FLEX Novel Study: Kwame Alexander's "The Door of No Return"
In this 8 week FLEX class, students will conduct a novel study of Kwame Alexander's newest book "The Door of No Return." We will focus on vocabulary, reading comprehension, figurative language, and writing.
Ms. Shannon Johnsen
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What's included
0 pre-recorded lessons
8 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
2-4 hours per week. Students will complete and submit worksheets with reading questions and vocabulary tasks. Students can use the vocabulary games I post to study. I will not require (but strongly suggest) students post to the weekly discussion board. I know some students take FLEX classes because they aren't comfortable with a lot of peer interaction. Students will also have a test at the end of every week to check their understanding of what they read and their knowledge of the vocabulary words.Assessment
My tests are self-grading. Students will know instantly how they did on their tests. I will provide written feedback for submitted assignments.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 9
When I saw that Kwame Alexander was releasing a new novel, I pre-ordered it. I don't do that often. This fantastic young adult author has taken the world by storm in recent years with his novels-in-verse. You may have heard of his novels "Booked" or "The Crossover." Those two exceptionally popular books are about sports. "The Door of No Return" is about a young man growing up in Africa. Kofi is a regular kid. He has a crush on a girl named Ama, his grandfather tells him rambling stories, and he has a rivalry with his bully of a cousin. But one night, Kofi's life changes forever. (Please see parental guidance) During this course, students will read one chapter of "The Door of No Return" per week. This novel consists of 7 chapters, so they are each fairly long. However, this is a novel in verse, so each pages goes by quickly. During the first 7 weeks, students will learn new vocabulary words from the book, answer comprehension and analysis questions about what they read, and discuss the plot with their classmates. In the final week of this course, students will conduct a research project. They have creative freedom regarding the format of their project (essay, video, etc.) however, the topic will be the same. Students will delve into the real Door of No Return. On Monday by 12 pm CST, I will post the reading questions, vocabulary words, discussion question, and video for the week. On Wednesday by 12 pm CST, I will post a vocabulary game. On Friday by 12 pm, I will post a reading and vocabulary quiz. I expect that students submit their work by Sunday evening of each week. I will also host "office hours" in the form of an ongoing class that I will link in the first post for the class. Students are welcome to join the ongoing class whenever they'd like to ask questions or discuss in person. This is not a requirement of this FLEX class. Week 1: Chapter 1- reading, vocabulary, comprehension and analysis questions. Week 2: Chapter 2- reading, vocabulary, comprehension and analysis questions. Week 3: Chapter 3- reading, vocabulary, comprehension and analysis questions. Week 4: Chapter 4- reading, vocabulary, comprehension and analysis questions. Week 5: Chapter 5- reading, vocabulary, comprehension and analysis questions. Week 6: Chapter 6- reading, vocabulary, comprehension and analysis questions. Week 7: Chapter 7- reading, vocabulary, comprehension and analysis questions. Week 8: Research Project
Learning Goals
Students will acquire new vocabulary words, explore the unique form of a novel-in-verse, increase their reading comprehension, and analyze the author's choices and the meaning they add to the text. This book also provides a look at slavery from Africa, not America. I think this is a perspective that isn't as often seen in classroom literature.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please look into this book before signing your child up. It truly is a fantastic work of literature, but it is sad. The story involves murder, slavery, suicide, and hints at rape. When you search the age level for this book, you will see ages 10-13. The age limit of my course is 12. If your child is younger than 12 and would like to join, please reach out to me and think through the decision carefully. You can read the following article for a little more information.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/22/books/review/kwame-alexander-the-door-of-no-return.html
I will use Kahoot and Blooket for vocabulary games. These are not required for students to complete. I will post links and game codes, so students should not need to make an account.
Supply List
Students will need to purchase a copy of Kwame Alexander's book The Door of No Return ($14.39 on Amazon). I will supply all worksheets, tests, and games.
Sources
You will need to purchase a copy of The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander.
Joined August, 2022
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100reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Minnesota Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in Education from University of Missouri
I am a licensed English teacher for students in grades 5-12. I spent 4 years teaching in a public school classroom.Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$9
weekly1 pre-recorded lesson
8 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 2 learners
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Ages: 12-15
