explore classic literature in a fun, engaging, and interactive environment. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to Jack London's works, "The Call of the Wild" Book Study will offer a memorable journey into one of the greatest adventure stories ever told. Join us and let the adventure begin!
Learning Goals
Students will be able to compare and contrast the literary elements of the book, and use this knowledge to create analysis writing pieces to given prompts that evaluate and investigate the main literary elements and themes of the novel.
Syllabus
8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
"The Call of the Wild" Introduction and Background
Getting to know the author (Jack London), setting, historical context of the Klondike Gold Rush, and a discussion of the genre of adventure-fiction. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Beginning
Exploring the exposition of the story and the beginning of Buck's journey and his introduction to the wild. Characterization, character change, plot, and point of view will be discussed in this session. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Buck's Transformation
Analysis of Buck's transformation and survival instincts during the rising action of the story. Character change and literary craft will be discussed during this session. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Buck's Transformation (2)
A continuation of discussions of the rising action, character analysis and change, and literary craft through the changes that Buck experiences in the novel. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This course provides differentiated instruction, including visual aids, interactive activities, and scaffolded assignments to meet diverse learning styles, as well as flexible assessment options, accommodations or modifications as needed.
Parental Guidance
Parents should be aware of the following sensitive content in "The Call of the Wild" by Jack London:
Violence: The novel contains scenes of animal violence and brutality, including dog fights and harsh treatment of dogs by humans. Buck, the protagonist, experiences and witnesses considerable physical hardship and conflict.
Death: There are several instances where animals die or suffer due to harsh conditions, mistreatment, or natural predation, which can be distressing to sensitive readers.
Survival: The book vividly describes the struggle for survival in the wild, which includes depictions of hunger, cold, and the brutal realities of life in the Klondike during the Gold Rush.
Treatment of Animals: Characters in the book often treat animals cruelly, which reflects the historical context but may be upsetting for young readers or those sensitive to animal welfare issues.
Nature: The novel portrays nature as indifferent and often harsh, which can be a stark contrast to more idealized representations of nature.
Discussing these elements with your children before they read the book can help prepare them and provide a framework for understanding the historical context and themes of survival and transformation before they attend class.
Supply List
"The Call of the Wild" by Jack London. An audiobook is also acceptable for use in this class, although I encourage a physical book along with the audiobook, if possible.
Joined May, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Arizona Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
With over ten years of experience teaching middle school math, language arts, and social studies, I excel in creating engaging and interactive lessons for all students. My dedication to fostering a love for learning and creativity consistently results in positive outcomes and enthusiastic student participation.Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $160 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
4-8 learners per class
