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Gathering Blue: Literature Study

In this 8-week course, learners will read and discuss Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry. This book club is designed to be engaging, educational, and fun, with a mix of discussions, activities, and creative projects.
Wild and Unstructured Learning
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:
(1,029)
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Class

What's included

8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Learners will read 2-3 chapters each week.
Progress Report
included

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Join our engaging 8-week online book club where we delve into the intriguing world of "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry. This interactive literature study is perfect for young readers aged 10-14, encouraging them to explore deep themes, engage in creative activities, and develop a love for reading. Through a blend of discussions, interactive projects, and fun activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the book and its characters.

Journey through Lois Lowry’s captivating world in "Gathering Blue" with us, where each session promises to be engaging, interactive, and fun. Let’s explore, create, and learn together!

Note: Students are expected to read the first two chapters before the first class and will finish the entire book over the course of 8 weeks, reading 2-3 chapters each week.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their reading and comprehension skills.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Kira’s World
 Chapters 1-2: Discussion on the setting and society in "Gathering Blue."
Activity: Create character profiles for Kira and the world she lives in 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Understanding the Society
 Chapters 3-5: Discussion on the societal structure and its rules. Debate on the pros and cons of such a society.
Activity: Create a map of Kira’s village and surrounding areas. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Characters and Their Roles
 Chapters 6-8: Deep dive into character motivations and relationships.
Activity: Create a "Character Web" showing connections and relationships. Create character profiles for Matt and Thomas. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Role of Art and Creativity
 Chapters 9-11: Discuss the significance of Kira’s weaving talent. Discussion on how creativity is valued in different societies.
Activity: Design your own tapestry or piece of art inspired by the book. Interactive game to review the first half of the book. 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Parents should have a clear understanding of this book before signing up. Themes: Dystopian Society: The novel explores a dystopian society with strict rules and harsh living conditions. The themes of survival, control, and the value of art and creativity are central to the story. Courage and Resilience: The protagonist, Kira, demonstrates courage and resilience in the face of adversity, offering positive messages about strength and perseverance. Violence and Disturbing Scenes: Death and Disability: Kira’s mother dies at the beginning of the story, and Kira herself has a disability, which plays a significant role in the plot. The portrayal of death and societal attitudes towards disability may be sensitive topics for some readers. Threats and Danger: Kira faces threats from her community and must navigate a world that often seems hostile. These scenes can be intense but are handled thoughtfully. Emotional Intensity: Loss and Grief: The book addresses themes of loss and grief as Kira copes with the death of her mother and the challenges of her new life. Friendship and Loyalty: The story highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty, with Kira forming bonds with other characters who help her along her journey. Family Dynamics: The depiction of family and community in the novel contrasts sharply with traditional family structures, focusing on survival and the roles individuals play within their society.
Supply List
"Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry Paper Pencil Coloring supplies Embroidery thread (various colors)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2020
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1029reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Iowa Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Jessica Ortiz
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Ambria Parrish
Michigan Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Melaney Kosarek
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Ms. Kristen
Massachusetts Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Ms. Kristen
Kansas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Barbara (Ms Bobbi) Wells
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Barbara (Ms Bobbi) Wells
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Lianne
Virginia Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Molly Thomas
Texas Teaching Certificate in English to Speakers of Other Languages
Patricia Trevino
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Patricia Trevino
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Patricia Trevino
Texas Teaching Certificate
Andrea Snow
Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Andrea Snow
Texas Teaching Certificate
Lara Chomout
Non-US Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Yinghui S McClellan
Master's Degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University
Melaney Kosarek
Master's Degree in Education from University of Houston Clear Lake
Patricia Trevino
Master's Degree in Education from American International College
Ms. Kristen
Master's Degree from Duke University
Ms. Jo Anna
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Houston-Clear Lake
Diane Sullivan
Master's Degree in Education from Lesley University
Andrea Snow
Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Ottawa
Ankur Mishra
Master's Degree in Special Education from Moreland University
Robbie Cox-Chatman
Master's Degree from Oklahoma State University
Carmen Buchanan
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Babcock University
Tinu Adewumi
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Mount Holyoke College
Ms. Kristen
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Asbury College
Barbara (Ms Bobbi) Wells
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Furman University
Ms. Jo Anna
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Longwood University
Molly Thomas
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Diane Sullivan
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Houston Clear Lake
Patricia Trevino
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Whitworth University
Andrea Snow
Bachelor's Degree from Angelo State University
Lara Chomout
Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Angelo State University
Lara Chomout
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Bohai University, China
Yinghui S McClellan
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from University of Missouri
Robbie Cox-Chatman
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Oklahoma State University
Carmen Buchanan
Teachers have at least 5 years experience teaching middle school reading and comprehension.

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Live Group Course
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$160

for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 10-14
2-10 learners per class

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